Make a 'Hot' Sale This Summer

Sparkling sunshine and a neat and tidy garden are super property sales aids, but you'll need more than that to please potential buyers in the summer holiday season – many of whom would probably rather be relaxing with a long cool drink than tramping around in the heat looking at homes for sale.

Here's a few summer property selling tips from our top estate agents:

Manicure your lawn.

• Grass grows faster in summer so you'll need to mow more often – and keep it watered so it stays lovely and green. Nothing says summer – or boosts curb appeal – like a lush, velvety lawn, especially if it also contains a strategically placed deck chair or two in a shady spot.

"Keep your cool".

• If you have air-conditioning, turn it up to a comfortable level during showings so that your home will be a "refuge" from the heat outside. If you don't have air-conditioning, open windows and get the air circulating with ceiling or stand fans to create a pleasantly cool atmosphere.

Get rid of nasty odours.

• Heat brings out the worst of any smells in a home so it's a good idea to have carpets professionally cleaned before your home goes on show and to really blitz notoriously odiferous areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and teenagers' bedrooms. It is much more important to get your home smelling fresh and clean in summer than to bake muffins or brew coffee.

"Let there be Light".

• Remove and replace any heavy curtains or dark window treatments. During showings, roll up or open any blinds to their maximum and keep lighter curtains well tied back. People are naturally drawn towards windows, so you should also get rid of any windowsill clutter and make sure that the panes are sparkling clean and the view beyond is enticing.

Go with the flow of summer.

• Today's property buyers are looking for extended living areas and summer is the best time to open up the sliding doors and show off outdoor spaces like decks and patios, complete with sparkling pool or water feature, attractive garden furniture and a table set for an al fresco holiday meal. Built-in braais or fire-pits, pool bars, lapas and gazebos are also great features that can really help sell your home in the hot season, but if you like entertaining, be very sure to clear up any party mess before potential buyers arrive.