Top Ten Fixes to Make Before Selling Your Home
Making home repairs before your household move can speed up the sale and often net you more money. Here are the top fixes before selling your home.
1. Paint
Painting is inexpensive yet can improve how the house looks to prospective buyers. Safe colors, such as beige or gray, generally work the best. Have a professional paint the house if your budget allows. However, if you have the skills, you can save money by painting it yourself.
2. Landscaping
The yard is the first thing prospective buyers see. An overgrown or patchy lawn can jeopardize a sale. Remove anything dead, place sod or plant seed, and add fresh mulch to flower beds. If you have the time and money, consider planting new shrubs or perennials.
Check the condition of any fences. Replace any rotting or water-damaged boards on wooden fences. Ensure the gate on all fences opens and closes quickly. Fix chipped paint or rust.
Repair any water or termite damage to decks or porches.
3. Flooring
The condition of your floors is also essential. At the very least, consider refinishing hardwood floors and replacing chipped flooring. Also, replace any worn carpeting. If you have pets, have the carpet steam-cleaned if you can’t afford to replace it.
4. Bathrooms
The bathroom condition can help you sell your home or miss a sale. Repair leaky faucets or runny toilets, and replace damaged tiles or broken fans. Unclog drains. Replace old caulking and rusty or corroded shower heads. If you can afford to make some updates, consider
- Improved countertops
- New cabinets
- New fixtures
- Frameless glass doors
5. Lighting Issues
First, handle minor issues, such as tightening loose wire connections. Next, consider updating fixtures. Have an overall lighting design plan and keep choices consistent with hardware throughout the rest of the house.
6. Damaged Doors and Windows
Damaged doors and windows are noticeable and can cause a delay in making the sale. Replace cracked windows, dented frames, and torn screens. Replace old-looking hardware on doors.
7. Kitchens
In most cases, you don’t have to renovate your kitchen, but you do need to ensure it is in good condition. Repair any rusty fixtures and fix leaks and clogs. Replace appliances that look beat up and repaint or touch up paint chips. Replacing the hardware on cabinets and drawers can update the room while staying within your budget.
8. Garage Doors
Garage doors and their remotes should work. Ensuring the door meets all current code requirements can save you from inspection delays during the purchase.
9. Damaged Drywall
Holes in the drywall can make the wrong first impression on prospective buyers. Discoloration and dents can also be an issue.
10. Roof
Repair missing shingles, tiles, or ridge caps. Also, you should repair any water damage from clogged storm gutters. Check for cracks, bubbles, and blisters in the sealant.
Efficient Relocation
Once you sell your home, prepare for a smooth move to your new home by hiring a professional mover. Contact us for a free estimate today.
