How to Stage and Sell Listings Faster This Summer

By Katie Taylor & James Goodman

With a combined 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Katie and James lead the Goodman Taylor Team, one of the top-performing teams in the Greater Phoenix area.

Want your listings to sell faster this summer? Buyers aren’t just shopping for a house—they’re craving a lifestyle. The difference between ‘just another listing’ and a must-have home is simple: Strategic summer staging and showing that makes buyers not just appreciate the home, but actually envision themselves living there.

Picture this: A backyard set for sunset gatherings with string lights glowing, a kitchen flooded with natural light, and every room cool, crisp, and clutter-free. Now, imagine buyers walking in, lemonade in hand, already mentally moving in. These six hot-weather staging and showing hacks don’t just showcase a property—they sell the dream of summer living. Ready to turn your listings into the ones buyers can’t resist? Here’s the same 6-step formula we use to help listings stand out and sell faster:

1. Stage for a summer lifestyle. Buyers don’t just want a house, they want to feel at home. In the summer, that means showcasing how the property accommodates outdoor living and warm-weather fun. Set up patio furniture to create a space for gatherings and relaxation. Add string lights, clean up grills or fire pits, and place a fresh pitcher of lemonade on the table. Every detail should help buyers picture themselves enjoying summer in that home.

2. Maximize natural light. Light makes rooms feel bigger and more welcoming. Open blinds, clean the windows, and remove heavy curtains or furniture that blocks sunlight. Use mirrors to bounce light and schedule showings during peak daylight hours. Bright homes sell because they feel more open and alive.

3. Keep it cool and comfortable. Buyers won’t stay long in a warm, stuffy house. Turn on the A/C an hour before showings. Offer chilled water at the door and use light seasonal scents like lemon or mint. A cool, calm space makes buyers linger—and that’s when they start to connect.

4. Declutter and de-personalize. Clear out oversized furniture, personal photos, and heavy decor. Use light linens, simple accents, and clean surfaces to help the home feel fresh and airy. Less visual clutter helps buyers picture their own lives in the space.

5. Boost curb appeal. First impressions start in the driveway. Make sure the lawn is freshly cut. Trim bushes, clean up walkways, and power wash where needed. You can add a colorful wreath to the front door or set out potted flowers by the steps. Make the entryway clean and inviting. Buyers often form opinions before they even step inside.

6. Use summer perks in your marketing. Highlight outdoor features in your photos and videos—shade trees, patios, pools, or nearby parks. Write listing descriptions that sell the lifestyle: summer cookouts, quiet mornings, or evenings under the lights. Buyers want to feel something, not just read stats.

If you’d like to walk through this formula together and apply it to your own listings, we’d be happy to help. Call or email us to schedule a consultation. Let’s make this your strongest season yet.