Most real estate experts would tell you that spring and early summer is peak season for buying or selling a home, and statistics show that they’re right. But that doesn’t mean that the rest of the summer is wasted time for people looking to buy or sell.

August, in particular, can be a productive month, as people are looking to move into better school districts, move before the less than desirable winter months come, and are more anxious to sell after months of unproductive showings.

So, if August is still prime time for real estate, how can you make the most of the month to ensure your new home dreams become a reality by the fall? Try some of these tips!

For Sellers

Beat the heat

Holding an open house in the heat of summer might sound like an uphill battle, but if you turn your home into an oasis from the scorching sun, buyers will be much more likely to pass through. Consider keeping your home even cooler than usual, and perhaps offer refreshments like lemonade, ice cold water, or even ice pops.

Spruce up the exterior

By August your lawn might start to look a little dull and brown from the heat of the summer—not ideal for showing the potential of your space. Try your best to keep the exterior of your home as presentable and green as possible to attract more buyers.

Fun in the sun

If you have particularly desirable areas of your home for summer (i.e. a spacious porch, pool or hot tub, a luxurious deck, etc.) make these features the highlight of your open house or listing. There’s no other time of year that these features will look more appealing, so you might as well show them off.

For Buyers

Wait for the right price

Since spring is technically real estate’s busy season, by late August sellers are really interested in making a deal. If you can hold off to find the best price for your ideal home, you’re bound to end up with a great offer.

Get ahead of the competition

You’ll likely be competing among a large pool of buyers in the summer, and that means you’ll need to be vigilant for the best deals, willing to compromise, and stay on top of the market. Things can change quickly in real estate, and, especially late in the summer, it’s important to keep an eye on changes in the market that could affect your purchase.

Walk the neighborhood

Take advantage of the nice weather and explore your prospective neighborhood. There’s no better way to get an idea of the types of neighbors you’ll have, special features, and quality of the area, than by walking around and exploring for yourself.