Our real estate agents often get asked for advice about getting a home ready for sale. Completing maintenance projects is on the top of the list. Spring is the busiest home buying season, so Atlanta homes for sale need to be ready for all the action!

You'll want your home to make a good impression on potential buyers, so getting all those home maintenance tasks completed is a must. Better weather, pleasant temperatures, and extra money from tax refunds make spring the perfect time to complete those projects. And fixing small problems before they become bigger ones will help keep your home in top condition all year long.

Outdoor maintenance

It's a good idea to start outside since potential buyers and anyone else passing by will see this area first.

• Trim trees and shrubs. This is easy and can make a big difference immediately.
• Landscaping. Improve that oh-so-important curb appeal. New flowers, shrubs, different colors or new design can really give the yard a facelift.
• Power washing. The outside of your home, siding, decks, patios, driveways and walks all need a good deep cleaning occasionally. You'll be amazed at the difference.
• Clean and repair gutters and downspouts. It helps prevent leaks and water damage to your home.
• Check the roof. Many homeowners opt to call a professional for this one. Look for missing or loose shingles, signs of water damage, and make repairs.
• A/C maintenance. Have an HVAC professional clean, check and service the air conditioning unit before cooling season starts. A little preventive maintenance can go a long way.
• Check for pest damage. Termites, other wood boring insects, and small animals can all do extensive damage. Call an exterminator if necessary.
• Make hardscape repairs. Features like walkways and retaining walls often don't need much maintenance, but check them and make any necessary repairs.
• Clean, paint, and seal deck or porch. When this task is neglected, it shows. The weather can take a real toll on these areas, so you'll want to make sure they look good.
• Exterior paint. Besides the deck or porch, other places may need to be painted too. The exterior of the house, trim, doors, fences, garages, or other wood structures are good places to start.

Indoor maintenance

• Paint. Nothing makes a bigger impact on a room. If you'll be selling soon, make sure you're repainting in a neutral color.
• Fix missing, loose, or malfunctioning hardware on doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers. This can be an easy fix and one that many people put off since it often isn't urgent. But buyers notice the little things, and you don't want them to start wondering what else you haven't fixed.
• Perform routine safety checks. HVAC systems, garage door openers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are all important. Anything that isn't functioning properly should be repaired or replaced.
• Plumbing repairs. If you've been putting off fixing a dripping faucet, slow drain, or running toilet, now's the time to get those minor repairs done.
• Change filters. HVAC, air purifiers, humidifier, and central vacuum systems are some examples. It can keep unpleasant odors from circulating throughout your home, something that's a big turn off for buyers.

Home maintenance is a great place to start when you're getting your home ready to sell. Even if you're not selling right away, keeping up with the maintenance means there will be less to do when the time comes. There are many wonderful and well-maintained homes in the Atlanta area, and Josey Young & Brady Realty can help you buy or sell. Contact us today to get started!