It’s no secret that as the weather warms up, residents and out-of-state buyers alike flock to Austin, making spring the best time to sell a house. Sell your home faster (and for more!) this peak selling season by tackling this easy 10-point checklist.
- Think Tidy - Trim overgrown trees and shrubs, powerwash patios, decks, and sidewalks, and clean your gutters.
- Safety First - Replace batteries in your smoke detectors, clean your dryer filter, and inspect your chimney for blockages.
- Freshen Up - Touch up interior and exterior paint, recaulk or grout when necessary, and swap out any out-of-season decor.
- Stay High and Dry - Look under sinks and up at ceilings to ensure pipes have stayed in good condition, and consider calling a professional to give your roof a once-over.
- Keep it Cool - Repair window frame caulking and weather-stripping. Inspect the HVAC and change the air filters. Depending on the make & model of your AC unit, pour a cup of bleach in the access opening in the drain line to kill any algae, mold, or mildew that has formed in the pipe.
- Go Green - It’s time to fertilize your lawn and plant spring color. Don’t forget to mulch to ensure root protection and hydrate your plants.
- Don’t Bug Out - Check window screens for rips and scout for beehives, wasps, or hornets’ nests, spraying with the pesticide of your choice. Perhaps a home visit from a local exterminator is in order.
- Prep the Pool - Treat your water, check valves and filters, and inspect all equipment before welcoming friends and family back into your pool for the spring and summer.
- Avoid Disaster - Septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years, but maybe more often if you’ve ever poured grease down the drain or flushed paper products other than toilet paper. You may want to add biological additives to get good bacteria to break down the waste. Check for roots growing near the tank, and if you have a drain field diverter valve, make sure to turn it every six months to avoid clogs.
- Light it Up - Replace burnt bulbs inside and outside, clean overhead globes and ceiling fans, and check fuses and switches. Call an electrician if something doesn’t work correctly.
With just a little attention, you’re sure to get that much more for your home. Let us help you find the real estate advisor that can maximize the sale of your beautifully maintained home!
