Selling your home in the heart of summer can be one of the best decisions you make—especially in a competitive market like St. Louis. With families looking to move before the school year starts and longer daylight hours for showings, summer gives sellers a golden opportunity. But to stand out and secure a quick sale, preparation is key.
Here’s how to get your St. Louis home sale-ready this summer, from boosting curb appeal to staging like a pro—and even which local experts can help you do it.
1. Boost Your Curb Appeal – First Impressions Matter
In neighborhoods like Kirkwood, where tree-lined streets and historic charm are the norm, buyers show up with high expectations. Your exterior needs to make them stop and say wow—before they even walk through the door.
Quick Tips:
- Freshen Up Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and plant colorful annuals like petunias or zinnias.
- Clean & Paint the Front Door: A fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color can make a big difference.
- Update Outdoor Lighting: Replace dated fixtures and add solar path lights to highlight walkways.
- Power Wash Everything: Siding, porches, driveways, and decks should all be spotless.
- Touch Up Trim and Porches: Many homes in Webster Groves have beautiful woodwork—give it a fresh coat of paint or stain.
2. Stage to Sell – Without Losing the “Charm”
One thing buyers love about homes in this area? Character. From original hardwoods to stained glass windows, it’s what makes Webster Groves and Kirkwood so unique. But character needs to shine without clutter.
Staging helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in your space. The goal is a clean, light, and welcoming environment.
Staging Checklist:
- Declutter Ruthlessly: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes rooms feel cramped.
- Deep Clean Every Surface: Sparkling bathrooms and kitchens are non-negotiable.
- Use Light, Neutral Colors: Light grey, beige, or soft white walls open up spaces.
- Highlight Natural Light: Clean windows and pull back curtains during showings.
Summer-Specific Tip → Add pops of seasonal color with fresh flowers or fruit bowls in the kitchen. Consider light linens and airy drapes to create a breezy, cool vibe.
3. Make Small Repairs – They Matter More Than You Think
In historic neighborhoods, buyers are already on the lookout for potential repair costs. So your goal is to take care of the little stuff before it shows up on an inspection report.
Common Fixes in Older Homes:
- Sticky doors or windows
- Outdated light fixtures or missing cabinet hardware
- Wall cracks or plaster imperfections
4. Price It Right – List It Strategically
Even the best-looking home won’t sell fast if it’s overpriced. Families want to be moved in before school starts, and homes that are clean, move-in ready, and priced right can go under contract in days.
Partner with our team of local real estate experts who not only understand the St. Louis market inside and out—but also live right here in the neighborhoods we serve.
Bonus Tip → Early summer is prime time. Aim to list your home between late May and mid-June to take advantage of peak buyer activity.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home in Kirkwood or Webster Groves isn’t about generic curb appeal or cookie-cutter staging—it’s about leaning into what makes your property special, while making it easy for someone else to picture their life there.
