What Should You Expect When Selling Your Home This Summer?

Buyers are pickier than ever, so you need to prep, price, and present your home to maximize offers. Start by making small repairs, then depersonalize and deep clean.

By Chip Free

Chip Free is a seasoned real estate advisor with Lake Realty, a locally established firm in Lake Norman that his father founded over 30 years ago.

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The market has changed. Homes aren’t selling as quickly as last year, and buyers are taking their time. With more listings available, it’s not enough to simply put your home on the market and hope for the best. If your home isn’t prepared, it could sit longer than expected or face price reductions. The good news is that you can avoid that. With the right steps, you can still sell quickly and for a strong price. Here’s what I recommend for every seller who wants to stand out in today’s market:

1. Fix small problems before you list. Buyers are cautious right now. Higher interest rates have made them more careful with their money. They’re looking for homes that don’t need extra work. Minor repairs—like patching walls, fixing a loose handle, or replacing outdated light fixtures—can make a big difference. These details show that your home is move-in ready and reduce the risk of inspection delays later.

“With the right plan, you can still sell your home quickly and for a strong price.”

2. Make your home feel clean and open. You don’t need to invest in a full renovation. What matters most is that your home looks clean, well-cared-for, and easy to picture living in. Start by clearing clutter and putting away personal items. Keep the decor simple and neutral. Add light touches that make the space feel warm, like fresh towels or flowers. Buyers notice how a space makes them feel; a clean, calm home always makes a stronger impression.

3. Plan for kids and pets during showings. If you have children or pets, showing your home can be a little tricky. But it’s important to give buyers the best experience possible. Try to be out of the house during showings, and keep the space quiet and tidy. When buyers feel comfortable, they stay longer, often leading to better offers.

Selling your home this summer is still a great opportunity. But it takes the right plan. If you’d like help preparing your home and developing a strategy, reach out today. I’ll guide you through the steps that help your home stand out and sell with confidence.

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Client Testimonials

"Chip is by far the best agent I have ever worked with. I have bought 7 homes over my lifetime and Chip provided me and my wife with the best level of service. He was genuinely concerned more about our interests and satisfaction than he was with simply closing the deal. He provided advice when I wanted it, but also knew when to just give us time to consider our options. He went out of his way to ensure we were comfortable with our decisions before moving forward. Chip also continued to follow up long after the deal was done. I highly recommend him"

- Nathan M.

Chip doesn’t deserve 5 Stars, he deserves 10 Stars!!! He has helped us buy 2 homes and sell 3. All homes were sold in a matter of weeks and the process is painless from start to finish. His professionalism is definitely refreshing in this day and time! He does all the work if any issues arise… specifically when we were selling our home on Lake Norman, the original Septic Permit on file was only for (3) Bedrooms. Chip reached out to the Environmental Supervisor for Mecklenburg County Environmental Health and got us an approval letter for (5) bedrooms which was crucial for the sale of this property. I can’t say enough about Chip and the team at Lake Realty… stellar job and great family owned company!!! Thank You

- Thomas G.

We want to thank Chip Free for his help and guidance in selling our lake home. It was an excellent experience. We had difficulty with our dock permit and Chip went above and beyond to resolve the issues which meant countless hours, phone calls, emails, and visits on his end.He was professional and involved from the beginning of the process till the end. We could not have asked for a better experience.We have recommended him to friends which we believe is the best testimonial that we can give.

- Scott & Rhonda M.

Chip at Lake Realty helped us sell our house in 2021 and then again this year when we were looking to buy again. He knows what he’s doing, offers invaluable insight into the market, and works within your parameters to help you reach your goals! His responses to my endless questions are always quick and informative, and he goes above and beyond meeting up any time we saw something we wanted to tour. An added perk of working with Lake Realty is a moving truck they allow clients to use to pack up and go! We’ve used that a number of times and it has saved us a lot of money and headache. My husband and I have been more than pleased each time we've worked with Chip and will absolutely use him as our agent the next time we sell, not to mention pointing friends and family his way. if you're looking to buy or sell a property, look no further, Chip's your guy!

- Alyssa & Lee L.

"When looking for someone who knows Lake Norman and the surrounding area, look no further! Chip and his team helped me locate the right area to live on Lake Norman and guidance in selecting the homes that fit my needs. Negotiations on a $3.5m home could seem daunting, but Chip made it look easy. Very happy I chose Chip and his team as my realtors and highly recommend others to do the same if you want a smooth buying process!"

- Matt A.

What Should You Expect When Selling Your Home This Summer?

Buyers are pickier than ever, so you need to prep, price, and present your home to maximize offers. Start by making small repairs, then depersonalize and deep clean.

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Client Testimonials