While spring is famously known for being the best time of year to sell your home, summer can be a close second, especially in today's market, which is seeing a healthy stream of buyers as home prices begin to moderate and listing inventory starts to tick up in many areas across the nation. If you're selling your home this summer, talk to your real estate agent about how you can help it stand out from the competition. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:

Keep it comfortable. On sizzling summer days, the last thing you want is for prospective buyers to be sweltering while touring your house—or freezing, for that matter. Make sure your AC is set to a comfortable and inviting temperature that will encourage shoppers to linger as long as they'd like. Even on summer days that are cooler than usual, still opt for AC in order to avoid allergens making their way inside through open windows.

Lighten things up. Take advantage of summer's abundant natural light by switching out heavy drapes for light-diffusing sheers. If your windows have blinds, make sure they are open before showings—and make sure your windows are sparkling clean. Take a lighter approach throughout your home, as well, replacing dark-colored or woolly textiles with light-colored versions, from pillows to towels to bed covers.

Maintain the yard. When showing your home during summer, it's more important than ever to keep up with yard maintenance since grass and weeds grow at a rapid pace in heat and humidity. Stick to a strict mowing and weeding schedule, and regularly cut back dead flowers and browning leaves. A healthy vegetable garden could be a real plus for green-thumbed buyers. If you have one, make sure it's weeded, watered and vibrant.

Stage your outdoor spaces. Take advantage of the season to show homebuyers what summer could be like in your home. Keep the patio table set with summery linens and unbreakable dinnerware, hang lanterns or string lights, and make outdoor furniture extra inviting with clean and colorful cushions and throw pillows. If you have a pool, dress it up with a fun floatie, and arrange crisp umbrellas and lounge chairs along the perimeter. Throughout your outdoor space, strategically place attractive planters brimming with colorful annuals. Help buyers see how they can extend your home's living space to the outdoors.

These simple steps will help prospective buyers envision spending many a happy summer in your home, which could help sway their decision in your home's favor.