Best Repairs to Undertake Before Selling a House

As you prepare to sell your home, you’ll want to make sure that it is in its top shape to attract buyers. You’ll probably read a lot of tips as you get started, telling you how to make your property look more attractive through cleaning or staging. These are important aspects to consider, because they can help you polish your home to give a good first impression to potential buyers. Yet if there are flaws in your home that can’t be fixed with polish alone, you’ll also want to think about a few simple repairs.

(A good real estate agent can give you tips on repairing your home prior to selling, which will increase its value. Compare agents in your local area at LocalAgentFinder, a free comparison tool that can put you in touch with the right agent to suit your needs.)

There’s a difference between minor repairs and a full refurbishment. It’s best to speak to a local real estate agent before you start preparing your home for sale. Their expert eyes may be able to notice areas in need of repair even if you aren’t sure where to begin. You can get started by registering your details at LocalAgentFinder. This free online dashboard allows you to compare licensed agents, pointing you in the right direction. Repairs are important because they can help you improve your property’s value and increase the chances of a quick sale.

Buyers are usually interested in a property that they can move into immediately, without the need for further repairs. If they see a property in need of obvious maintenance, they may look elsewhere. A property that has been recently repaired or that shows signs of consistent maintenance will be more attractive, and could lead to a higher net profit. The following are a few repairs to consider:

Give Your Home a Paint Job

One of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to spruce up your property is to give it a fresh coat of paint. This looks good and can help hide other problems, such as water marks or smoke stains that have accumulated over the years. As you paint, you’ll want to keep the – following tips in mind:

• Paint using light-coloured, neutral tones. These appeal to the widest range of potential buyers and create the feeling of a blank canvas. The light colours will also help make rooms appear more spacious.
• If there are any nail holes in the wall, you’ll want to plug them up using putty and sand the area down before you paint over the surface.
• Do away with old wallpaper. Although wallpaper may be making a comeback, in most cases it looks hopelessly out-of-date and is very much a matter of personal taste. You’ll want to scrape off the wallpaper and paint over it with a neutral colour instead. This will help make it easier for buyers to imagine what they would do with the space.
• There’s no need to paint the whole property if it’s in decent condition. You could simply focus on the exterior trim and front door in this case.
• If you’re not confident with your painting abilities, hire a professional to get the job done right. A bad paint job can do more harm than good.

Lighting Repairs

The lighting in your home is a very important component of its atmosphere. When you’re showing a home to buyers, be sure to turn all the lights on to show how bright it can be. Before you can do this, however, you’ll need to make sure that all of your lights are working properly! Replace any expired light bulbs, and check exterior lights as well as interior ones. These are easy to miss if you don’t make a point of testing them. Install light bulbs with a higher wattage in dim areas of the home to make them look more inviting.

Kitchen Repairs and Maintenance

The kitchen is considered to be one of the showcase areas of the home. This is where your family will gather for food preparation or for a chat, and it should be a clean, comfortable workspace. Be sure to take care of any problems that leave it less than useable or relaxing. This could include the following repairs:

• Fix any drawers or cupboards in need of repair, including replacing hinges or tracking. Replace cupboard doors if necessary.
• Repair damaged laminate on your countertop, replacing the surface if necessary. One popular option these days is a granite worktop, which may be expensive but is resistant to chips and scratches. This makes granite popular with buyers. Find out if local buyers are interested in kitchen upgrades by finding an agent in your neighbourhood using LocalAgentFinder. A local expert will know how to make your kitchen stand out.
• Repair leaking faucets and repair old sinks with new ones. You want your kitchen to sparkle.

Bathroom Repairs

Another standout area of the home is the bathroom, which is where family members spend a lot of time. The high moisture content and frequent use of the bathroom makes it more prone to damage than other areas, so pay special attention to this part of the house.

• Replace or repair old, leaky faucets.
• Put down new grouting if necessary. Replace caulking around areas like the toilet, shower, and sink to help keep moisture out.
• Repair or replace damaged and chipped tiles on the floors, walls, and other surfaces.
• Give the bathroom an instant upgrade with a new toilet seat and shower curtain.

Exterior of the Home

You might have a sparkling, beautiful interior to your home with all new fixtures. Yet if the exterior looks old and shabby, the buyer may never even make it inside. This is where first impressions are made, so take care to boost your curb appeal.

• If there are any cracks in the driveway or sidewalk in front of your home, repair and resurface them.
• Take a close look at fences. If any are in poor condition, consider repainting them or replacing them if necessary.
• Test out old door knobs and locks. A rusty ancient door lock is not going to inspire confidence in security-minded buyers.
• If your front yard is looking a little sparse, planting fresh flowers is an easy way to brighten it up.
• The roof is one of the most important exterior areas of any home. Roof repairs should be taken care of to protect the house from the elements.  Lichen or moss can signify neglect to buyers, so clear it away.

Electrical System and Plumbing Repairs

In most cases, your house will be subject to a building inspection before the sale can go through. You’ll want to be sure that your house passes the test by checking over the electrical and plumbing systems on your own. Doing this ahead of time gives you a chance to fix any problems and avoid last-minute surprises. If you upgrade your home, your real estate agent can also use this as a selling point.

Taking the time to give your home a solid once-over and taking care of these minor repairs will put you ahead of the competition when selling. Even an older property can look fresh and new with a few minor fixes and a coat of paint. This will help you sell your home to buyers who don’t want to worry about repairs after moving in. A house that is ready for new inhabitants will be ready to make a great first impression.

What’s next?

A real estate agent’s advice can go a long way when you are determining which repairs will be most advantageous. You can find an agent in your area by registering now at LocalAgentFinder.