Summer is in full swing across the Twin Cities. The lakes are busy, backyard barbecues are underway, and families are making the most of the warm weather before another Minnesota winter arrives.

For many homeowners, July is also a planning month. Some are preparing to move before the school year begins, while others are investing time into maintaining and improving the home they already love.

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply enjoy your current home, summer is the ideal time to tackle maintenance projects, improve your home's value, and prepare for the busy back-to-school season.

🏡 Planning a Move Before Fall

For many families, July is one of the last opportunities to buy, sell, and move before the school year begins. If your goal is to be settled before late August, now is the time to have a plan in place.

Tips for Selling & Buying on a Tight Timeline

If You're Selling Your Current Home

✅ Meet with The Seck Group, Edina Realty as soon as possible to create a clear timeline.

✅ Complete small repairs, declutter, and stage your home before listing.

✅ Price your home strategically from day one to attract strong interest and avoid unnecessary price reductions.

✅ Schedule professional photography before your listing goes live.

✅ Recommend staging home for higher resale value

✅ Be flexible with showing availability to maximize buyer traffic.

If You're Buying Your Next Home

🏡 Get fully pre-approved before touring homes.

📋 Know your "must-haves" versus your "nice-to-haves."

✍️ Be prepared to write a competitive offer when the right home becomes available.

📦 Begin planning your move before closing to reduce stress.

🤝 Work with your lender and The Seck Group, Edina Realty to coordinate timelines if you're buying and selling at the same time.

Why Timing Matters

A typical closing takes approximately 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing.

Starting your search or preparing your home in July gives you the best chance to:

• Be settled before the first day of school

• Complete your move before fall schedules become busy

• Enjoy the remainder of summer in your new neighborhood

• Avoid the added stress of moving during the school year

Whether you're buying, selling, or doing both, planning can make the entire process smoother and more successful.

💡 Seller Insight

Summer Buyers Are Serious Buyers

Many buyers shopping in July have a deadline.

They're relocating for work, growing their families, downsizing, or hoping to move before school starts. They aren't simply browsing—they're ready to make decisions.

Homes creating the strongest activity continue to have a few things in common:

📌 Professionally photographed

📌 Decluttered and staged

📌 Strategically priced

📌 Marketed aggressively during the first week

📌 Move-in ready 

📌 Flexible showing availability

Today's buyers place tremendous value on homes that feel well maintained and require little work.

⏱ The First Weekend Still Matters

The first week your home is on the market remains the most important.

Homes that generate excitement early often receive:

• More showing activity

• Stronger offers

• Better negotiating leverage

• Increased online saves and shares

When homes miss that initial momentum:

• Buyers begin to question pricing

• Showings often decrease

• Price reductions become more likely

• Days on market often increase when buyers perceive they'll need to take on deferred maintenance, repairs, projects, or cleanup after closing.

Creating excitement during the first 7–10 days continues to be one of the best strategies for sellers.

🧠 What Buyers Are Prioritizing This Summer

Today's buyers continue looking for homes that feel easy to move into.

The most sought-after homes offer:

✅ Updated kitchens and bathrooms

✅ Outdoor entertaining spaces

✅ Home offices or flexible rooms

✅ Newer mechanical systems 

✅ Updated roof

✅ Bright, open living spaces

✅ Well-maintained landscaping

✅ Energy-efficient updates

✅ Functional storage

Affordability remains a consideration; buyers are placing greater value on homes that don't require immediate repairs after closing.

🛠 Summer Home Maintenance Guide

Summer is one of the best times to tackle preventative maintenance while the weather is warm and before Minnesota's fall and winter seasons arrive. Staying ahead of these projects can help protect your investment, improve your home's appearance, and prevent costly repairs down the road.

✔ Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles after spring storms. 

✔ Clean gutters and downspouts. 

✔ Seal cracks in your driveway, sidewalks, or patio. 

✔ Check exterior paint or siding for peeling or moisture damage. 

✔ Trim trees and shrubs away from your home. 

❄️ Keep Your Cooling System Running Efficiently 

Your air conditioner works hardest during July and August. 

• Replace HVAC filters every 1–3 months. 

• Schedule an annual A/C tune-up. 

• Clear debris around the outdoor condenser unit. 

🌿 Refresh Your Landscaping 

🌸 Add fresh mulch. 

🌼 Plant seasonal flowers. 

🌱 Repair bare spots in your lawn. 

✂️ Trim overgrown shrubs. 

🧹 Define landscape edges. 

Healthy landscaping instantly improves curb appeal and signals that a home has been well cared for. 

🪵 Inspect Outdoor Living Spaces 

✔ Power wash decks and patios. 

✔ Check decks for loose boards and railings. 

✔ Clean outdoor furniture. 

✔ Test exterior lighting. All light bulbs to match color of light illumination

✔ Replace worn cushions or umbrellas. 

🔧 Don't Forget the Small Things 

• Touch up chipped paint. 

• Replace burned-out light bulbs. 

• Repair torn window screens. 

• Tighten loose cabinet hardware. 

• Re-caulk tubs, showers, and windows. 

Why It Matters 

Routine maintenance protects one of your biggest investments. Homes that receive regular upkeep maintain stronger curb appeal, experience fewer costly repairs, and are better prepared whenever it's time to sell. 

🏡 Featured Summer Project 

Refresh Your Front Entry 

If you're looking for one weekend project that can make a noticeable impact, start with your front entrance. 

Your front door is one of the first things guests—and potential buyers—notice. 

High-Impact Improvements 

🚪 Paint or refinish your front door. 

💡 Replace outdated exterior lighting. 

🌿 Add potted flowers or planters. 

🧹 Pressure wash your front walkway and porch. 

📬 Replace worn house numbers or your mailbox. 

🚪 Add a fresh welcome mat.

Estimated Investment 

Most projects can be completed over a weekend for $100–$500. 

Why It Matters 

A welcoming front entry creates a strong first impression, improves curb appeal, and adds value without requiring a major renovation. 

🌞 Summer Lifestyle Trends 

One trend continues to stand out this summer: 

Buyers are shopping for a lifestyle—not just a home. 

They're asking questions like: 

🚴 Can we walk or bike to nearby trails? 

🌊 Is there lake access nearby? 

☕ Are there local coffee shops and restaurants? 

🏡 Is the backyard great for entertaining? 

🎾 Are there parks, pickleball courts, or community amenities nearby? 

🏞 Does this neighborhood fit the way we want to live? 

Lifestyle continues to influence buying decisions just as much as square footage.