If you have decided that now is the time to sell your house, you may be eager to get it on the market as soon as possible. However, in order to get top dollar for your property, it may be worth investing some time and money into a few repairs and upgrades. Below we will look at 7 common repairs sellers should complete before they list their home.
Water Damage
One of the first things buyers will look for when considering a home is signs of water damage. According to real estate professionals, water damage is one of the top things that will turn off a buyer and cost you money in the end.
When it comes to water damage, sometimes there are simple signs such as moisture on walls near windows or just below the ceiling. However, sometimes this kind of damage can get much more extensive and you might not get insurance coverage. If there is any suspicion of water damage, experts recommend that you pay for an inspection. If the problem is more than cosmetic, it may be worth investing in some repairs before listing your home.
Before repairing any cosmetic signs of water damage, the first thing to do is address the actual problem. Find the cause of the issue and repair, or have a professional repair, first.
Wall Damage
Whether it be scratched paint or chipped walls, fixing wall damage is an easy and important step. According to real estate professionals, prospective buyers will sometimes pass over a home if they feel the walls are too damaged. You might not get estimated price when you list your house on market.
Whether you choose to just paint over the damage or do more extensive repairs involving filling holes and sanding surfaces, this is an easy way to improve the look of your home.
Replace Aging Flooring
If you are looking to sell your house, there may be areas that need updating due to age or damages. When it comes to flooring, especially carpeting or linoleum, an easy solution is to replace the damaged flooring with new floors as soon as possible.
Although there may be more extensive and costly flooring options such as hardwood or tile, replacing carpeting or linoleum with newer materials can be a quick and cost-effective way to improve your home’s appearance and see higher offers when selling your home.
Outdated Fixtures
It is important not to let dated fixtures and décor stand in the way of getting top dollar for your property. Replacing broken or even just outdated lighting, hardware, and fixtures can instantly improve a home’s appearance.
Whether it is new cabinet hardware or an updated light fixture in the dining room, this simple step can have a big impact on buyers when they look at your house. According to real estate professionals, updating these kinds of items is one of the best ways to quickly improve the look of your home.
Replacing Broken Appliances
Similar to outdated fixtures and décor, replacing broken or outdated appliances can improve the functionality of your home. In addition, it is important that all appliances are in working order before selling your house.
Whether you are able to repair an appliance yourself or choose to hire a professional contractor to fix it, having broken appliances replaced before putting your property on the market can end up saving you time and money in the long run.
Many times appliances are included in the purchase of the home and if that is the case the buyer will want to see them in good working order. Don’t forget to clean your appliances as well to make them look newer and more appealing.
Repair or Replace Drafty Doors and Windows
According to real estate expert professionals, one of the first things buyers will notice and not be fond of is drafty windows and doors. Drafts can lead to increased heating costs which can impact a home’s insulation as well as the buyer’s energy bills. Buyers should very cautious about it when buying multifamiy home as your cost could be dramatically increased because of it.
It is important to address any drafts coming through windows or doors before selling your house. Whether you choose to have them repaired or replaced should depend on the extent of the damage. If there are only minor drafts coming through, sometimes it is easier and cheaper to just repair them.
Outside Appearance
In addition to making sure the inside of their home looks the best, it is important not to neglect the exterior. When selling a house, real estate professionals recommend that sellers pay attention to landscaping and curb appeal. Even if you have just a small patio or front yard, making sure these areas are well-maintained is important for attracting buyers.
Although there may be times when you cannot do extensive landscaping or renovation before selling your house, it is worth doing something to make the exterior of your home look presentable. Cleaning walkways and driveways, trimming trees and bushes, replacing old features, or just cleaning up are all great ways to improve the appearance of your home.
Although some of these repairs may seem daunting, they are all important in order to get top dollar for your home. By repairing or replacing broken appliances, outdated fixtures and décor, drafty doors and windows, and making sure the exterior is well-maintained, you can increase your chances of a quick and profitable sale.
