As I work with sellers preparing their houses to sell, the biggest disappointment I hear from them in the preparation is “Why didn’t we do this sooner?” It is hard to keep up with all the upgrades and things you think you might someday want to do to your house, but there is no time like the present to make those little things happen that will truly make you glad you did, even if you aren’t thinking of moving any time soon!
A quick and easy fix is having your windows checked out, and replacing the fogged windows. You wouldn’t think it makes a difference but my neighbor did it a few years back with cathedral windows high in her house, and she said she had forgotten how much she loves looking out at the clouds passing by during the day or the stars at night now that she has a clear window to look through again. Even if you don’t need to replace any windows, it is a good idea to schedule window cleaners once or twice a year to see clearly out of your windows. I usually map out a plan to have our windows cleaned around a holiday that we will have lots of family visiting. It makes your house feel sparkling clean just having that one big chore done.
Another consideration, especially since we are in the spring season, is to work out a landscaping plan for your yard. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan or task, but something that could be a weekend project that any time you drive into your driveway you are glad to be home and welcomed by a nice-looking yard. A little curb appeal goes a long way!
One option that might not sound fun, because you can’t necessarily see the results, is having an energy audit done on your house and considering the upgrades suggested from the audit to enhance your “green” space and perhaps get rebates from the City of Austin for making the changes to make your house more energy-efficient.
The front door is usually the first thing people see when entering your home. If your front door is drab, dated, or downright unwelcoming, you can change its look and re-energize the soul of the space with a few simple but artful changes. Paint, hardware, and decor can be combined to give you limitless options for your own front door makeover.
Another thing to consider doing while you still live in your house and want to enjoy it is updating the flooring. Perhaps make the house one solid flooring instead of a patchwork of different floors that you don’t like. While you are at it, you can redo the baseboards, which instantly gives your house an updated, consistent feel. Or, if you like your current flooring, it helps to have them deep cleaned or hardwoods polished to make it feel like new again.
Bigger projects to tackle are remodeling. Kitchens and bathrooms are the big-ticket items, and worth considering if you are thinking down the line you want to sell your house. There are smaller things you can do to update your kitchen and bathrooms. Just switching out the drawer and cabinet pulls can make a visual difference that makes you happier to be in those spaces. Along those lines, switch plate covers, or air conditioning grates throughout your house can be replaced easily, and make the place look updated.
Spring is a season of refreshing what is old and making it new again. Your house is the biggest investment you have to call your own, so pride in ownership shows when you take care of the little things to make your house shine!
