re: What steps do I need to take to get my back yard lawn perfect?

Best thing I can tell you is to cut it higher. it helps make the grass more healthy. I cut my grass at my old house on level 5 of 6. grass stayed thick and green almost all year until cooler weather and it came back with less weeds as well. FWIW my lawn was centipede though. keep fertilizing and weed prevention as well. lawn will be more full and green if cut at a higher level.