Maximizing Your Home's Selling Potential in Austin's 2024 Real Estate Market
Whether you've moved twice or twenty times, some aspects of selling a home in Austin, TX remain constant. At the top of my list as a realtor and one who has moved many times, the process always takes longer than planned. Today, I want to share my insights for those planning to sell and how to make your home stand out and be “home buyer ready” in the 2024 Austin real estate market.
Enhancing Your Home’s Curb Appeal for Selling
Front Yard – First Impressions: Twenty Seconds! No, we’re not talking about Fast and Furious. A seller has a third of a minute to make a positive first impression. “75% of all sellers spend $500 to $5000 in upgrades and repairs before listing,” according to the Academy of Staging and Redesign.
I tell my sellers, “Start with curb appeal – put your money, effort, and energy there first.”
Start with basic home improvements:
Weed the yard – ALL of it
Green up and mow the lawn
Prune the bushes and plant fresh flowers
Power wash driveways and sidewalks
Clean the gutters
Re-stain or repaint the front door
Remove cobwebs and wasp nests
Repaint or replace house numbers
Box the gnomes and pink flamingoes
To be frank, here is how a home purchaser thinks—“If they can’t take care of the front yard, I wonder what else they’ve neglected?” Need more? We’ve got an entire blog dedicated to the 5 crucial red flags to identify before purchasing a home.
Declutter – A.K.A. – more than pickin’ up the piles.
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The Art of Decluttering and Cleaning
Once the outside is in tip-top shape, it's time to focus on the interior. Home Buyers want to envision themselves in your space, not be distracted by your personal items like boujee beanie babies, collectable porcelain dolls, and other odd trinkets. The less they see “you” in your home—the more they will see “them” purchasing and making a home there.
Decluttering Home Checklist for a Selling:
Clean every surface, including dusty bedroom fans
Wash windows inside and out
Polish countertops and appliances
Steam clean carpets and rugs
Wipe down baseboards.
Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms
Remove countertop appliances (toaster, Air Fryer, blender)
Remove family photos, personal documents, game trophies, and firearms
Change batteries in smoke detectors, match light bulbs
Neutralize paint colors—white is best
Consider updates for added appeal, like changing light fixtures
Neutralizing Odors for a Welcoming Atmosphere
Sellers, unfortunately, have usually acclimated to the offensive odors within their house. The cigar fog from the $105 Cohibas in the Kansas City Chief’s locker room was the sweet smell of success. Not so much in your family room. Soiled carpets from kids, cat liter boxes, rodent cages and pet dander is an instant deterrent from prospective buyers. The solution? Get rid of the smell.
How to get rid of home smells for potential buyers:
Deep clean carpets and upholstery
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, then vacuum
Open windows and use fans for ventilation
Thoroughly clean all surfaces, including walls and cabinets
Wash curtains, linens, and washable fabrics
Replace old or musty air filters
Consider repainting walls
Use enzymatic cleaners for pet odors
Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods before showings
Use lightly scented candles, essential oils, or air fresheners
There's more to preparing your home for Austin's 2024 real estate market, like home staging tips that work, but everything here will provide a solid start. My job as a realtor is to position your home for success. If you're ready to sell or buy in this dynamic market, let’s connect and start your journey.