Getting your home ready for a summer listing takes smart summer preparation. As Susie Skog, your Lake Norman expert, I’ll guide you with easy and useful steps. So, let’s dive in.
Clean and Declutter Inside and Out
First, give your home a thorough deep clean, from top to bottom. Next, focus on decluttering one room at a time. Put away personal photos, remove extra books, and clear off messy counters. This helps buyers imagine their own life in the space. According to experts, a clutter-free home feels more spacious and inviting. After that, turn your attention to the yard. Trim overgrown hedges, clear any fallen branches, and refresh the mulch. Altogether, these early steps create a clean, welcoming foundation that draws buyers in.
Enhance Curb Appeal with Summer Touches
Once your home is clean and tidy, it’s time to add some color and warmth. Start by planting fresh summer flowers for a cheerful pop of curb appeal. If your front door looks faded, give it a fresh coat of paint and lay down a clean, welcoming doormat. Then, highlight outdoor spaces like patios, decks, or docks. Bright pillows, string lights, and a small bistro set can make these areas feel inviting and ready for summer fun. These simple touches go a long way in helping buyers picture themselves living the good life.
Stage for Summer Vibes
After sprucing up your exterior, turn your focus indoors and stage your home to feel fresh and bright. Swap out heavy drapes for sheer curtains, and open the blinds to let in natural light. Next, add breezy linens, fresh flowers, and a pitcher of lemonade or cold water to create a relaxed, inviting vibe. Even simple staging like this helps buyers feel comfortable, cool, and right at home during showings.
Keep It Cool and Comfortable
During hot Lake Norman summers, keeping things cool and comfortable is key. Set the thermostat between 68–72°F, and close the blinds when the sun is strong. Make sure ceiling fans are clean and running to provide a gentle breeze. It also helps to offer guests cold drinks. Something simple like water or lemonade, to help them relax and feel at home. These small touches can make a big difference in keeping buyers comfortable, focused, and emotionally connected to the space.
Make Needed Repairs Now
It’s important to stay ahead by starting repairs as soon as possible. Begin with easy fixes such as leaky faucets or patching up drywall. After that, check your HVAC system to ensure it’s working properly, and carefully inspect docks or outdoor structures for any signs of damage. Buyers often notice small details, including rotted wood around doors or loose steps. By addressing these issues early, you not only protect your home’s value but also build buyer confidence and show that the property has been well cared for.
Pick a Good Listing Time
Summer shines for lake homes. Early summer draws interest from vacation buyers. Also, listings in mid-April have shown best returns nationally. A summer listing maximizes daylight, and staging for summer feels in sync with buyers’ moods.
Work with Your Agent on Marketing
Finally, plan marketing for warm months. Use seasonal photos, drone shots of your dock, and video tours. Share listings on social media during peak summer scrolling times. Your agent’s network and marketing reach help cut days on market.
With strong summer preparation, your Lake Norman home can shine this season. Start now with cleaning, staging, repairs, and marketing planning. These steps give your listing momentum and warm appeal from day one.
Need help getting ready? I’m Susie Skog and I love helping local sellers prep their homes. Ready when you are.
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If you are looking to buy and sell real estate in the Lake Norman area, give Susie Skog a call or text at (704) 770-7506 or visit her website at lakenorman-houses.com
