Austin Make-Ready in 2026, What to Fix Before You Sell, and What to Skip

Austin Make-Ready in 2026, What to Fix Before You Sell, and What to Skip

Make-ready is not about perfection. It’s about removing doubt.

Buyers will forgive an older kitchen. They will not forgive a home that feels like a project they didn’t sign up for.

The “fix it” list, highest ROI friction removers

• Paint and patching, especially high-traffic walls and doors

• Lighting upgrades, simple swaps can transform the vibe

• Minor repairs, sticky doors, missing trim, loose faucets, cracked switch plates

• Landscaping clean-up, defined edges, trimmed trees, refreshed mulch

• Deep clean and odor reset, buyers decide with their nervous systems, not spreadsheets

The “skip it” list, common money pits

• Full remodels without a clear comp-supported payoff

• Ultra-specific design choices that narrow your buyer pool

• Overbuilding for the street, the neighborhood sets the ceiling

The “it depends” category

• Flooring

• Countertops

• Roof and systems
  These can be deal-makers or non-issues depending on price point, neighborhood norms, and current condition.

My rule

If it shows up in a buyer’s first 90 seconds, it matters more than you think.

If you want my exact make-ready priority list, in order, for your home and price point, reach out today and I will share a custom plan for your home!

With Love from ATX,

Khani Zulu Group