How to Prepare Your Home for the Summertime in Greenwich, CT
Whether you’re selling or staying, I have a simple checklist to get your home ready for the season.
As a realtor, homeowner, and mom in Greenwich, I know firsthand the importance of getting your home ready for the summertime. When you’re not vacationing or exploring all that Greenwich has to offer, you’ll want to make sure that your home is comfortable and inviting for your family and guests.
Or, if you’re looking to sell your home this year, getting it prepped and ready for the season is a major plus for potential buyers.
In today’s blog, I’ll be going over my checklist for how to prepare your home for the summer season in Greenwich, CT:
Maintain your lawn and outdoor areas
Inspect your windows, doors, & roof
Update your home’s decor
Maintain your lawn and outdoor areas
Greenwich summers are ideal for spending time outdoors, so creating and maintaining a welcoming outdoor space is crucial for enjoying the coming months. Not to mention, your home’s curb appeal is a huge factor in how long it lasts on the market.
Your backyard will be a central location for the summer, especially if you have kids. So, why not make some upgrades? Keep reading for some ideas to get the most out of your backyard this summer:
Set up outdoor seating areas
Add outdoor lighting
Plant a flower & herb garden
Repaint your home’s exterior
Set Up Outdoor Seating Areas
Set up outdoor seating areas with comfortable chairs and tables. This is a great opportunity to add some personal flair to your backyard. My personal favorites include chairs with a woven element – it adds the right amount of coastal design without going overboard.
Add Outdoor Lighting
If you plan on hosting any afternoon barbecues, I’d recommend investing in outdoor lighting to create a warm and inviting vibe as the sun goes down. You can incorporate either string lights or pathway lights, depending on which area you want to emphasize in your backyard.
Planting a flower & herb garden
Planting colorful flowers and herbs adds some life and vibrancy to your outdoor space, as well as providing fresh ingredients for the kitchen. Last year, I started working on my outdoor garden, and I’m so excited to continue it this year – considering getting the kids involved, too!
In the coming months, I plan on adding in some new herbs to the garden. Here’s what I’ve read are the best plants to grow, for functionality, wellness and appearance:
Mint – for summer cocktails (hello, mojitos!)
Ginger – for the overall health benefits
Cilantro – to add a flair to our Taco Tuesday menu
Lavender – to spruce up our home’s interior
Tip: Make sure to grow your mint in its own container, or it’ll spread all over your garden!
Of course, getting a little help from a local business is always a good idea, especially from one of my trusted landscapers:
Repaint Your Home’s Exterior
In a similar fashion to updating your wardrobe for the summer season, your home’s exterior could use a refresh as well! You should paint your house exterior every 4 to 10 years. Painted wood surfaces last anywhere from 4 to 8 years, while brick and stucco can last 6 to 11 years.
Here are some of my favorite classic Sherwin Williams paint colors for your home, that will maintain its curb appeal for years to come:
Alabaster: Warmer off-white color, with beige undertones
Poolhouse: Medium light blue, that pairs perfectly with a white trim
Worldly Gray: Has a low reflectance value, which means that it’ll look great on exteriors with plenty of light
Inspect Your Windows, Door, and Roof
When preparing for the summer, it's also important to inspect your windows, doors, and roof for any leaks or drafts. Summer in Greenwich can bring heavy rain and wind, so it's important to have your roof inspected before the season starts.
Not only can air leaks cause your energy bill to skyrocket, but they can also deter buyers from putting in an offer on your home. Most potential buyers would prefer to see a home that is in great condition, as opposed to one that needs many maintenance repairs!
If you’re interested in having a professional take a look at your home for any potential damages, contact me for a list of trusted professionals in the CT area.
Update your Home’s Decor
Summer is the perfect time to revamp your home’s decor! Adding in bright and colorful accents to your living space creates a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere. Greenwich is full of local shops with unique accent decor – these are some of my favorites:
If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to brighten your home, I suggest swapping out any heavy curtains for light and airy ones to let in more natural light.
Interior design in Greenwich is at its best in the summertime. From the modern coastal interiors to the freshly-painted exteriors, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for how to turn your home into a getaway.
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or you’re currently a homeowner, preparing your home for the summertime is essential for an easy and relaxing summer season in Greenwich, CT.
Getting inspections, appraisals, and approval can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it on your own! I’ve been helping my clients with their real estate needs since 2017, and I’ve created a large network of industry professionals that you can rely on.
Reach out today for more information!