Prepare Your Home to Sell

Realtors are often asked what a seller needs to do to their home to get it ready for the market. The first question is if they have kept up with the maintenance of their home. There are schedules for routine maintenance that many homeowners do not address. Changing air conditioner filters monthly is a small task that can save money in the long run. Clogged filters decrease the efficiency and can cause a breakdown. Most heating and air conditioning units will last for 15 years if they have been properly maintained. Water heaters, furnaces, roofs and other key components of a home should be replaced before they fail. Water heaters should be drained once a year to remove sediment. This will prolong the life of the water heater. Circuits should be checked by flipping the circuit breakers off and back on. If a circuit keeps shutting off with normal household use, an electrician should be called. It could indicate a short in the wiring inside the walls. Be on the lookout for small leaks by checking for water stains. Fixing a small problem can prevent big water damage ones if left alone. Checking outside of the home for water leaks is also wise. Check the flashing between roofs and chimneys and around doors and windows. Keep gutters cleared of debris so they function properly. Whenever water gets inside a home there is a potential for mold to grow. Look at the chimney for signs of loose mortar. Make sure the chimney cap has not blown off because a family of chimney sweeps may decide to move in. Repair any loose bricks, cracked stucco loose shingles or dangling gutters. Painting the exterior of a home should be done every 5 to 10 years. Walk around the outside of the house and check for cracks in the foundation that could let in water, or even worse, a varmint. Look for signs of settling. If in doubt, call a professional to examine it for you. Some sellers will pay an inspector to pre-inspect the home to catch any potential problems and have them fixed before putting the house on the market. The interior also needs to be freshened regularly. Realtors usually tell their sellers to keep the color palate neutral to accommodate a variety of furnishing colors and styles. Carpet should be regularly cleaned and replaced if it is worn and faded.. Homes with fresh paint and carpet sell much quicker and for more money than a home that needs updating. Kitchens are a primary focus for most buyers. Updating the appliances would be a wise investment. Keep the landscaping fresh. Trim back large shrubs and mulch the beds. Keep the lawn clipped and edged. De-clutter the garage and remove unused items by donating them or tossing them out. A home that is clutter free appears to be loved. Buying a home is an emotional decision, so a wise seller will do whatever is needed to create a homey feel.

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By: Curtis Reddehase

Austin real estate seems to be doing relatively well in today’s market. Great Hills is situated so that one can enjoy what Austin has to offer in the way of sites and entertainment.

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