Published: June 01, 2025

Summer Home Selling Tips: Get Your House Market-Ready

Summer is peak season for real estate, making it a great time to list your home. With longer daylight hours, blooming landscapes, and more active buyers, it’s your opportunity to make a strong impression. But to truly stand out in a competitive summer market, your house needs to be prepped, polished, and picture-perfect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your home ready for sale this summer—inside and out.

Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter

Before buyers even set foot inside, they’re already forming opinions based on your home’s exterior. Curb appeal can make or break a showing.

• Tidy up the yard. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and remove weeds. Fresh mulch and flowers can boost your landscaping.
• Power wash surfaces. Clean sidewalks, porches, siding, and driveways to make everything look refreshed.
• Paint touch-ups. Add a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Make sure your house numbers and mailbox are clean.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers want to envision themselves in your home, not you. Remove clutter and personal items so it feels bigger, cleaner, and more inviting.

• Box up non-essential items. Store seasonal clothing, kitchen gadgets, and extra furniture to create more open space.
• Take down personal photos and bold décor. Keep things neutral to appeal to a broader audience.
• Rent a portable storage container. Use portable storage to clear out space while keeping items safe and accessible.

Deep Clean Every Room

A spotless home signals to buyers that the property is well cared for.

• Scrub bathrooms and kitchens. Focus on grout, tile, faucets, and appliances.
• Wash windows and mirrors. Sparkling glass allows more natural light in and creates a brighter space.
• Don’t forget floors and baseboards. Vacuum carpets, mop hardwood, and wipe down surfaces that are often overlooked.

Make Repairs and Upgrades

Small repairs can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.

• Fix leaky faucets and squeaky doors. These small annoyances suggest deferred maintenance to buyers.
• Replace outdated hardware. Modern knobs and light fixtures give your home a fresh look without a major investment.
• Consider neutral wall colors. Light, warm tones like beige, gray, or soft white can make your home feel more open.

Stage for Summer

Highlight your home’s summer potential by embracing seasonal styling.

• Let the light in. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light and create a bright, airy feel.
• Add pops of color. Use light-colored linens, summer-themed pillows, or fresh flowers to add a seasonal touch.
• Highlight outdoor spaces. Stage patios, decks, and balconies to show how enjoyable your outdoor living space can be.

Get a Pre-Listing Inspection

While not required, a pre-listing inspection can identify issues you may want to fix before putting your home on the market. 

• Address any red flags. Fixing problems like a faulty HVAC system or a roof leak can prevent delays during escrow.
• Gather documentation. Collect warranties, repair records, and utility bills so you can answer questions confidently.

Professional Photos and Listing Prep

Once your home is show-ready, make sure it shines online.

• Hire a real estate photographer. High-quality images can significantly increase interest in your listing.
• Write a compelling description. Highlight the features that make your home unique, such as the backyard or central air.
• Schedule showings at the right time. Schedule showings during late morning or early afternoon for the best light.

Scent and Temperature

Create a comfortable atmosphere during showings.

• Keep the home cool. Ensure your air conditioning is working well to provide relief from summer heat.
• Use subtle scents. Freshly baked cookies, citrus, or light floral fragrances can make your home feel inviting.

Selling your home in the summer gives you a golden opportunity—but only if your house is truly ready to impress. By investing time in staging, cleaning, and curb appeal, you increase your chances of getting a great offer quickly. Even small details, like fresh paint or updated fixtures, can make a big impact when buyers are comparing multiple homes. The key is to make buyers feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Need on-site storage? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Phoenix or call (480) 351-6025 today to rent a portable storage container!