Recommended Repairs the Seller Should Make on Austin Homes for Sale:

If you want to get top dollar for your home, you probably need to make all minor repairs and selected major repairs before listing your property. Nearly all Austin homes for sale require an inspection clause, a buyer contingency that allows a buyer to back out if numerous defects are found or negotiate their repair.

The trick is not to overspend on pre-sale repairs, especially if there are few homes on the market but many buyers willing to buy at almost any price. On the other hand, making such repairs on your home may be the only way to sell your house in a down real estate market.

Effect of Neighbor Problems on the Value of Austin Homes for Sale:

While it may not reduce the actual real estate value, a cluttered landscape next door can detract from the positive aspects of a home for sale. Review your local laws, which should be on file at the public library, county law library or City Hall.

A typical "junk vehicle" ordinance, for example, requires any disabled car to either be enclosed or placed behind a fence. And most cities prohibit parking any vehicle on a city street too long.

It also may be worthwhile to check into local zoning ordinances. An operator of a Austin home-based business usually is required to obtain a variance or permanent zoning change in residential areas.

In addition, if a neighbor's repair work produces loud noises, he may be breaking local noise-control ordinances, which are enforced by the police department.

Before bringing in the authorities, you may want to make a copy of the pertinent ordinance and give it to your neighbor to give them a chance to correct the problem.

Resources:

• "Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries and Noise," Cora Jordan, Nolo Press, Berkeley, Calif.; 1991.