Nicola Kelland - What should you consider when selling your property in the height of summer?

Friday, February 03, 2012 1:57 PM

Even though at the time of writing this article we haven’t really seen any nice summer weather, let’s assume the real summer is just around the corner! And with that, like selling in other seasons like winter, it has some advantages and some disadvantages.

Firstly the heat. If your home is very sunny, the heat will be a factor to consider. Houses that are locked up and closed prior to a viewing time or an appointment will need to be aired. There is nothing worse than being hit by a wave of heat as you enter the front door. Make sure that some windows with security latches attached are left open, or your agent can arrive early to have the house open and ready for viewing. There is nothing nicer than arriving at a home to find the doors open, fresh air streaming in and the sounds and smells of summer permeating through your property.

What time and day is the best for open homes during summer?

It’s not just about the sunniest time of the day; there are other factors to consider. In some areas in Auckland, Saturday morning sport is a major factor with families, so we prefer to do the open homes in the afternoons. But for the apartment market, the mornings can be very successful, so tailor the timing to what works for your home and your target market.

Mid-week open homes are also great during summer. After work, the late sun provides purchasers with the opportunity to view at a time of day that often works well for them and also provides them with the opportunity to view your home at a time they would often be enjoying it if they owned it. Consider having a large water jug filled with ice cold water and lemon slices or mint, plus clean glasses available for buyers. They will appreciate the added treat.

What else should I consider?

Ensure the garden is well watered and looking lush, that your lawns are mowed and your foliage and flowers are tidy. Get your outdoor furniture looking clean and fresh to emphasise the relaxed alfresco living that a purchaser could enjoy. If you have a swimming pool make sure that it is sparkling clean, not easy to achieve with all this rain!  Don’t forget to manage those pesky flies at this time of year, with a good fly and insect management system.