What to Expect When Selling Your Home this Summer

Photo credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate Summer is a great season to sell a home in, though it differs from the bustling spring market. Much like winter, summer is considered a "shoulder season" in real estate. During this time, overall market activity tends to decrease as many people are on vacations or busy with other commitments. This seasonal slowdown can lead to fewer buyers actively looking, which may result in longer listing times. However, serious buyers who are looking during the summer are often more motivated, which can lead to smoother transactions. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours also provide excellent conditions for showing homes at their prime, making it the perfect season for highlighting outdoor spaces and landscaping. In typical summer seasons in real estate, sellers can expect to experience these things: Less Showings. During the summer, there are typically fewer buyers out looking for homes. With many people out of town on vacation or busy with seasonal activities, the number of showings tends to drop. Less Offers. The demand in the summer usually decreases, resulting in a smaller pool of potential buyers. Because of this, homes on the market often receive fewer offers than during a busy season such as spring. Serious Buyers. Serious buyers who are committed to finding a home will often stay in town or visit during summer school breaks. They often want to buy a property before the new school year begins in the fall, making them a more motivated buyer. Higher Utility Bills. Keeping a home comfortable and cool for showings during the hot summer months can lead to higher utility bills. This is especially true for vacant properties, where maintaining a good temperature can be crucial for keeping potential buyers comfortable throughout their tour. Summer is an opportune time to sell a home. If you’re seeking information on what your home’s value is and how we can assist in your real estate needs, contact us at (208) 870-8292, email us at info@lysibishop.com, or view our home valuation tool here.  

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3 Improvements for ROI on Your Home's Exterior

Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate The exterior of a home makes the first impression. Whether you're planning to sell your home or simply want to boost its curb appeal, improving the exterior can yield significant returns on investment. Here are three of the best upgrades to invest in that can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.   Fresh Exterior Paint: One of the most impactful ways to give your home a facelift is by applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Weather exposure over time can cause paint to fade, peel, or chip, leaving your home looking worn and outdated. A new paint job breathes fresh life into the appearance of your home, while also protecting it against the elements. Be sure to choose a timeless, neutral color that fits your home’s architecture and surroundings.    New or Repainted Front Door: Photo credit to Unsplash As the focal point of a house’s exterior, the front door draws the eye of viewers. A rough front door can take away from the overall aesthetic of your home, while a fresh, well-maintained door can instantly elevate its curb appeal. Consider giving your current door a fresh coat of paint for a more cost-effective option, or invest in a new door. Make sure to choose a color or door that compliments the rest of the exterior, and try increasing the sophistication of your door with stylish door handles, knockers, and decorative accents.   Quality Decking and/or Patio Cover: Photo credit to Unsplash Outdoor living spaces are highly sought after in today’s real estate market. From hosting a backyard barbeque, relaxing in the sun, or dining outside, building decking or a patio cover can create a much more versatile and attractive outdoor space. Investing in premium materials like composite decking (e.g., Trex) can offer a much more durable, rot and insect-resistant, and low-maintenance deck than traditional wood. Adding a stylish patio cover, such as a pergola or awning, can provide shade and shelter for your outdoor space, making it more inviting and functional year-round.   Budget Friendly Honorable Mentions: Photo credit to Unsplash Wash windows. Newly cleaned windows not only enhance the overall appearance of your home but also allow more natural light to filter indoors, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. Powerwash patios & walkways. Refresh your patios and walkways by scrubbing the dirt and grime away and restoring them to their original beauty.  Add color with plants/flower pots. Add curb appeal and visual interest through bright pops of color in the form of plants and flower pots, bringing life to the exterior of your home. Tidy up landscaping. Cleanly trimmed bushes, weeded garden beds, and a freshly mowed lawn create a neat and polished look for the exterior of your home.

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Spring Cleaning Tips

Photo credit to Unsplash As the winter chill fades to a distant memory and the sun begins to warm our days, there's no denying now is the perfect time for a fresh start. Spring is the season for throwing open the windows, letting in the fresh air, and setting off on the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. Whether your house is mostly in order or needs a full deep clean, these simple tips will help you tidy up your home and have a fresh start for the spring and summer seasons.   Make a plan: Spring cleaning may feel overwhelming at first with so many different rooms and areas that need tidying. Splitting up your home into different sections and planning out which areas you will tackle first makes the task much less daunting. Do a quick walk-through of your house and assess which areas of your home need the most attention. Then, make a checklist to help you stay organized and ensure every room gets what it needs. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a spotless home! Photo credit to Unsplash   Declutter and Donate: Decluttering your spaces before you get gloves deep into cleaning will make the whole task much more manageable. Rid your home of any unnecessary items that have accumulated over the colder months. Donate or recycle items that are no longer needed, and don’t be afraid to be ruthless when deciding what to keep or donate. Here are a few local donation centers that would gladly accept your no-longer-needed clothing and items: Saver’s Community Donation Center. Located at 10475 W Fairview Ave and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Saint Vincent de Paul. You can drop off donations at any of the five locations in Boise, Caldwell, and Meridian. Hours vary based on the location, so make sure you check before you go. Photo credit to Unsplash   Work from top to bottom: When cleaning a room, starting from the top and moving down will eliminate the need to go back and reclean. Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving on to surfaces and furniture. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls while cleaning is captured and removed as you work your way down. Don't forget to pay special attention to often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, door frames, and behind appliances. Vacuuming the floor should always be your last step. Photo credit to Unsplash   Don't forget the windows: Clean windows can truly brighten up your house and give it a fresh, airy feeling. The insides of windows can build up dust and dirt over the months. Removing this gunk and brightening up a room is as easy as grabbing your window cleaner, a squeegee, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Don’t forget about the exterior too, as winter can lead to a build-up of dirt and streaks on the outside of your windows. Just as with the interiors, clean exterior windows are essential for enhancing the outward appearance of your home. Consider hiring a professional for second and third-story windows, or tackle them yourself with a ladder! Photo credit to Unsplash

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