Summer might be synonymous with beach days and vacations, but it’s also one of the most active times in real estate—and that means it’s still a great time to sell your home.

While spring is traditionally considered the “hot” real estate season, summer continues the momentum with serious buyers still actively looking. Many families want to settle into a new home before the school year starts, and with longer daylight hours, buyers have more time to view properties after work or on weekends.

Curb Appeal Shines in the Sunshine
There’s no better time to show off your home’s exterior than in the summer. Gardens are in bloom, lawns are green, and outdoor living spaces—like decks, patios, and pools—look their absolute best. This natural boost in curb appeal can make a strong first impression and spark emotional connections with buyers.

Relocation Season is in Full Swing
Many people relocate during the summer months due to job transfers or lifestyle changes. Whether moving provinces or just to a new neighborhood, these buyers are often motivated and ready to make decisions quickly.

Vacation Vibes Work in Your Favour
A relaxed summer mindset can lead to more open-minded buyers. If your home evokes comfort, warmth, and a sense of retreat, you might find it easier to capture the imagination of potential buyers looking to embrace a change.

Less Competition, More Opportunity
Some sellers wait until fall or even spring, which means fewer listings to compete with in the summer. This gives your home a greater chance of standing out—especially if it’s priced right and presented well.

Final Thoughts
If you're thinking about selling, don’t wait for the "perfect" season—summer is full of opportunity. With the right strategy, expert marketing, and a polished presentation, your home can shine in any market.

Ready to make a move? Let’s talk about how we can position your home to stand out this summer.

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. But there’s one aspect many sellers overlook: the smells of their home. It’s easy to become nose-blind to the everyday odors in our living spaces, but to a potential buyer, these can be immediate turn-offs. In just a few seconds, a visitor can detect signs of a smoker in the house, among other distinctive smells, which might influence their overall perception.

So, before you list your home, it’s essential to consider and address the common household smells that might be lingering. You might not notice them, but rest assured, your prospective buyers will. These can range from the obvious, like a diaper bin in the baby’s room or kitty litter, to the more surprising, such as:

• The strong adhesive from model-making projects.

• Paint cans or tubes, even when tightly sealed.

• The lingering aroma of last night’s spicy dinner.

• Garbage cans, which can retain smells even when empty.

• Potent soaps, perfumes, and toiletries.

• The natural scent of indoor plants and flowers.

• Pine firewood, which has a particularly strong smell.

• Outdoor shoes that bring in various odors.

• Ashtrays, even if they’re regularly cleaned.

• Sinks, carpets, and door mats, all of which are prone to absorbing and retaining smells.

To ensure your home makes the best first impression, strive to eliminate as many of these odors as possible. A simple yet effective tip is to air out your home regularly, especially before viewings. Opening windows an hour before potential buyers arrive can fill your space with fresh air, diluting any lingering odors and making your home more inviting.

Remember, selling your home is not just about making it look visually appealing; it’s also about catering to the other senses. By addressing household smells, you’re taking an important step towards creating a welcoming environment that could make all the difference in securing a sale.

For more advice on preparing your home for the market and making that perfect first impression, stay tuned to Sharon Kennney’s insights. As your trusted real estate expert on the South Shore, Sharon is here to guide you through every step of the selling process, ensuring your home stands out for all the right reasons.

Why Pricing Your Home Right From the Start Is Everything
By Sharon Kenney – She Sells the Shore

When it comes to selling your home, especially in today’s shifting market, pricing isn’t just important — it’s everything.

You’ve probably heard stories of sellers "testing the market" with an ambitious asking price. Unfortunately, that strategy can backfire, and here's why: your home's first days on the market are its most powerful. That’s when buyer interest is highest and excitement is fresh. But if your price is out of sync with the current market, you risk losing that crucial momentum — and that can cost you in the long run.

Here's what happens when a home is overpriced:

• It sits on the market longer.
  Buyers start to wonder, what's wrong with it?

• It helps sell the competition.
  Your high price tag makes similar homes look like a deal.

• It may ultimately sell for less.
  Homes that linger often end up with price reductions and low-ball offers, leaving sellers frustrated.

On Nova Scotia’s South Shore, where buyers are savvy and inventory is shifting, being priced correctly right out of the gate means more interest, better showings, and often — stronger offers.

The Right Price Attracts the Right Buyers

The right price isn't about what you hope to get — it's about where the market is. With the help of an experienced local agent (hi, that’s me!), you can look at recent comparable sales, current inventory, and buyer trends to find that sweet spot.

I always say, you only get one chance to make a first impression — let’s make it count.

Whether you’re dreaming of upsizing, downsizing, or chasing that coastal cottage lifestyle, getting the price right is the first and most critical step to getting you where you want to be.

When selling your home, every detail counts, much like when selling a used car. Imagine you have a car that’s desirable in make and model, boasts low mileage, and is overall in great condition—except for its bodywork. Scratches, dents, and rust spots, though superficial, can significantly detract from the vehicle’s perceived value. This analogy rings true when selling your home: the state of your walls can greatly influence a buyer’s perception and appreciation of your property.

The walls of your home are more than just structural; they’re a canvas that reflects its care and history. Even if your home boasts the latest upgrades, spacious rooms, and an ideal location, imperfections like faded paint, dents, scuffs, and holes can become focal points, overshadowing its true worth. These blemishes, however minor, can signal neglect to prospective buyers, prompting them to wonder about the maintenance of less visible aspects of the home.

Before listing your home, take the time to inspect your walls closely. Look for areas that need attention and consider the impact of years of living on the paint and plaster. The good news is that repairing wall imperfections is often a manageable do-it-yourself project. Your local home improvement store offers a variety of products designed to fill holes and smooth out gouges, ensuring your walls look their best. A fresh coat of paint can also work wonders, breathing new life into your space and making it more appealing to buyers.

Investing time and effort into making your walls pristine can significantly enhance the appeal of your home. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about presenting a home that feels cared for and ready to welcome new owners. Such attention to detail can make a world of difference in how potential buyers view your property, ultimately affecting their offer.

Remember, when preparing your home for sale, it’s the small touches that can have the biggest impact. Ensuring your walls are in top condition is a crucial step in showcasing the true value of your home. For more tips on getting your property ready to hit the market and making a lasting impression, stay tuned to Sharon Kennney’s expert advice. With Sharon’s guidance, you’ll navigate the selling process with ease, from wall to wall and beyond.