Summertime and the selling is easy

By Larry Stoller

It’s Summer 2023 in the lowcountry and the real estate market, like the weather, is heating up.

Not as crazy as it was in 2021, but still advantageous for Sellers. But selling a home in the summer has some challenges: people go on vacation, kids are out of school and need attention, and summer activities distract.

There are too many fun things to do and selling home is not one of them. It is more difficult to get sellers in the home-selling mood in the summer (but with a strong seller’s market , maybe not this summer!).

Another challenge , especially during July and August, is the heat. It might be too hot for buyers to be running around looking at homes.

On the other hand, our lowcountry area is in very high demand. And with inventory increasing, more competition, and price reductions, motivated buyers (many of them out-of-state) are ready to make a deal this summer of 2023.

In the summertime, here are some things that you can do to attract buyers and make your home more appealing:

• Mow the lawn more often. Grass and weeds grow fast, so cut and manicure the lawn to make it look its best.

• Decorate with summer in mind. Use brighter summer colors and vibrant blues for a calming and cooling effect.

• Create curb appeal. Curb appeal makes buyers feel happy about your home. Trim bushes, plant flowers, spruce up the yard, and make your home entryway attractive and welcoming.

• Bring in the light. Open the blinds, remove the heavy drapes, make it light and bright.

• Accentuate the outside. Move furniture to the sunroom, screened porch and covered patio. Create an allusion of (or highlight) an appealing summer lifestyle.

• Supply summer treats. Different parts of the country are noted for their summer food and drink. Offer some pecan pie and lemonade at your next open house.

• Keep it nice and cool. No one wants to be in a stuffy hot house on a hot summer day. Turn on the fans, keep the air moving, and turn down the AC a bit to keep visitors cool, comfortable and want to stay inside a while.

Happy 2023 Summer Selling!

Larry Stoller is the Broker-Owner and Realtor with Real Estate FIVE of the Low Country. larry@RealEstateFive.com, www. RealEstateFive.com