Summer means longer days (more sunshine!!), school’s out, and house hunting kicks into high gear. Buyers are more active, open houses are easier to schedule, and homes just look better in that golden evening light.

But here's the thing: buyers don’t just want a house. They want the house. The one that makes them linger a little longer, picture themselves on the back patio with a cold beverage, and call their mortgage broker before they even leave the driveway.

That’s where staging comes in.

Staging a home in the summer is a little different than staging a home in the cozy vibes of winter or the fresh starts of spring. In the summer, it’s all about light, space, and creating that easy, breezy lifestyle everyone craves.

Here’s how to do it right.

1. Start with a Deep Summer Clean

Let’s be honest: no one wants to tour a house that smells like last night’s salmon or looks like it’s hosting a dust bunny convention.

Before staging begins, make sure the house is squeaky clean—think spring cleaning, but make it summer.

Key areas to scrub:

• Baseboards and vents (summer light is brutal)

• Windows (inside and out—sunlight shows everything)

• Ceiling fans (because dusty blades are never a good look)

• Bathrooms and kitchens (because sparkle = higher offers)

Freshen up with lemon-scented cleaners and open the windows if possible. You want the whole place to feel like a clean slate, ready for a new story.

2. Let the Sunshine In

Natural light is summer’s best asset—and buyers eat it up. So, highlight it.

• Open blinds, pull back heavy drapes, and ditch anything blocking windows.

• Clean those windows until they shine like a magazine ad.

• Use mirrors to reflect light into darker corners and make rooms feel bigger.

Pro Tip: Sheer curtains are your staging bestie in summer. They soften harsh light without blocking it and keep rooms feeling airy and relaxed.

3. Create a Cool, Calm Escape

Summer is hot—and not just in terms of the market. So your staged home should feel like a retreat from the heat.

• Adjust the thermostat before showings so the house is refreshingly cool.

• Use lighter fabrics on furniture and bedding—think cotton or linen.

• Choose cool-toned accents: pale blues, soft greens, and neutral beiges work wonders.

And please, don’t forget the A/C filters. A musty smell can undo a first impression in seconds flat.

4. Stage the Outdoor Living Like It’s a Magazine Spread

Summer buyers are outdoor dreamers. They’re picturing BBQs, late-night s’mores, and cocktails on the patio.

Help them see it:

• Set up a cozy seating area with cushions and string lights.

• Add fresh flowers or potted herbs to patios or balconies.

• If there’s a pool, keep it spotless and styled with rolled towels or a lounge chair.

• Stage the grill area like it’s ready for a party - hot dogs optional 😉

Even small balconies or porches can feel inviting with the right touch. Don’t let any square footage go to waste.

5. Embrace Seasonal Decor (But Keep It Classy)

This isn’t the time for seashell explosions or flamingo overload. But a little nod to summer can be powerful.

Think:

• A bowl of lemons on the kitchen island

• Fresh white towels in the bathroom

• A light throw blanket folded neatly on a chair

• Fresh flowers in the entryway or dining room

The vibe should be relaxed, cheerful, and purposeful. You’re selling the lifestyle, not the homeowner’s Pinterest board.

6. Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring

Yes, you want to tone down bold paint colors or wild wallpaper—but don’t confuse “neutral” with “bland.”

Add texture and depth with:

• Woven baskets

• Jute rugs

• Light woods

• Glass and ceramic accents

These elements bring in that summery, coastal feel—even if you’re in the middle of suburbia. Think more Serena & Lily, less hotel conference room.

7. Pay Attention to Smells and Sounds

Scent and sound play huge roles in how we feel in a space.

• Avoid strong candles or plug-ins that could trigger allergies.

• Stick to natural, soft scents like citrus, eucalyptus, or vanilla.

• Play soft instrumental music during showings to create ambiance (jazz or acoustic is great).

Pro Tip: Skip anything with vocals, as they distract, and avoid dead silence, which can feel awkward and cold.

8. Don’t Forget the Entryway

The moment someone opens that front door, you’re either gaining momentum or losing it.

Stage the entryway to be:

• Bright

• Clutter-free

• Welcoming

Use a console table with a mirror or artwork, a small dish for keys, and maybe a summer scent diffuser. This is the "hello" moment—make it count.

9. Declutter Like a Minimalist on a Mission

Yes, this applies year-round—but in summer, clutter feels extra heavy.

Edit everything:

• Too many throw pillows? Trim them.

• Packed bookshelves? Thin them out.

• That decorative bowl collection? Maybe just... one bowl.

Leave room for imagination. You want buyers to mentally move in, not get distracted by your client’s stuff.

10. Show Off Summer-Specific Features

Selling a home with central air? A shaded yard? New windows that block UV?

Highlight it!

Make signage for open houses that reads:

• “New Energy-Efficient A/C (2025)”

• “Sunset Views from the Deck”

• “Stay Cool with Updated Insulation”

These are selling points buyers may miss without a nudge. Make it easy for them to fall in love and feel good about it.

When done right, summer staging sells more than a house—it sells the dream of summer living.

You’re not just arranging furniture. You’re creating scenes where buyers imagine hosting Sunday brunch, sipping iced tea on the porch, and finally getting that hammock they've been eyeing.

Help them feel it. And they’ll want to buy it.