Sizzling Summer Selling Tips: How to Maximize Your Home Sale This Season

The summer season is in full swing in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and with it comes one of the most active and exciting times in the real estate market. The longer daylight hours, blooming gardens, and warm weather make summer an ideal time to sell your home—but it also means facing more competition. If you’re thinking of listing your property this season, now is the time to make your home shine. Here’s how to make the most of selling in the summer market.

1. First Impressions Start Outside: Boost Your Curb Appeal

Summer brings out the best in your outdoor space, so make it count! A well-kept exterior instantly increases a buyer’s perception of your home.

• Tidy the Lawn: Mow the grass regularly and edge the lawn for a crisp look.

• Garden Glow-Up: Weed garden beds, add mulch, and plant some colourful annuals or perennials.

• Front Door Refresh: A fresh coat of paint on the front door and updated house numbers or a mailbox can modernize your entryway without much effort.

• Outdoor Lighting: Solar lights along pathways and well-lit porches create an inviting atmosphere for evening showings.

2. Keep It Cool: Temperature Matters

Peterborough summers can get hot—and nothing turns off a buyer like walking into a stuffy house.

• Turn on the AC: Make sure your home is a comfortable temperature for showings, ideally between 21-23°C.

• Use Fans Wisely: Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate air and keep rooms fresh.

• Open Windows Strategically: Early in the day, let in fresh air before it gets too hot.

A cool, breezy home will leave a much better impression than one that feels like a sauna.

3. Summer Styling: Light, Bright & Airy

Staging your home for the season can help buyers envision themselves enjoying summer in the space.

• Use Light Fabrics: Swap out heavy curtains or dark bedding for whites, pastels, or breezy linens.

• Add Seasonal Touches: A bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter, vases with fresh-cut flowers, or bright throw pillows can add life without clutter.

• Declutter & Deep Clean: Summer light shows everything—make sure windows sparkle, floors shine, and surfaces are dust-free.

4. Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces

One of the biggest selling points of a summer listing is your outdoor living space. Whether you have a backyard deck, patio, balcony, or cottage-style yard—make it feel like an extension of your home.

• Stage the Space: Set up a patio table with place settings, arrange outdoor furniture with comfy cushions, and add potted plants or hanging baskets.

• Showcase Entertainment Potential: Have a firepit? BBQ area? Hammock? Make sure it’s clean, accessible, and showcased in your listing photos.

• Think Family-Friendly: If your home has a pool, sandbox, or space for kids to play, highlight that lifestyle in the listing.

Buyers often make emotional decisions in summer—appealing to those relaxing, memory-making moments helps them connect with your home.

5. Timing is Everything: List Strategically

Summer schedules can be packed with holidays, weddings, and weekends at the lake—so be strategic about your timing.

• List Early in the Week: Homes listed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays often get more attention heading into the weekend.

• Offer Flexible Showings: Buyers may only be in town for a weekend—accommodating evening or Sunday showings could make all the difference.

• Plan Around Holidays: Avoid launching your listing just before a long weekend, when many buyers may be out of town.

6. Make the Most of Natural Light

One of the summer’s biggest advantages is the abundance of natural light. Use it!

• Schedule Photos Mid-Morning: This lighting is flattering for most homes.

• Open Blinds & Curtains: Let the light flood in before every showing.

• Use Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and make rooms feel larger.

7. Partner with Local Experts

Every season—and every neighbourhood—has its quirks. Working with a local team that knows the ins and outs of the Peterborough market can give you the upper hand.

• We Know What Buyers Want: From family-friendly layouts to lake access and cottage-country appeal, we can tailor your listing to highlight what makes it special.

• Strategic Marketing: Summer marketing means promoting your home in places buyers are actually looking—online, in print, and at local events.

• Personalized Guidance: We’ll walk you through every step, from staging suggestions to pricing strategy.

Summer can be an amazing time to sell your home—if you approach it with strategy and preparation. Take advantage of the natural beauty, warmth, and energy of the season to present your home in the best possible light.

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, we’re here to help make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful.

Thinking about listing this summer? Reach out to the Sold by Shearers team—we’re just a call or message away.