Is your first week on market doing the heavy lifting for your sale? In Travis Heights, where buyers move quickly for the right home and lifestyle, a tight launch can shape price, pace, and negotiating power. You want clarity, speed, and a result that reflects your home’s true value. This 30-day plan gives you a simple, tactical schedule tuned to Travis Heights bungalows and modern infill so you can capture the most attention in week one. Let’s dive in.
Why a 30-day launch matters in Travis Heights
Travis Heights sits in South Austin near Lady Bird Lake, South Congress, and downtown. Buyers value walkability, outdoor access, and neighborhood character, so your debut must spotlight those strengths.
Homes range from early bungalows to newer infill and townhomes. That mix makes accurate pricing and presentation essential. Austin’s market has evolved since the 2020–2022 peak, and seasonality still plays a role, with spring often seeing more activity. Ask your agent to review the latest ACTRIS/MLS metrics and nearby comps so your pricing and timing reflect current conditions.
Week 0: Decide and line up pros
Lock the plan the moment you decide to list. Early scheduling avoids vendor delays.
- Select your listing agent, confirm commission, list date, and communication rhythm.
- Book vendors now: photographer, stager or staging consult, handyman, landscaper, deep cleaner. Expect 1–2 week lead times for top Austin pros.
- Request preliminary comps and a pricing roadmap from your agent.
- Gather documents: deed, survey, tax records, utilities, inspections, manuals, warranties.
Week 1: Repair, declutter, curb appeal
Your goal this week is to remove distractions and elevate first impressions. Prioritize safety and function before cosmetics.
- Walk the property with your agent and stager to set a ranked repairs list.
- Complete quick fixes: smoke detectors, leaky faucets, sticky locks, broken panes, HVAC filters, visible roof or gutter issues.
- Deep clean carpets, windows, kitchens, and baths; neutralize odors.
- Declutter 50–70 percent of visible items, especially counters and open shelves.
- Refresh landscaping: mow, edge, prune, power-wash hardscapes, and mulch beds. Add potted plants at the porch or entry.
- Paint touch-ups where needed; if time is tight, focus on the front door and trim.
Quick fixes that pay off
- Replace dim bulbs with daylight-balanced options for bright, consistent photos.
- Tighten hardware and adjust doors for smooth operation.
- Repair obvious trip hazards or loose railings.
Curb appeal for bungalows vs modern infill
- Bungalows: highlight porches and mature trees. Use warm, welcoming planters and layered textures at the entry.
- Modern infill: keep it crisp and minimalist. Consider fresh gravel or clean bark for drought-tolerant beds and streamlined lines.
Week 2: Deep staging and pre-media
Finish visible upgrades and complete staging so the home is photo-ready.
- Wrap remaining repairs and touch-up paint.
- Install staging. For occupied homes, the stager will advise on a staged declutter vs full staging.
- Confirm consistent lighting and working fixtures throughout.
- Add simple scene-setting: fresh greens, neutral linens, minimal art.
- Schedule media for late Week 2 or early Week 3, aligned with staging completion.
- If helpful, order targeted pre-list checks such as termite, crawlspace, or roof to reduce buyer friction.
Staging playbook: bungalow vs modern infill
- Bungalow: lean into character. Use scaled furnishings that show flow, spotlight wood floors and trim, and create an inviting porch seating area.
- Modern infill: keep lines clean with minimal accessories. Emphasize sightlines, natural light, and any terrace or rooftop spaces.
- If the budget is limited, prioritize the kitchen, primary bath, main living area, and outdoor zones.
Week 3: Media production and pre-marketing
Create all assets and finalize pricing once the home is media-ready.
- Professional photography of interiors and exteriors, plus twilight shots if outdoor lighting or patios shine at dusk.
- Drone imagery to show proximity to the lake, SoCo, and downtown, following FAA and local rules.
- A short video highlight and a 3D tour with a floor plan for clarity.
- Prepare MLS input, a property feature sheet, and a one-sheet on walkability and nearby parks.
- Draft listing copy that spotlights buyer benefits, such as restored charm or modern finishes and outdoor living.
- Finalize list price with your agent using current comps and the home’s polished condition.
- Plan a broker open and line up any early showings for qualified buyers.
Media checklist for Travis Heights homes
- Interior shots that show room flow without distortion.
- Exterior angles that capture street presence and outdoor areas.
- Twilight photos when patios or lighting add drama.
- Video highlight plus 3D tour and floor plan for modern buyers.
- Correct metadata: accurate room counts, square footage source, and recent upgrades.
Week 4: Launch for maximum momentum
Go live when buyers are looking so your first weekend is busy. Many sellers prefer a Thursday or Friday launch.
- MLS go-live early in the week to capture weekend searches.
- Host a mid-week broker preview with printed or digital feature sheets.
- Schedule one to two open houses within the first 7–10 days on market.
- Run targeted social ads to highlight lifestyle and central location.
- Email the listing to your agent’s database and co-broker network.
- Track showings and feedback closely in the first 72 hours.
Showings and early offers
- Decide on lockbox vs agent-assisted showings based on your comfort.
- Set a clear offer review timeline if multiple offers are likely, for example a review after the first 72 hours.
- Prepare a negotiation strategy that weighs price and terms.
Pricing strategy that fits your goals
You can lead with momentum or with patience. Your agent will help match the approach to demand and your priorities.
- Aggressive list near or slightly under market to spark multiple offers in week one.
- Market-value or measured aspirational list with set checkpoints for adjustments.
- Evaluate more than price: closing timeline, inspection terms, earnest money, and any appraisal gap solutions. Focus on net proceeds and risk tolerance.
Marketing mix that moves buyers
A compact, high-impact mix keeps your message consistent across channels.
- MLS with standout photos, video, 3D tour, and floor plan.
- Broker preview and direct agent outreach.
- First-weekend open houses.
- Targeted social ads focused on lifestyle and proximity to SoCo and Lady Bird Lake.
- Email campaigns to buyer and agent databases, and relevant community channels that allow listing posts.
- Professional signage for curb appeal and quick lead capture.
Operations and safety during showings
Make it easy for buyers to see themselves living here while protecting your privacy.
- Decide on showing access and keep a simple showing binder on-site with disclosures, utilities, manuals, and neighborhood info.
- Use a quick pre-show checklist: all lights on, blinds adjusted, beds made, counters cleared, and scents neutral.
- Remove or secure valuables during high-traffic periods and plan for agent presence at open houses.
Metrics to watch in the first 14 days
Data keeps you agile. Track these signals and adjust early if needed.
- Showings per week and online views, saves, and clicks.
- Inquiries and any pre-inspections.
- Offers and the offer-to-showing ratio.
- Feedback themes from agents and buyers.
- Days on market compared to nearby listings.
Decision triggers:
- Low online engagement and few showings in seven days: refresh photos, tighten copy, or increase ad spend.
- Many showings but no offers: assess pricing or condition.
- Fast offers: compare more than price and move quickly on the best overall terms.
Local logistics, permits, and disclosures
Check for any historic or conservation overlays and confirm permit needs before exterior changes or major work. Small repairs usually do not require permits, but structural and system work often does. Texas sellers typically complete a property condition disclosure. Consider a pre-list inspection to reduce surprises and streamline negotiations, understanding that findings may lead to targeted repairs.
Your next step
A precise plan amplifies your home’s strengths and your negotiating position. If you want a polished, checklist-driven launch with cinematic marketing and disciplined execution, partner with an advisor who does this every day. To tailor this 30-day plan to your bungalow or modern infill in Travis Heights, connect with Meryl Hawk.
FAQs
What should a Travis Heights seller prioritize in the first week before listing?
- Focus on safety and function repairs, deep cleaning, decluttering 50–70 percent of items, and a curb appeal refresh so the home photographs and shows well.
How is staging different for a Travis Heights bungalow versus modern infill?
- Bungalows benefit from warm, scaled furnishings that highlight original details and porches, while modern infill calls for clean lines, minimal accessories, and emphasis on light and sightlines.
When is the best day to go live on the MLS for a Travis Heights home?
- Many sellers choose Thursday or Friday to capture weekend traffic, but your agent should time the launch based on current local patterns and buyer behavior.
Should I get a pre-list inspection in Texas before selling my home?
- A targeted pre-list inspection can reduce buyer friction and speed negotiations, but weigh potential repair findings with your agent’s advice before proceeding.
What metrics tell me my Travis Heights listing launch is working?
- In the first 14 days, track showings, online views and saves, inquiries, feedback themes, offers, and days on market compared with nearby listings, then adjust if needed.