Seven ways to get your home ready for the fall

Hot summer days can lull us into believing the warmth and lazy, long evenings will never end. But fall will soon be upon us. 

The next few weeks are a great time to prepare your home for this change of season and the winter that will follow.

If you’re one of many homeowners thinking of selling your property in the months ahead, you might consider doubling down on your preparations.

As your local real estate agent, I know the market is staying strong in our neighborhood and late summer and the fall will be fantastic times to move up the property ladder, or take the step to downsize.

Here are seven ideas to help you get your home in great order, ready to be put on the market or enjoy it more as the nights close in.

  1. Service your heating appliances – Now is the time to book a service for your HVAC system, furnace, or gas fire. Your reverse-cycle air-conditioning system will be working hard during the summer and will need a service. Ducted systems should be cleaned of dust, and all AC units must have their filters replaced. Book your service early, or you may have to wait in the queue.
  2. Do a deep clean – We’re all familiar with the phrase “spring clean”, but your property will have collected dust and dirt during the summer with doors and windows often open to let in the cooler evening breezes. Dust in your home can spark or worsen allergies. This is a good DIY project, but you should also consider a professional cleaner to do a first-class job on where dust really collects – carpets, upholstery and curtains.
  3. Wipe those windows – Dirt from summer rains will have collected on your windows, filtering the light that comes into your home. Clean them, and your home will feel lighter and brighter.
  4. Be a clutter-buster – There’s never a bad time to do a clean-out. Adopt the philosophy that everything in a room should have a purpose or make you happy. If they don’t, remove them. You can give these items to charity and friends, or sell them online. Busting clutter will create space and make your home feel larger.
  5. Add some color – Brighten your interior with new rugs, cushions and throw rugs for a fresh, color-coordinated look. This an inexpensive way to give your home – and your spirits – a little lift with minimal effort. If you’re more ambitious, consider painting a feature wall with a favorite color, or investigate the amazing wallpaper designs that are on the market right now.
  6. Go for greenery – Indoor plants will also add color and texture. They offer the health benefit of clearing the air of toxins. If you like this idea but are unsure of what to buy, seek advice from your local gardening store.
  7. Prepare your garden – Once fall is here, you should prune back trees and shrubs and re-mulch flowerbeds to retain moisture and protect them from snaps of cold weather. Aerate the lawn and then add fertiliser to keep it healthy. Leave the grass a little longer as this helps it stay strong during the grey and dark days.