Tips to get your home summer-ready

As the chilly, rainy winter fades, owners can start to prepare their homes for the summer holidays. A few easy maintenance tasks can help get everything in shape for the festive season ahead.

According to Adrian Goslett, the regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, besides improving your enjoyment of your home, doing a few summer maintenance tasks safeguards the property’s investment value.

“Simple and quick maintenance steps are a great way to ensure your property is summer-ready and protected from any lingering effects of winter,” he says.

“Summer is also an ideal time to sell because warmer weather tends to bring out more buyers actively looking to make a move. With outdoor spaces in full bloom and homes looking their best, sellers have an opportunity to showcase their property’s potential, which can attract more interest and help achieve the best possible price.”

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To help homeowners get their homes in tip-top shape, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some maintenance tasks to prioritise:
• Refresh outdoor woodwork: Sand and re-stain or varnish wooden surfaces like decks, outdoor furniture, and window frames. This revitalises their look and protects them from sun and rain.

• Check the sprinkler system: Inspect the sprinkler heads and ensure they are blockage-free. Test to confirm that there are no leaks and that the system functions smoothly so your lawn and plants stay hydrated.

• Power wash outdoor surfaces: Use a pressure washer to clean patios, walkways and exterior walls. It’s a quick way to make your home look cleaner and more inviting.

• Tidy up the garden: Trim overgrown bushes, prune trees and clear weeds in flower beds and pathways. Adding fresh mulch or colourful plants can enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming outdoor space.

• Dust off cooling solutions: Ensure ceiling fans are dust-free and swap out the portable heater for a portable fan. If adding an air conditioner is too expensive, consider a mobile air conditioning unit as a more affordable alternative.

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• Add summer décor: Swap out winter bed linens and pillow covers with lighter, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Add bright summery colours in scatter cushions and other small décor items to match the warmer season.

Maintaining a home year-round is essential for preserving its value and ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable living environment through every season.

Routine upkeep, whether prepping for summer, winterising for colder months or refreshing for spring, helps prevent costly repairs and prolongs the life of the home’s features.

“Ultimately, consistent maintenance is an investment that enhances the home’s functionality, aesthetic and marketability, making it a smart approach for any homeowner.

“If you are thinking of selling during the summer months, contact a RE/MAX real estate professional for tips on making your outdoor spaces even more attractive to buyers,” Goslett concludes.