Beat the Heat: Summer Showing Tips to Keep Your Home Cool & Buyer-Ready

Summer is heating up—make sure your showings don’t! When you’re selling a home in the peak of summer, high temperatures can quickly turn an otherwise perfect property into a hot and uncomfortable experience for potential buyers. Fortunately, with a little prep and a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home cool, welcoming, and energy-efficient—ensuring that buyers stay focused on your home’s best features, not the temperature.

Here are our top tips to help sellers keep their homes show-ready and comfortable during those sizzling summer months:

1. Pre-Cool Strategically Before Showings

If you don’t want your AC running full blast all day, that’s understandable. Instead, set a timer or smart thermostat to cool your home 30–60 minutes before a scheduled showing. Aim for a comfortable 21–23°C (70–73°F), which feels refreshing compared to the outdoor heat, but not too chilly.

Bonus tip: A cooler house subtly suggests to buyers that your home is well-insulated and energy-efficient.

2. Close Curtains & Blinds During the Day

Natural light is usually a seller’s best friend—but in the summer, sunlight can raise indoor temps fast. Close south- and west-facing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the heat out. Light-filtering curtains still allow light in while helping to reduce solar gain.

In the evening, feel free to open them again to highlight sunsets or outdoor views if you’ve got them!

3. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans can help keep air moving and make a room feel cooler—but only if used correctly. Make sure blades are spinning counter-clockwise in the summer, pushing cool air down.

For showings, keep fans running on low or medium speed to create a gentle breeze and a feeling of freshness.

4. Add Natural Refreshers

Buyers use all five senses when touring a home—and in the summer, nothing says “welcoming” like a space that feels fresh and smells clean.

Try these quick fixes:

• Place a bowl of citrus fruit in the kitchen

• Add a small vase of fresh-cut flowers (bonus points for lavender or eucalyptus)

• Use a neutral essential oil diffuser with peppermint, lemon, or mint for a clean scent

Avoid strong air fresheners—they can be overwhelming or raise red flags for buyers wondering what you’re covering up.

5. Highlight Energy-Efficient Features

Today’s buyers are heat-conscious and eco-savvy. If your home has:

• Updated insulation

• Energy Star-rated appliances

• Smart thermostats

• Solar panels

• Newer windows or HVAC system

…now’s the time to brag about it! Your listing agent can include these in your marketing, but it also helps to have small signs or feature sheets available at the showing that point out these value-added upgrades.

6. Turn Off Heat-Producing Electronics

Many sellers forget that even small electronics give off heat. Before a showing, power down:

• Unused lamps

• Computers and TVs

• Gaming systems

• Kitchen appliances like toasters or coffee makers

This not only reduces heat—it can lower your hydro bill during the listing period!

7. Light, Summer-Ready Staging

Heavy blankets, dark colours, and bulky furniture can weigh down a space visually and physically. Swap in summer accents like:

• Light cotton throws

• Pale or coastal-coloured pillows

• Wicker or natural materials

• Fresh, minimalist décor

This seasonal staging gives the impression that your home is in tune with the weather and well-cared-for, while making rooms feel lighter and airier.

8. Consider Portable Cooling Options

If your home lacks central air—or has trouble staying cool—a portable air conditioner or tower fan can save the day. Just make sure it’s positioned discreetly, the cord is tidy, and it’s not blocking a window or walkway.

Pro tip: Don’t rely on buyers to imagine comfort. If it’s hot, make sure the space feels cool when they walk in.

9. Boost Outdoor Appeal in the Shade

Curb appeal doesn’t stop at the front door. In the summer, shady outdoor spaces can be a huge selling point.

Tidy up patios and decks, add an umbrella or shade sail, and set the scene with a pitcher of lemonade or a stack of outdoor cushions. Even a small shaded nook can suggest peaceful summer evenings or lazy weekend mornings—adding lifestyle value to your home.

10. Leave Refreshments for Extra Thoughtfulness

If your home is hosting an open house or a longer showing, offer chilled bottled water or iced tea at the entry or in the kitchen. It’s a small, inexpensive touch, but it can leave a big impression—especially if the day is hot and buyers have already toured multiple properties.

Selling in the summer doesn’t have to be sweaty or stressful. With a few small adjustments and a little buyer-focused staging, your home can feel like a cool oasis in the midst of the summer heat—exactly the impression you want to leave.

Remember: it’s not just about what buyers see, but what they feel when they walk through the door. Keep it cool, keep it fresh, and keep it buyer-ready.

Need more help staging or preparing your home for sale this summer?
We’d love to help. Contact the Sold by Shearers team today for personalized support, tips, and expert local advice.