Summer is a golden window for selling homes, but it comes with one persistent challenge: heat. Buyers may be out in greater numbers, but they’re also less patient when they walk into a sweltering space. Comfort becomes part of the first impression! Hosting a successful open house in July isn’t about pretending the heat doesn’t exist. It’s about creating a cool, calm experience that helps buyers envision themselves happily living there, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
1. Time It Right
Timing is your first and easiest advantage. While weekends are still the go-to for open houses, avoid scheduling during the peak heat hours between noon and 3pm. Instead, opt for early morning showings between 9–11 AM or consider an evening event from 4–7 PM. These cooler windows not only make the experience more physically comfortable, but they also allow for better lighting and more relaxed, engaged visitors. Depending on your comfort, twilight tours can be particularly appealing, giving buyers a glimpse of how the home looks as the sun sets…cool, ambient, and inviting.
2. Cool Without Over-Chilling
There’s a fine line between refreshing and uncomfortable. If your listing has central air conditioning, set it slightly cooler than usual (around 71–72°F) to create an instantly noticeable but not jarring contrast from outside. If the home doesn’t have central AC, you’ll need to get creative with portable fans and open windows. Strategically placed tower fans can keep air circulating without being visually distracting. Box fans behind furniture or out of sight can do wonders for airflow. The goal isn’t to simulate a wind tunnel but to create a space that feels breathable and temperate.
Here are a few simple cooling tricks:
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Use ceiling fans to draw warm air up and away from guests.
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Close curtains in rooms facing direct sunlight to keep heat out.
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If windows are open, create cross-ventilation by opening doors on opposite sides of the home.
3. Offer Seasonal, Thoughtful Refreshments
Food and drink aren’t just about hospitality, they’re part of the sensory experience that helps potential buyers feel welcome and at ease. Instead of heavy snacks or cookies that crumble in the heat, offer clean, cool refreshments like:
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Infused water (try lemon-cucumber or strawberry-basil)
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Sparkling water or iced green tea
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Frozen grapes, watermelon slices, or chilled berries in individual cups
Use a small side table or a bar cart near the kitchen to display these items attractively. Clear signage like “Help Yourself” or “Stay Cool with a Refreshment” adds a friendly, unintrusive touch. If the buyers feel taken care of, they’re more likely to linger (and connect emotionally with the space!).
4. Light and Shade: Find the Balance
Natural light sells homes, but harsh summer light can also heat rooms quickly and cause glare. During your open house, filter direct sunlight using sheer curtains, linen drapes, or woven blinds. This lets in just enough brightness to keep the space looking fresh while avoiding the harshness of midday sun. In rooms with west-facing windows, make adjustments in advance. These spaces can heat up quickly and may need the AC adjusted slightly or a fan positioned nearby to keep them comfortable.
Highlight cool, shaded areas in the home or backyard, especially if you’re marketing features like a patio, deck, or garden. A shady pergola or tree-lined backyard becomes a premium feature in July – don’t just let buyers see it, help them feel it.
5. Set the Mood with Scents and Sound
Scents trigger memory and emotion more than almost any other sensory input, so use this to your advantage. Instead of overpowering sprays or candles, go for subtle, clean-smelling essential oils in a diffuser. A few great summer options:
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Lemon or orange (bright and energizing)
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Mint or eucalyptus (cool and fresh)
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Lavender (relaxing and neutral)
Pair that with soft background music – think mellow acoustic, light jazz, or lo-fi instrumental – to add atmosphere without distracting from the tour. Keep the volume low, and choose tracks without vocals to avoid clashing with conversations. The effect should be seamless and calming.
6. Crowd Control Is Comfort Control
Hot, crowded spaces can make buyers feel like they need to leave rather than linger. If you anticipate a large turnout, consider staggering your open house with pre-scheduled walk-through windows or capping the number of people inside at once. Not only does this help regulate temperature, but it also gives visitors the breathing room to explore the property at their own pace. Each guest should be able to move comfortably, imagine their furniture in place, and not feel like they’re in competition with the couple behind them.
7. Sell the Summer Lifestyle, Not Just the Structure
This time of year, buyers aren’t just looking for square footage; they’re imagining what life looks like right now. Highlight how the home works in summer. Talk about shaded walking paths nearby, farmers markets down the street, or proximity to a lake or public pool. If the backyard has space for a grill or fire pit, stage it to suggest summer barbecues or evenings with friends.
Even small touches like a towel basket near the pool, a pitcher of tea on the patio, or a hammock set up under a tree can suggest comfort and possibility. Don’t just sell the home…sell the summer they could be having in it.
A successful summer open house isn’t just about showing a property. It’s about showing buyers they can thrive there, even when it’s 95 degrees! Keep your space cool, your details thoughtful, and your presentation seasonal. When buyers walk out feeling refreshed and inspired, you’ve done more than show a house. You’ve sold a feeling they cannot live without.
One note: Of course all these points become moot without the precisely right agent. Contact KlopasStratton to handle the important details!
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Catch us back here bi-weekly as we bring you curated and Chicago-based real estate content (with a life coach’s twist). Next up: Not sure whether to buy now or wait ‘til fall? Start here: Cooler Closings, Hotter Wins: Why Summer Is the Sweet Spot
