So you want to sell your home. Congratulations!
This process can be overwhelming; maybe you are unsure where to start. Or maybe you are worried that no one will love your home like you do. Don’t worry, these stresses are completely normal!
You’re in luck – besides using a professional real estate agent, there are several simple home repairs you can do that may improve the showing of your home. Keep in mind, this list is in no particular order but each step you take will move you closer to a sale! Many factors influence the success of your sale, including market changes, location, price, condition, marketing, etc.
That being said, the following tasks don’t impede the home selling process, so why not have some fun and try? Grab a set of clothes you can get dirty and let’s get to work!
Front Door
While you may not enter the home through the front door, any potential buyer is likely to come in that way. It is important to make sure the front door opens, closes, and locks easily. You don’t want a potential buyer to have to fight to get in or out of your home.
A fresh coat of paint on the front door can make a world of difference in terms of a house’s curb appeal and can set your house apart from others that may look similar.
Learn more about replacing your front door here.
Exterior
A potential buyer’s first impression is generally made upon pulling up to the home and judging its exterior. If your home’s exterior is sloppy or unappealing, there is a good chance that the potential buyer will form a negative opinion of this house before even seeing the interior.
- Don’t let your yard work get away from you! Keep up on any outdoor maintenance that will help your house look pristine.
- Consider planting a few colorful flowers.
- If your roof is in bad shape, a potential buyer will notice. By doing an easy roof repair, you can save yourself time in the negotiation process by eliminating that from a list of things the potential buyers may want done before they finalize an offer.
Try these tips for boosting your home’s curb appeal for a quicker sale!
Cleaning
Be sure to present your home at its cleanest. Even if your home is in pristine condition, if it is cluttered and dirty, the potential buyer will not be able to fully appreciate its quality and value. Here are some tips for decluttering your home when it’s on the market.
Keep your house as clean as possible while it is on the market in order to have it best represented, especially the often neglected areas such as basements, garages and utility rooms.
Staging your home by artfully arranging furniture and decorations can also help it sell more quickly.
Windows
When you show your home, make sure you open any curtains, drapes, and blinds throughout your home. This provides the various rooms of your house with natural light to add a spacious and more open feeling. Cleaning your windows will help show your home in its best light.
Paint
Think of applying a fresh layer of paint to your home as giving the place a facial: it isn’t complicated or very costly, but the results are immediately visible and rejuvenating.
Light and neutral colors can brighten up rooms that might seem dark or closed off, and these colors are more tasteful and add a sense of calmness to the home.
Any outdated décor, including wallpaper or wood paneling, should be removed or painted over. You will feel refreshed in the newly painted home, and so will potential buyers!
Bathrooms
Because bathrooms are areas of high use, you can be sure that most potential buyers will look closely at these rooms. Anything outdated or broken should be replaced, including hardware, flooring and fixtures. Make sure things that are supposed to work actually work, including the toilet, faucet and tub.
If you have been having any issues with drains, consider investing in some inexpensive clog remover from your local hardware store. Caulking is another thing that can be easily replaced and makes a big difference to the bathroom’s quality and appearance.
Flooring
Regardless of the type of flooring your home has, be it carpet, tile, hardwood, etc., you should make sure it all is clean and in good shape.
- It is a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned, especially if you have pets, or removed entirely to expose coveted hardwood.
- Refinishing hardwood is not as hard as you may think. Sanding and applying a finish is relatively easy once you clear the area of furniture and décor.
- Clean the grout between tiles, which will add a shine to a tile floor and make it appear new. If any tiles are chipped or cracked, they should be replaced before you show your house to potential buyers.
Explore various flooring options here.
This list of simple home repairs is not exhaustive; it is important to make sure your home repairs are going to give you a good return on investment. Don’t stress too much about completely remodeling your house, simply put in the work to increase your home’s value with little cost to you. When you’re ready to sell, Howard Hanna Simon Real Estate Services is ready to help! Contact us today!