30-Day Summer Home Sale Prep Plan

Selling your home in the summer has big benefits—longer daylight hours, vibrant curb appeal, and buyers who are eager to move before fall. But to truly stand out in a busy summer market, preparation is key. Whether you’re planning to list in 30 days or just want a clear game plan, this guide gives you a step-by-step roadmap to get your home show-ready—without the stress.

Let’s break it down week by week so you can confidently hit the market and attract serious summer buyers.

Week 1: Plan, Inspect, and Prioritize

This is your prep and planning week. You’re not cleaning baseboards just yet—you’re getting clear on your goals and creating a solid foundation.

Tasks:

Set your target listing date. Coordinate with your real estate agent and plan backward from that date.

Schedule a walk-through with your agent. Ask for honest feedback on what needs to be fixed or updated to attract buyers.

Hire any necessary professionals. Need a handyman, landscaper, or cleaner? Book them now before schedules fill up.

Start a “To-Do” list by room. Identify repairs, painting touch-ups, and cosmetic upgrades.

Begin collecting moving supplies. Boxes, tape, markers, and donation bags—get them now to stay organized.

Week 2: Declutter and Deep Clean

Now it’s time to lighten the load—literally. Less is more when it comes to staging, and buyers want to see your space, not your stuff.

Tasks:

Declutter every room. Remove anything that makes the space feel crowded—especially on counters, bookshelves, and closets.

Pack up personal items. Family photos, collections, bold decor—box it up so buyers can imagine their life in the home.

Donate, toss, or store items. Use the 3-box rule: Keep, Donate, Discard.

Clean like your picky aunt is coming to stay. Baseboards, blinds, ceiling fans, light switches—no surface left untouched.

Wash windows inside and out. Summer sun = more light, so make sure it shines through sparkling glass.

Week 3: Refresh and Boost Curb Appeal

With a clean, decluttered house, it’s time to add polish and make that all-important first impression count.

Tasks:

Paint where needed. Touch up walls, baseboards, doors, and anything that looks tired or scuffed.

Add summer-friendly staging touches. Fresh flowers, neutral bedding, light linens, pops of greenery, and airy curtains.

Tidy up the yard. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, add fresh mulch, and plant colorful summer flowers.

Power wash exterior surfaces. Deck, driveway, porch, and siding—make them shine.

Create a welcoming front porch. Think: clean mat, potted plants, a seasonal wreath, and maybe a cute bench or chair.

Week 4: Final Touches and Listing Prep

Tasks:

Schedule professional photography. Summer light is your friend—make the most of it with high-quality listing photos.

Stage your home like it’s already sold.

Add final decor, set the dining table, fluff the pillows, and style shelves minimally.

Do a final deep clean. Bathrooms, kitchen, and floors especially—consider hiring a pro for a one-time shine.

Tuck away valuables and meds. Safety first—store anything personal or sensitive out of sight.

Get a showing-ready routine in place. Plan for pets, prep a “grab-and-go” bin for last-minute cleanups, and know where to stash clutter fast.

Bonus: Want Help Navigating the Prep Process? Hire Me as Your Agent.

As your listing agent, I’ll be there every step of the way to:

Help you prioritize what actually matters to buyers in today’s market
Connect you with trusted local pros (cleaners, stagers, handymen, etc.)
Handle the timeline, strategy, and marketing so you can stay focused on your move
Position your home for top dollar with expert listing photos, staging advice, and negotiation skills

Whether you’re ready to list now or just exploring the idea of selling this summer, let’s chat. I’m happy to do a walk-through and give honest, professional feedback—no pressure, just real value. Call me direct at (267) 397-6291 or at the office (215) 395-6277. You can always email me at TheSwainTeam@gmail.com