Summer selling strategies for helping your home stand out

In much of the country, a frantic summer selling season is made necessary by the extremes of the seasons. Here in Orlando, the mild climate makes home showing and selling a breeze all year long.

But Orlando still has a distinct spring/summer selling season, when both inventory and sales traditionally jump. Here are a few tips from the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association to help your house stand out from the crowd during the summer months:

Air conditioning — You can bet that Orlando homebuyers want to make sure a home’s A/C is in good working order! Keep your air conditioning at a reasonable temperature; not so cold that buyers will be searching for their jackets, but cool enough that they won’t want to go back into the heat outside.

Accessibility — Make sure that you are always reachable when your house is on the market, even if you’re just taking a weekend trip to the beach. An inaccessible owner frustrates potential buyers who need their questions answered very quickly. Timing is everything when it comes to selling a home; an inaccessible owner may miss out.

Landscaping — Your front yard is the first thing people notice about your house, so make sure your lawn and flower beds aren't suffering in the heat or out of control from summer rains. While you’re at it, clean the deck, porch, patio or outdoor kitchen, and repaint or make any necessary repairs. This is your outdoor space's chance to shine, so keep it in top condition.

Refreshments — Make sure to greet potential buyers the way you would guests and provide a little something for them to drink or eat. Set out a cold pitcher of lemonade, a cooler full of bottled water, or even a basket of snacks for the buyers. Anything you can do to make visitors linger a little longer could help you sell quicker.

Work with a Realtor — “All real estate is local so it’s important to list with a Realtor who is personally familiar with your neighborhood and community,” said ORRA Chairman Zola Szerencses from RE/MAX 200 Realty. “These professionals know the pricing strategies, buyer preferences, and marketing approaches that will achieve the best results in your specific area.”

Keeping these tips in mind will help you increase your chances of quickly finding the right buyer for your home this summer.

Visit orlandorealtors.org and click on the “Find A REALTOR” link to locate an Orlando Realtor who is based in your area, speaks your language, or specializes in your interest.