There is a lot to do when selling a house. You’ve got to declutter, clean, and stage it, hire a real estate agent and have photographers come in. But one of the top questions that never seem to have a firm answer is what repairs to do before listing a house.
On the one hand, you don’t want to sink money into upgrades in a home you’re preparing to leave. On the other hand, some of those repairs may go a long way in helping your home appeal to buyers and increase its value. It’s a tough decision.
We’ve put together a list of repairs every homeowner should do before listing their home. There are some things that are so easy, affordable, and quick that it makes you wonder when homeowners don’t take the time to work on them.
These are small things, many won’t cost you a thing, but they can have a surprising impact on your home’s sale price.
Talk to Your Real Estate Agent
Many homeowners make the mistake of sinking money into repairs or even full-on renovations before ever getting in contact with a real estate agent. However, when you hire a Pickering real estate agent, they will be able to provide advice specific to your local Pickering real estate market. They see homes daily and will likely have advice about what repairs to focus their time and resources on.
There’s another reason why it’s helpful to get your agent’s advice before taking on big projects. You have been living in your home for years, perhaps even decades. You have particular attachments to it. There are probably features you love and others that drive you crazy.
These personal feelings can cloud your judgment when making practical decisions about what upgrades you should make and what you should leave as is. A real estate agent is an impartial third party and can provide helpful advice on what is likely to maximize your sale price.
Curb Appeal
Homebuyers judge books by their covers, so your curb appeal should stand up to that judgment. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, repair any cracks in the porch or driveway and keep your lawn neat and tidy.
Fresh Paint
Even if you don’t see anything wrong with your paint or you really love the color that you have, giving your walls a fresh coat of neutral paint helps freshen up your home. Plus, a neutral tone helps provide a fresh slate for buyers to imagine how they would decorate.
Clean Windows
You’ll be doing a deep clean before buyers come poking around, but be sure to clean windows from the inside and outside. It removes any layers of dirt (even the ones you can’t see) and helps allow more natural light into your home.
Light Fixtures
Upgrading light fixtures is an easy way to update the look of a house without going overboard. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but buying some new, stylish fixtures that have a cohesive look will make a huge difference.
These are some of the must-do small repairs you should make before listing your home. Follow these tips and see your home transform before your eyes.
