Selling your house is stressful, but the process doesn’t have to be confusing. One of the steps you’ll need to consider is whether to sell your home as is or repair it to entice more buyers. Your real estate agent can help you decide which of these things to repair before putting your house on the market.
The Roof
One of the first things potential buyers will see is the roof. Since roof replacement can be expensive, buyers are less likely to buy a house with visible roof problems like missing tiles and endcaps, as these could be indications of more serious problems.
Exterior Doors
To make a good first impression, be sure to repair dings and scrapes on your front door and other outward-facing doors. If there are chips in the paint, you may also want to give your door a fresh coat.
Fences and Gates
A backyard is a major selling feature of a home unless the fence is in disrepair. Power wash mold, dirt, and grime off your wooden fence before resealing. For ornamental steel and metal fences, you only need to give them a quick wash with the garden hose.
Interior Walls
Fixing holes and cracks in the walls and ceiling is house selling 101. You want your house to be in better shape than the competition, and almost no one sells a home without repairing the walls.
Electrical Problems
If your house has faulty wiring, you’re going to have a hard time selling it. It’s important to look out for signs you may have electrical problems, especially because buyers will look as well. Electrical problems can be dangerous to whoever is living in the home, so don’t wait to call an electrician!
Leaky Pipes
Potential buyers who know what they’re doing are sure to flush toilets and turn on sinks to check your home’s plumbing. If you know you have a problem, such as a leaky pipe under a sink, don’t try to hide it. Hiding problems just makes people suspicious that you’re hiding more serious issues, which could lose you a sale.
Water Heater
No one likes an ice-cold shower. If you’re looking to sell your home, replacing the hot water heater may be necessary. You may also want to upgrade if your heater is old, as the age could be a red flag for potential buyers.
Cabinets and Hardware
One of the most basic repairs to make before putting your house on the market is fixing any drawers, cabinets, and knobs that don’t work. Though these problems are small and easy to fix, they can make buyers think you don’t care about your house.
Selling your house is a stressful time that often involves changing the way you live for weeks or months at a time. You can help your chances of a quick and profitable sale by making these common repairs.
