If you are considering selling your home in the spring, here are some tips for you to consider. Start now by “spring” cleaning in the winter. Now is a great time to clean out closets, attics and going through all the stuff you have accumulated while living in your current home. By doing this it will give your home the appearance of ample storage and rooms will appear larger. In addition you will get the bonus of having to move less.
Get estimates on those minor or major repairs you have been putting off. Contractors are not as busy this time of year and it is much easier to beat the rush and get on their schedules now. Have you heating and air conditioning units serviced. This is often an item that will show up on an inspection report. If you are not sure what type of deferred maintenance you are dealing with you might consider getting your home pre-inspected. The inspector will give you a detailed report of those items that are not to code or in need of repair.
If you live in the City of Austin and your home is more than 10 years of age, you will most likely need to get an energy audit performed. This audit is required to be disclosed to buyers prior to closing. There are some exemptions related this audit and you can find out what the exemptions are on the Austin Energy website.
The main advice is get ahead of the curve now. Many of the projects will seem overwhelming when dealt with all at once and I often see sellers compromise on doing some or all of them because they get anxious to sell now. This ultimately is not in the seller’s best interest as buyers will have the impression that the home was not well cared for instead of a home that is move-in ready.
