Some real estate experts advise home sellers to take a break from selling their house during the summer heat.

• To increase foot traffic in open houses during the summer, home sellers may need to get creative and beat the heat.
• During heatwaves accompanied by humidity, individuals typically remain indoors in air conditioning, according to Kristin Sanchez, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Nashville, Tennessee.

To increase foot traffic during open houses, summer home sellers may need to get creative and beat the heat.

Redfin reports that pending home sales have decreased by 5.6% from the previous year, which is the largest decline in eight months. While prospective buyers may be waiting for potential Fed rate cuts to purchase homes, extreme heat in certain regions is also contributing to the slow demand.

During heatwaves accompanied by humidity, individuals typically remain indoors in air conditioning, according to Kristin Sanchez, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Open houses during the morning, virtual showings

Experts advise that sellers need to be more flexible when selling a home during summer, particularly during extreme heat.

Sanchez stated that he has been experiencing success with conducting his open houses in the morning, prior to the onset of the day's heat.

Terry Mainord, owner and founder of Terry Mainord Design, a staging company in Brooklyn, New York, stated that sometimes window air conditioning units or ceiling fans are removed for design purposes or to make the space look more appealing.

Handheld fans or refreshments can aid buyers in staying cool, as Mainord stated.

Real estate agents have increasingly utilized virtual viewings and walk-throughs as a resource, particularly for buyers relocating from different cities or states, according to Mainord.

Using these tools can aid local buyers in gaining a clearer understanding of the property without having to physically visit it during hot weather.

"Selling has become easier for brokers with the use of virtual showings as a tool," said Mainord.

Make sure the HVAC system is serviced

Ensure that your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is functioning properly if you plan to sell it during the summer. Buyers visiting your home during hot weather may notice issues such as weak airflow, humidity, leaks, or warm air if the system is not working well.

Sanchez stated that it is important to ensure that HVAC systems or units are being serviced, maintained, and functioning properly.

It's better to address the system's status before a home inspection to ensure the house feels comfortable and buyers can tell things are working properly.

The cost of fixing or replacing a home's HVAC system can vary greatly, with bills ranging from $100 to $3,000, depending on factors such as the cost of specific parts, according to Angi, a platform for home repair and contractor services.

Ashton Lawrence, director and senior wealth advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina, stated that HVAC systems can be very costly.

To determine which HVAC system to replace, a homeowner must conduct a thorough analysis by comparing the immediate tax impact and savings or the potential increase in the home's market value.

You may still be eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit even if you plan to sell your home in the future, according to Tommy Lucas, a certified financial planner at Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, LLC in Orlando, Florida. The tax credit applies to specific types of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment. Be sure to research any state or local incentives you may be eligible for.

Keeping track of all home improvements, installations, costs, and dates is crucial for determining the profit from a sale and any capital gains tax incurred.