Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing in a Hot Summer Market
Summer is one of the busiest times in the Lehigh Valley real estate market, with buyers actively searching and homes moving quickly. While a hot market can give sellers an advantage, it can also tempt some to rush the process or skip important steps. If you're planning to sell your home this summer, it's critical to avoid these common mistakes that could cost you time, money, or even your ideal buyer.
Here are the top pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them:
1. Overpricing from the Start
It’s tempting to list high when demand is strong, but pricing your home above market value can backfire fast. Even in a competitive summer market, overpriced homes tend to sit—and longer days on the market often lead to price reductions and lost momentum.
Smart Tip: Trust a local expert like the Jared Erhart Real Estate Team to run a comparative market analysis. A well-priced home will generate more interest, more showings, and potentially even multiple offers.
2. Skipping Professional Photos
With longer days and beautiful natural light, summer is the ideal time to showcase your home. But if your listing photos don’t do it justice, buyers may scroll right past it.
Smart Tip: Invest in professional photography and make sure your home is staged and photo-ready. Online presentation is your first impression—and it needs to wow.
3. Neglecting Curb Appeal
Summer means everything is in full bloom—but it also means lawns grow fast, flowers wilt, and mulch fades. If the outside of your home doesn’t match the quality of the inside, you could lose buyer interest before they even step through the door.
Smart Tip: Keep up with lawn care, add fresh mulch, and power wash walkways and siding. Consider a pop of color with potted plants or a seasonal wreath on the door.
4. Being Unavailable for Showings
In a fast-moving summer market, buyers want to see homes quickly. Delaying or limiting showings can cause you to miss out on serious, motivated buyers.
Smart Tip: Be flexible. Work with your agent to set showing windows that work for your schedule but still allow for frequent access. The more buyers see your home, the faster it’s likely to sell.
5. Skipping a Pre-Listing Inspection
While you’re not required to do a home inspection before listing, skipping it can lead to surprises later. In summer’s fast pace, buyers expect clean, quick transactions—and major issues discovered late in the process can derail a deal.
Smart Tip: Consider a pre-listing inspection to uncover any potential red flags. You’ll have time to address them on your terms and boost buyer confidence.
6. Forgetting About the Heat
It’s summer—buyers want to feel cool and comfortable when touring your home. If the air conditioning isn’t working properly or the home feels stuffy, it could leave a negative impression.
Smart Tip: Service your HVAC system before listing and keep the temperature pleasant during showings. A cool home creates a welcoming environment that invites buyers to stay longer and imagine themselves living there.
Ready to List Smart This Summer?
The Jared Erhart Real Estate Team has helped dozens of Lehigh Valley homeowners sell successfully in every season. In a summer market, smart strategies make all the difference.
Let us guide you through the process with expert pricing, staging, marketing, and negotiation support—so you can avoid costly mistakes and make the most of this prime selling season.
Contact us today to schedule your personalized home selling consultation. Let’s make your summer sale a success.
