Keeping your house in good shape can surely pay significant returns, especially if you’re planning to sell it in the future. Often, buyers are searching for homes that require few repairs, and nobody wants something that would cost them more due to major repairs. By knowing the necessary fixes you should make before selling your house, you can get the top dollar that your property deserves.
Even if you can rely on cash buyers like Ocean City Development if you prefer to sell your home as-is, it may be worth spending some time doing the following repairs before you sell your house:
1. Damaged Flooring
Outdated carpeting, tired linoleum, and scratched-up wood flooring can make your house unappealing to your potential homebuyers. So, make sure to replace what’s worn out because prospective clients don’t like to deal with replacing old flooring.
If possible, invest in hardwood floors. On the other hand, if your house already has hardwood floors, ensure to refinish it. Even if it’s expensive, you can quickly recoup a hundred percent of the cost. However, if your budget is tight, any flooring update can make a difference and help you sell your home fast.
2. Lush Landscaping
Ensure that your bushes, lawn, and trees are neat and well-trimmed. Get rid of all dead trees, plants, and branches. Then, include hardy shrubs and colorful flowers around your home’s entryway.
If you don’t have the budget or time, at least ensure that your grass is well-maintained and your garden is clear of any garbage. Such small steps can help you achieve success in your home selling efforts.
3. Windows And Doors
Another repair that you should make before selling your house is fixing your doors and windows. This is particularly beneficial if you’re selling an old house with creaking doors and windows that don’t close or open easily after years of use.
You might also be surprised at how many people list their properties, thinking nobody will notice that doors or windows are not closing and opening because they look beautiful. So, before the showings begin, repair your outdated doors or windows. This basic repair can make a huge difference in selling your home successfully.
4. Kitchen Maintenance and Repairs
One of the highlights of any home is the kitchen. Since it’s where your family will gather for a chat or prepare meals, it must be a clean and comfortable space for everyone. Thus, be sure to fix the problems that leave your kitchen less than relaxing or usable.
If you don’t know what to repair in your kitchen, you can take note of the following:
- Fix leaking faucets and upgrade your old sinks to make your kitchen sparkle.
- Repair any damaged laminate on your countertop. If you have the budget, replace the entire surface. One of the recommended options you can consider is a granite worktop, which can be costly, but it’s highly resistant to scratches and chips.
- Fix any cupboards or drawers in need of repairs, including replacing tracking or hinges. If necessary, replace your kitchen’s cupboard doors.
5. Lighting Problems
Before you put your house on the market, try to check its current lighting setup. Is it old , or does it perform poorly?
Know that lighting is quite similar to hairstyles or clothing. It can make your home look dated and can go out of fashion as well. Finding inexpensive and attractive lighting fixtures can have a huge impact on improving your property and can be worth your investment.
If you don’t know what type of lighting to consider, you can shop around at various home improvement stores for modern and inexpensive lighting. Just choose the ones that will make your home stylish and energy-efficient at the same time.
When it comes to lighting, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. As long as your chosen lighting fixtures serve their purpose, you can be assured that they’re worth your investment and maximize your home’s return on investment (ROI).
6. Plumbing and Electrical System Problems
In many cases, your home will be subject to an inspection before the sale could go through. So, you would want to ensure that your home passes the test by checking over the plumbing and electrical systems by yourself.
Doing this as early as possible can give you an opportunity to fix any issues and avoid any last-minute surprises. Once you upgrade your house, your real estate agents can also use it as your property’s selling point.
7. Stained Walls and Peeling Paint
If any rooms are painted with a dark shade, have stained walls, or peeling paint, be sure to repaint it with a coat of neutral or light paint. Potential buyers find it much easier to picture themselves living in a house with neutral walls. Also, they’ll make your house seem cleaner, more appealing, and larger.
However, if you don’t have the budget to paint your walls, you can just wash or clean the walls and make them appealing to your potential home buyers.
8. Leakage
If you have leaks in your house, you need to fix them before you put your house on the market. In fact, even first-time buyers know how to check any signs of water leaks. Therefore, make sure to repair or get rid of any leaks in your home if you don’t want these to affect your selling efforts.
There are various ways to look for water leaks in your house to patch them up before you put your property for sale. You can start by looking around your swimming pool, toilets, showerheads, or faucets. Then, check your basement to see if there are signs of leaks.
Even if it’s tempting to cover up your home leaks, it’s never a good idea. This is especially true if your potential buyers hired a home inspection expert to do a thorough check of your property.
If you can’t fix leaks on your own, you can always hire professionals to do the job for you. Professionals won’t only repair leaks, but they can also determine the real cause and stop it from happening again.
Conclusion
Repairs before home selling don’t need to be expensive. To get the best results, just focus on the most crucial repairs like the abovementioned, which will do more than making your home pretty. If you’re confused about the repairs you should prioritize, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help to maximize your home’s value and get the best possible top dollar for it.
