8 Summer Homebuying Tips From Builders

Summer is hot, both for weather and buying a home, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with the process of buying a home before you jump into it.

Vice president of sales Susan Williams from HHHunt Homes is here to offer her insight on tips you can use to ensure you make the right call to beat the summer heat.

1. Be Prepared for Competition

• Summer is peak homebuying season. Families want to move before school starts, so expect more buyers.

• Get pre-approved and have your financing ready to act quickly on homes you like.

“Having the pre-approval already completed certainly enables a buyer to move forward quickly on their top choice home,” Williams said. “In the case of a pre-built new construction home, that could be the difference of them securing their first-choice home ahead of another buyer.”

2. Use the Heat to Your Advantage

• Visit homes during the hottest part of the day to check for:

  • AC performance and insulation.

  • Hot spots or poorly ventilated areas (especially attics or sunrooms).

  • Window sealing and effectiveness of sun-blocking features.

“In comparing building practices and materials used, as well as features offered, buyers will want to make note of both the products used in a new home (truss types, foundation type, etc.; HVAC system used; electrical and plumbing systems used) and ask questions to have a good understanding of the home’s warranty and the customer support team available after closing,“ Williams said.

3. Look Beyond Curb Appeal

• Summer landscaping can be lush but can eventually lead to issues like drainage problems or foundation cracks.

• Learn about the materials used to build the home, and how they fare in hot weather.

”The home could be beautiful from the street, but if it doesn’t have the spaces you need for daily life, then it will not fit your needs for long,” Williams said.

4. Check for Summer-Related Wear

• Roofs, decks, and driveways take a beating in the heat.

• Keep an eye on HVAC systems, since they’re likely to be in near-constant use in the summer.

5. Consider a Mid-to-Late Summer Purchase

• Early summer is busiest (and most expensive).

• By late July or August, competition may ease and sellers might lower prices if homes haven’t sold.

6. Plan Moving Logistics Early

• Movers and rental trucks book up fast in summer.

• Lock in services early, or consider moving on a weekday to save money and avoid the rush.

7. Inspect Outdoor Features Thoroughly

• Pools, sprinklers, patios, and outdoor kitchens are in full use.

• Test them now while you can:

  • Is the sprinkler system working?

  • Are patios level and safe?

  • Does the pool equipment run smoothly?

  • Some features will experience issues no matter how new they are, which is why inspections are important.

8. Watch for Seasonal Pests

• Termites, ants, and wasps are more active in summer.

• Request a pest inspection or pay close attention to signs of activity around the exterior.

Buying a home during any season has its quirks, but if you’re looking to lock down a new home this summer, look no further than this guide.

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