Should I fix up my house before contacting a real estate agent?

Ben, you do not need to contact a real estate agent prior to getting your home ready, but it could not hurt. A good start would be to focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, neutral repainting, and making minor repairs that will improve the overall perception of the property. Exterior enhancements are also beneficial such as landscaping, lighting and exterior painting if necessary. Remember, you want the buyers to stop in their tracks when they pull up or drive by. That positive shock value will result in a higher net number overall. Best of luck with the sale! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Talk to an agent first before you do anything. A good agent will walk through and tell you exactly what's worth fixing and what's not. You might think the bathroom needs a full remodel when really just fresh paint and new hardware would do the trick. Agents know your market and what buyers actually care about, so you won't waste money on stuff that doesn't move the needle. Austin's hot, so you might be able to sell as-is depending on your neighborhood and price point. But if small updates could get you $20K more, your agent will know. Interview a couple agents, get their take, then decide what to tackle. And skip the DIY if you're not handy. Bad DIY work actually hurts value more than leaving things alone.