Most Important Things to Repair Before Selling a House
It’s easy to overlook the wear and tear that happens to your house over the years, but when you start thinking about selling, the state of your home becomes much clearer. You know there are things that need to be fixed and cleaned up, but with limited money and time, what should you prioritize?
Articles like this provide general advice on what works for most people. Ideally, you will have a real estate agent who can look at your home and give you targeted advice, but even if you are working with a Realtor, this information can help you start a conversation about possible home repairs.
Taking care of the most important things to repair before selling a house can put more money in your pocket! This is one of the primary reasons real estate agents recommend addressing certain issues before listing your home.
Repairs Worth Making Before You Sell
1. Paint
Paint is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to update your home before listing it. You don’t need to be a professional painter to make this work for you. Watch a few videos online, pick your colors, and start painting!
Lighter and neutral colors are preferred because they tend to appeal to most people. You don’t have to paint every room, just those that obviously need it. Rooms with dark, chipped, or dirty paint are the ones that will benefit the most.
2. Exterior
The exterior is the first thing buyers see, so you want it to look good. Replace missing fence boards, add sod if the yard is in poor condition, and clean up any junk that may have accumulated outside. Make sure the grass is mowed and weeds are taken care of before someone views the home. Plant some flowers to add color and make the place feel homier. Here are some low-cost exterior home improvements worth doing:
Remove moss growth on the roof.
Replace missing shingles.
Fix problems with the siding.
3. Kitchen
Kitchens are essential to home sales. Everyone wants a spacious kitchen with new appliances where they can cook and entertain. While a complete kitchen renovation might not be financially viable, minor repairs can make your kitchen more inviting. Consider these updates:
Paint as necessary.
Install new lighting fixtures.
Replace countertops with more appealing materials (granite or marble are not required, but solid surface materials can be a good investment).
Ensure all appliances are in working order. If the oven, dishwasher, or range are in poor condition, replacing them might be necessary to appeal to buyers.
4. Bathroom
A clean bathroom where everything works as it should is a necessity. Fix any running toilets or leaky faucets, replace the toilet seat, and clean or replace grout. Missing tiles should also be replaced. If the bathroom has old wallpaper or dingy surfaces, a new paint job is recommended. The brighter and cleaner you can make the room, the better.
5. Lighting
Good lighting can make even the smallest home seem open and inviting. Consider updating light fixtures and maximizing natural light by using light-colored curtains. Analyze your current space and see if you can find ways to improve the lighting.
6. Functionality
Ensure everything in your home works as it should, from doorknobs and locks to the garage door. All functional aspects of the home must be in good working order to fetch the best price.
7. Pre-Sale Inspection
A pre-sale home inspection can help you identify issues and fix them before trying to sell your home. This can prevent problems that could end a home sale. Even if you are a professional, a home inspection will be required before a lending company will loan a buyer money to purchase your home. Identifying and fixing problems now can save you from dealing with them later.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. The suggestions mentioned are intended to guide you in preparing your home for sale, but individual needs and circumstances may vary. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified real estate professional before making any decisions.