Pre-Listing Repairs
First impressions matter when selling your home. There are several simple repairs that can help you sell your home quickly and for the most money. Here are a few pre-listing repairs to make before you list your home for sale.
These simple repairs can give potential buyers a good first impression and lead them to thoughts of whether their offer will be good enough versus discounting for every “flaw” they find.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint can help brighten up a room and make it feel new again. The fresh paint smell is also associated with cleanliness. Use neutral colors, fill in all holes, and make sure that all patched spots blend with the rest of the wall.
Flooring
Your floors take a lot of abuse. If floors are dull, scratched, outdated, in need of replacement, etc., a buyer may ask for an allowance towards flooring repairs rather than asking for replacement. Rather than reducing your price or offering flooring incentives, consider repairing or replacing the flooring yourself. Some flooring repairs can include repairing scratches on hardwood floors, having carpet stretched or replaced, and/or re-grouting any tile.
Fixtures
Replacing outdated faucets and fixtures can go a long way in making your home feel new again. You will find many affordable options available at home improvement stores or local reuse centers.
Kitchen/Bath Updates
Updating your kitchen and bathrooms are proven ways to increase the value of your home. High quality updates in classic styles are recommended as they will stand the test of time and ultimately be more desirable to a wider range of buyers. Avoid updates that use “exotic” countertops or unusual colors that may seem dated in short order. Remember that the classics never go out of style.
Curb Appeal
The first impression that any buyer has of your home is its curb appeal. Lawns and landscaping should always be kept neat and orderly even in the winter months. If you live in a condominium complex or other home that is not able to alter the curb appeal, keep all doorways and balconies looking neat and welcoming with plants or other decorations/ornaments.