Spring is the Season of Rebirth in the Hill Country

Austin is famous for pulling out all the stops in the springtime. The green hills dressed with bluebonnets are a requisite backdrop for family photos, but there’s so much more. The pink, yellow, and orange wildflowers decorate our entire metro area with carpets of color. With everything outdoors fresh and new, it’s a great time to take a good look at your indoor space.

Spring cleaning may be a stereotype, but there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and tackle the inside of your home. The cold weather (where all we want is our fireplace!) is in our rearview mirror and the late summer heat hasn’t arrived. It’s the perfect season to open those windows, let in the fresh Texas breeze, and get to it!

What’s the best way to tackle a spring cleaning project? Instead of being overwhelmed by the thought, take it room by room. What’s needed in an office is different from how you’ll approach your kitchen. Think about what got neglected over the cold winter months and make a checklist for each room. Dry cleaning draperies and large bedding can freshen a bedroom quickly and easily. If you have carpet, now is the time for a good cleaning to brighten and freshen those rooms, as well.

It’s a great time to declutter, as well. Pack away your winter clothes into nice underbed or closet boxes. They’ll be ready to pull out when the weather gets cold but leave space for your spring wardrobe. Donating clothes that no longer fit the kids or toys they no longer play with can open up areas in no time. Take down any seasonal items or decór that you’ll want later in the year and freshen your spaces with houseplants or brightly colored pillows.

And don’t forget the garage or the basement. These catch-all spaces need some spring cleaning love, too!

Look for eco-friendly cleaning products that won’t harm your family, your pets, or the environment. Toss any old cleaning products and streamline with new ones. There are numerous companies providing excellent products on a subscription basis. And you can always find Mrs. Meyers or Seventh Generation products at your local grocery store!

Of course, maybe you’re ready for a much bigger change: a new home entirely. The Austin market remains one of the hottest in the US.  As always, Intelligent Real Estate is here to help you find your dream home.

Spring is the season of rebirth and the Texas Hill Country abounds in its beauty. Whether you refresh your current home or purchase a new one, here’s to new beginnings!

About the Author

With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Anne-Marie is the quintessential partner. She couples rock-solid negotiation skills with deep empathy for her clients, and she brings that same commitment to partnering with her agents.


Anne-Marie recruits only the best agents—regardless where they are in their careers—building a family of realtors who truly showcase an intelligent approach to real estate. She offers each agent consistent mentoring and coaching with an eye toward continuous growth and improvement. “When you have values, you add value,” says John Wilson, IRE agent. “I see Anne-Marie as a true partner, and that’s definitely different from other brokerages.” 


Knowing that every agent and every deal deserves a customized approach, Anne-Marie provides professional, creative marketing strategies, tailored to meet the needs of each agent and opportunity. She is passionate about building a brokerage that genuinely meets the needs of both agents and clients.


Anne-Marie has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations from Louisiana State University. She maintains several real estate certifications, notably the CRS© (Certified Residential Specialist), a designation retained by the top 3% of realtors across the country, and the Million Dollar Guild-Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, recognizing her upper-tier expertise in the luxury ($1M and above) home market.


Family comes first with Anne-Marie. She and Craig have been married for 22 years, and together they are the proud parents of two busy daughters, Mary Hadley (16), and Emma Rose (13).