Preparing Your Home for a Summer Sale

As summer blooms in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, the real estate market offers opportunities for sellers in a balanced landscape. With median home prices in Salt Lake County at $600,000 in 2024, up 4.8% from last year, and average days on market rising to around 56 days, the market is stabilizing, giving buyers more choices and sellers a chance to shine with strategic preparation. Here’s how to boost your curb appeal, stage your interior, and highlight Utah’s love for outdoor living to attract buyers this summer.

Boost Curb Appeal with Utah-Friendly Landscaping

First impressions are critical, especially in a balanced market where buyers have more options. Utah’s arid climate demands smart landscaping that enhances appeal while conserving water, helping your home stand out.

• Xeriscaping and Native Plants: Incorporate drought-resistant plants like sagebrush, yarrow, or Utah serviceberry for a vibrant, low-maintenance yard. Xeriscaping appeals to eco-conscious buyers and reduces upkeep costs. Local firms like Silver Sage in Salt Lake City can design water-wise landscapes that impress.

• Lawn Care: Keep your lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, and soil aerated for a healthy look. Weekly mowing and fertilization services from providers like Millburn Lawn & Landscape ensure your yard stays inviting throughout showings.

• Entryway Enhancements: Paint your front door in a welcoming hue (think deep blue or sage green) and add a new doormat. Stage the porch with potted native plants or a small bench to create a cozy, inviting entry.

These efforts make your home memorable, encouraging buyers to explore further in a market with growing inventory.

Stage Your Home for Summer Appeal

Staging is vital in a balanced market, where homes take longer to sell—potentially up to 70% faster with professional staging. Highlight your home’s connection to Salt Lake City’s mountain lifestyle to captivate buyers.

• Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out excess furniture, personal photos, and seasonal décor to create a spacious, neutral canvas. Rent a storage unit if needed to keep rooms open and airy.

• Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and clean windows to showcase Utah’s stunning summer sunlight. Bright spaces that frame Wasatch Mountain views resonate with buyers seeking an outdoor connection.

• Focus on Key Rooms: Kitchens and bathrooms drive decisions. Update cabinet hardware, apply a fresh coat of neutral paint, or swap outdated appliances for energy-efficient models. A clean, modern layout helps buyers envision their future.

• Outdoor Living Spaces: Utah buyers value outdoor areas. Stage your patio or deck with a dining set or lounge chairs to showcase entertaining potential. Add a fire pit or pergola for a premium touch—local firms like Martin & Quin Landscape Design can craft custom patios that elevate appeal.

Consider a professional stager, like Niche Homes in Salt Lake City, to align your home with local preferences and speed up offers.

Highlight Energy-Efficient Upgrades

In a balanced market, upgrades that lower utility costs can set your home apart, especially for budget-conscious buyers in Utah’s desert climate.

• Energy-Efficient Windows: Install double-pane or low-E windows to improve insulation and cut cooling costs. These appeal to buyers prioritizing sustainability in Salt Lake City’s warm summers. Highlight the upgrade in your listing.

• Smart Home Features: Add a smart thermostat or energy-efficient lighting to modernize your home. These align with the tech-savvy preferences of buyers relocating to areas like Silicon Slopes in Utah County.

• Insulation and Waterproofing: Ensure strong insulation to handle Utah’s seasonal shifts. Companies like Wallentine Siding & Exteriors offer solutions that boost efficiency and comfort, making your home more attractive.

These upgrades offer value, helping your home compete in a market where buyers have more negotiating power.

Leverage Professional Photography and Marketing

With homes lingering longer—56 days on average in Salt Lake City—professional visuals are essential. Hire a local real estate photographer to capture your home’s best angles, especially outdoor spaces with mountain backdrops. Craft a listing description that highlights local amenities, like proximity to the Wasatch Front or downtown SLC’s cultural scene, to draw interest.

Use a Utah Flat Fee MLS service, like Houzeo, to list on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com for as low as $399, maximizing exposure. In a balanced market, broad reach is key to attracting serious buyers.

Final Touches for a Successful Sale

Before listing, get a pre-sale home inspection to address issues, reassuring buyers in a market where they expect value. Price competitively—close to market value, based on recent comparable sales—to encourage offers, as rising days on market suggest buyers are less rushed. Work with a local agent to analyze comps accurately. Stay flexible with showings and open houses to accommodate summer schedules.

With these steps, your home can capture attention in Salt Lake City’s balanced summer market. Ready to sell? Contact me for a free market analysis or to schedule a consultation. Let’s make your home a buyer’s top choice!