Summer can show a home at its best, but it can also make small problems easier to spot. Bright daylight highlights dusty windows, untidy corners and tired paintwork. Warmer weather can also make rooms feel stuffy if they are not well aired. The good news is that getting ready for summer viewings does not have to mean spending a lot of money. A few simple changes can help your property feel clean, bright and easy to imagine living in.
Related: When is the best time to sell a house?
Start with what buyers see first
A viewing begins before someone walks through the front door. Buyers will notice the outside of your property as they arrive, so take a few minutes to look at it from their point of view. Cutting the grass, removing weeds and sweeping paths can quickly make the entrance look cared for. If you have pots or hanging baskets, healthy plants can add colour without making the space feel busy.
It is also worth cleaning the front door and checking that bins, tools and other outdoor items are stored neatly. You do not need a perfect garden. You simply want buyers to feel that the property has been looked after.
Let the summer light in
Natural light can make rooms feel bigger and more inviting. Before a viewing, open curtains and blinds fully and clean the windows inside and out where possible. Think about anything that may be blocking the light. Large objects on windowsills, heavy curtains or furniture placed close to a window can make a room feel darker than it really is. Mirrors can also help reflect daylight around smaller spaces. You do not need to redesign the room. The aim is simply to make the most of the light you already have.
Keep rooms clear, not empty
Too many belongings can make it harder for buyers to see the size and shape of a room. Clear away items you do not use every day and keep surfaces reasonably tidy. Pay particular attention to places where clutter tends to build up, such as kitchen worktops, hallways and spare rooms. Buyers should be able to understand what each space could be used for. You do not need to remove everything personal. A home should still feel lived in. The goal is to give each room enough space to breathe.
Make sure your home feels fresh
A warm day can quickly make a closed property feel uncomfortable. If it is safe to do so, open windows before a viewing to let fresh air move through the rooms. Look out for smells from cooking, pets, bins or damp areas. Rather than covering them with a strong air freshener, deal with the cause where possible. A clean, fresh home usually creates a better impression than one filled with artificial scents. On very hot days, closing blinds in rooms that receive strong direct sunlight can also help keep the temperature comfortable.
Related: Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your House
Take care of the small jobs
A loose handle or dripping tap might seem minor when you live with it every day. To a buyer, several small problems can create the impression that more work may be waiting for them. You do not have to make your property look brand new. Taking care of obvious maintenance simply helps buyers focus on the home rather than the jobs. Walk through your property and make a note of simple jobs you have been putting off. These might include:
- Replacing dead light bulbs
- Tightening loose handles
- Touching up marked paint
- Fixing dripping taps
- Cleaning marks from walls
- Repairing small areas of damaged sealant
Do not forget the garden
During summer, outdoor space can become an important part of a viewing. Buyers may picture themselves eating outside, relaxing after work or giving children somewhere to play. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown plants and remove anything broken or unused. If you have a patio or seating area, keeping it clean and clear can help buyers understand how the space could work for them. Even a small balcony or courtyard deserves attention. A tidy chair, healthy plant or clean floor can show how a compact outdoor area could be enjoyed.
Related: The price reality check: Why getting your home’s value right matters more now
Prepare for photographs as well as viewings
Many buyers will see your property online before deciding whether to visit it. That means your summer preparation should begin before the photographer arrives. Rooms that are clean, bright and uncluttered are easier to photograph clearly. Gardens should also be prepared in advance so buyers see the property at its best from their first look online. Good presentation cannot change the size or location of a home, but it can help buyers notice its strongest features.
Get your property ready to sell
Preparing for summer viewings is less about making your home perfect and more about removing distractions. Clean windows, brighter rooms, tidy outdoor spaces and a few completed repairs can all help buyers concentrate on what matters: whether they can picture themselves living there.
If you are thinking about selling, your local Martin & Co team can help you understand your property’s value and how best to present it for the market. Book a valuation with Martin & Co to start preparing your home for its next move.
