Summer: the season of backyard barbecues, beach trips, and long, warm evenings. It’s also one of the busiest times of year in the real estate market, especially in Myrtle Beach and Conway. With buyers on the hunt and homes changing hands faster than a beach ball tossed around at a cookout, summer can be an ideal time to sell your home.
But here’s the deal. While the summer season brings its share of motivated buyers, you're not the only home seller deciding to list. If you want your home to stand out, it’s time to prep your residence to shine under the sun. Apply these tips to make your home sell fast in Myrtle Beach's hot summer market.
Sizzle With Curb Appeal
First impressions happen in the blink of an eye, and your home's exterior is the introduction. A lush lawn and landscaping separate the “Hmm… maybe” from “Yes, I need to see more!”
Keep the lawn thriving. In the summer heat, a green lawn speaks volumes. The dry, hot days lead grass to shrivel up and become crispy brown. Do your best to keep it perky. Try watering in the early morning or late evening to avoid water evaporation. Give it a dose of summer-formulated fertilizer if it’s looking a little tired.
Add pops of color. Plant cheerful summer flowers like marigolds, zinnias, or petunias to perk up gardens, entryways, or window boxes.
Refresh the surfaces. Power wash sidewalks, driveways, and your home’s siding to give everything a crisp, clean look. Update sun-faded wood trim and posts with a fresh coat of paint. Think of it as giving your home a relaxing spa day.
Curb appeal sparks excitement and curiosity. Imagine a buyer driving by and saying, “Ooh, I want to know more about that house.”
Keep It Cool and Inviting
Now that potential buyers are stepping inside, the goal is to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. An overheated home in July? That’s a deal-breaker. A cool, inviting space? Now we’re talking.
Dial up the chill. Make sure your air conditioning is running smoothly. No one wants to sweat through a showing. Turn on the ceiling fans to move air around the home. Consider turning the thermostat down a notch from your usual setting for open houses and high-showing days.
Lighten up your décor. Switch out heavy winter drapes or dark throw pillows for lighter, breezier options. Think about white linens, pale blues, or soft pastels that mimic the soothing tones of summer.
Invite fresh scents. Place some summer-scented candles or fresh-cut flowers around the home. Citrusy notes and soft floral scents go a long way in creating an uplifting vibe.
Let the light shine: Open up those blinds or curtains to flood your home with natural sunlight. A bright, cheerful home is far more memorable than a dim, closed-off one. While you're at it, now is the perfect time to clean windows. You might be surprised at how much brighter the rooms feel afterward.
Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces
Summer is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Buyers in Myrtle Beach and Conway prioritize homes with usable outdoor spaces. This is your chance to show off a slice of that sunny lifestyle if you've got an incredible patio deck, pool area, or yard.
Stage your outdoor areas. Set up inviting spaces with cozy seating and cushions. A string of twinkling lights suggests nighttime parties and hangouts.
Showcase summer-friendly features. Got a pool? Make it sparkle. An outdoor kitchen or a fire pit? Make them the stars of the backyard. Set up these spaces so they're ready for outdoor entertaining, highlighting summer activities the potential buyers could experience at home.
Add a personal touch with refreshments. Offer lemonade, iced tea, or cold water for anyone visiting during a showing or open house. Trust us, it’s a little summer-themed gesture that buyers will love.
Nothing says “home” like a welcoming outdoor retreat where summer memories can be made.
Price It Right for a Competitive Market
Summer may bring motivated buyers, but that doesn’t mean pricing is a free-for-all. Getting the price right can be the golden ticket to a quick sale.
Work with someone local. Myrtle Beach and Conway are very different markets just between themselves–and they’re not too far apart! Local expertise matters. Real estate agents here know what buyers are after and how to position your home for success.
Seasonal demand. Summer means families are looking to settle before school starts. Pair that with an influx of those dreaming about coastal living, and you’ve got yourself a competitive environment.
Appeal to those ready to act. Many summer home buyers are determined to seal a deal quickly. A well-priced home is more likely to catch their attention.
Use Summer-Themed Marketing Strategies
Your home deserves a little spotlight time, and effective staging with summer in mind its a chance to shine.
Update your listing’s photos. Snap pictures that showcase your home’s summer-ready features. A sunny yard or a cozy outdoor seating area bathed in warm light works wonders to bring in potential home buyers.
Host a summer-themed open house. Here’s where you can have some fun. Why not host a beach-themed event or a backyard barbecue? These touches can create a memorable experience for buyers.
Leverage social media. Bright, engaging visuals paired with seasonal hashtags like #SummerHomeGoals or #CoastalLiving showcase your property to a broader audience.
Marketing with summer in mind can make your home more relatable and irresistible.
Plan Showings for Maximum Impact
Timing and atmosphere matter when it comes to showings. A few strategic moves can make all the difference:
Pick cooling hours. Schedule showings in the morning or evening when the summer heat isn’t as intense.
Hydrate your guests. Leave bottled water and some light snacks for potential summer buyers. Keeping them comfortable as they tour your home creates a positive impression.
Keep it fresh. Air out the space beforehand. Avoid cooking anything with strong odors before a showing. A clean, light fragrance keeps the buyer focused on the home's features, not asking, "What's that smell?"
Bring It All Together
You want the perfect mix of presentation, comfort, and atmosphere that makes people say, “Wow, I could live here,” when selling a home in Myrtle Beach or Conway during the summer. Looking to make a bigger splash this summer? Contact a local real estate expert and get the support you need to make the most of selling this season. Buyers are out there right now, and it’s your time to shine.
About the Author: Preston Guyton is the founder of ez Home Search. He has been a real estate leader for over 20 years. Starting with a focus in South Carolina, he has helped coach and empower real estate professionals to achieve their full potential by meeting the needs of their local community.
