Selling your home can be a stressful and exciting process. You want to get the best price possible, but you also want to sell quickly and smoothly. One of the key factors that can affect your success is the condition of your home. Buyers are looking for homes that are well-maintained, functional, and appealing. They don’t want to deal with costly and time-consuming repairs after they move in.
That’s why it’s important to fix some of the major and minor issues in your home before you put it on the market. By doing so, you can increase your home’s value, attract more buyers, and avoid potential problems during the inspection and negotiation stages. However, not all repairs are worth your time and money. You need to prioritize the ones that will have the most impact and return on investment.
Fix these First Before Selling Your Home
In this article, we will share some of the things you must fix before selling your home and some of the things you can skip or leave as-is. We will also provide some tips on how to finance your repairs and how to find a reliable contractor.
Major and Minor Repairs
Major repairs are the ones that involve the structural and mechanical systems of your home, such as the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. These are the things that buyers and inspectors will pay close attention to, and they can affect the safety and functionality of your home. If you have any major issues in these areas, you should fix them before selling your home, or be prepared to lower your asking price or offer credits to the buyer.
Some of the major repairs you should consider are:
- Roof. The roof is one of the most visible and important parts of your home. It protects your home from the elements, and it can also affect your home’s energy efficiency and appearance. A damaged or leaking roof can cause serious problems, such as water damage, mold, and structural issues. If your roof is old, worn, or missing shingles, you should replace it or repair it before selling your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a roof replacement is $8,362, but it can vary depending on the size, type, and quality of the roof. However, a new roof can also increase your home’s value by up to 15%, according to Remodeling Magazine.
- Foundation. The foundation is the base of your home, and it supports the entire structure. A cracked, sinking, or shifting foundation can compromise the integrity and stability of your home and lead to other problems, such as cracks in the walls, doors, and windows that don’t close properly and uneven floors. If you notice any signs of foundation damage, you should have it inspected and repaired by a professional before selling your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of foundation repair is $4,511, but it can vary depending on the extent and type of the damage. However, fixing your foundation can prevent further damage and costly repairs and make your home more attractive and safe for buyers.
- Electrical. The electrical system is the nerve center of your home, and it powers all your appliances, lights, and devices. A faulty or outdated electrical system can cause fire hazards, power outages, and damage to your electronics. If you have any electrical issues, such as flickering lights, tripping breakers, loose outlets, or exposed wires, you should have them fixed by a licensed electrician before selling your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of an electrical repair is $319, but it can vary depending on the complexity and location of the problem. However, fixing your electrical system can improve your home’s safety and efficiency and avoid potential fines or lawsuits from buyers.
- Plumbing. The plumbing system is essential for your home’s water supply and drainage. A faulty or outdated plumbing system can cause leaks, clogs, low water pressure, or poor water quality. If you have any plumbing issues, such as dripping faucets, running toilets, slow drains, or rusty pipes, you should have them fixed by a licensed plumber before selling your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a plumbing repair is $306, but it can vary depending on the type and location of the problem. However, fixing your plumbing system can prevent water damage, mold, and health hazards and improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.
- HVAC. The HVAC system is responsible for your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. A malfunctioning or inefficient HVAC system can affect your home’s temperature, humidity, and air quality. If you have any HVAC issues, such as noisy units, uneven heating or cooling, or high energy bills, you should have them fixed by a certified technician before selling your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of HVAC repair is $374, but it can vary depending on the age, size, and condition of the system. However, fixing your HVAC system can improve your home’s comfort and performance and reduce your carbon footprint and utility costs.
Some of the minor things to repair before selling your home are:
- Fixing leaks, cracks, holes, stains, squeaks, or scratches. These are common signs of wear and tear that can make your home look old and neglected. You can fix them by using caulk, spackle, paint, lubricant, or wood filler. These are inexpensive and easy-to-use materials that can help you patch up your home and make it look more fresh and clean.
- Replacing broken or outdated fixtures, hardware, or appliances. These are the details that can make a big difference in your home’s appearance and functionality. You can replace things like faucets, showerheads, knobs, handles, hinges, light fixtures, ceiling fans, or smoke detectors. You can also replace or upgrade your appliances, such as your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, or washer and dryer. These are relatively low-cost and high-impact changes that can make your home more modern and appealing.
- Painting or wallpapering your walls. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to change the look of your home is to paint or wallpaper your walls. You can choose a color or pattern that matches your style and personality, or you can go for something neutral and classic. You can also use paint or wallpaper to create some contrast and interest in your rooms, such as an accent wall, a mural, or a border. Painting or wallpapering your walls can make your home look more bright and spacious and hide any flaws or stains.
- Cleaning or replacing your carpets, curtains, or furniture. Another simple and affordable way to makeover your home is to clean or replace your carpets, curtains, or furniture. These are the items that can collect dust, dirt, stains, odors, or allergens and make your home look dull and uninviting. You can hire a professional cleaner to deep-clean your carpets and curtains, or you can buy new ones that are more stylish and durable. You can also clean or replace your furniture, such as your sofa, chairs, tables, or beds. You can choose furniture that is more comfortable, functional, and attractive, or you can rent furniture from online platforms that offer a variety of options.
- Landscaping or gardening your yard. One of the most important things to repair before selling your home is your yard. Your yard is the first thing that buyers see when they visit your home, and it can create a lasting impression. You can improve your yard by mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, weeding the garden, planting some flowers, or adding some mulch. You can also add some features, such as a patio, a deck, a fence, a fountain, or a fire pit. Landscaping or gardening your yard can make your home look more inviting, beautiful, and valuable.
Improve your home’s condition and appearance
As you can see, there are many things you must fix before selling your home, both major and minor. The major repairs involve the structural and mechanical systems of your home, such as the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. These are the things that buyers and inspectors will pay close attention to, and they can affect the safety and functionality of your home. If you have any major issues in these areas, you should fix them before selling your home, or be prepared to lower your asking price or offer credits to the buyer. However, these major repairs can also increase your home’s value, attract more buyers, and avoid potential problems during the inspection and negotiation stages.
The minor repairs involve the cosmetic and aesthetic aspects of your home, such as the walls, furniture, decor, lighting, and yard. These are the things that can make your home look more stylish, comfortable, and inviting. If you have any minor issues in these areas, you should fix them before selling your home, or be prepared to lose some buyers or receive some negative feedback. However, these minor repairs can also make your home look more fresh, clean, and appealing and create a lasting impression on buyers.
By fixing these things before selling your home, you can not only improve your home’s condition and appearance but also your chances of selling it quickly and smoothly. You can also save yourself some time, money, and stress by avoiding any surprises or disputes during the selling process. So, don’t wait any longer; start fixing your home today and get ready to sell it for the best price possible!
