Summertime Curb Appeal

There are many standard do’s and don’ts when staging your Crown Point, St. John, or Valparaiso home for sale.  De-clutter, have a garage sale, clean-up, fix-up.  You name it.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind specific to showing your home during the summer months.

1. Curb appeal.  I know, I know, your home’s curb appeal is important year round.  I agree.  The reason curb appeal is especially important during spring and summer is home buyers are more likely to pay extra attention to more than just the exterior of the physical house.  They’re looking at how well manicured the lawn is.  They’re looking at blooming flowers and trees…or the lack thereof; lush lawns or bald patches of earth.  Ask yourself is your yard well taken care of or does it appear somewhat neglected?  If the buyer sees the outside of the home as neglected, can you blame them for assuming the same thing about the inside even before they see it?
2. Backyard appeal is very similar to curb appeal.  Backyard’s go hand in hand with summer, and you want potential buyers to picture themselves enjoying a backyard barbeque while watching their children and the family dog playing within the secure confines of a fenced in area.  Tidy up the patio and clean lawn furniture.  Get rid of that old coffee can you have always kept out back for smokers’ cigarette butts.  Be vigilant about clearing the lawn of doggie landmines before showings.  Think about the sights and scents in your backyard.  Enhance the good ones, and banish the bad ones.
3. Invite the outside in.  Open drapes and let in as much natural light as possible and open windows to allow fresh air in.  If hot summer temperatures require air conditioning, be sure the temperature is set at a comfortable level.  A home that is too cold is just as uncomfortable as one that is too warm.