How To Repair A House For Sale
Strategic Home Repairs
If you want to increase the odds of selling your home profitably and quickly, a few strategic repairs can make all the difference. Prospective home buyers are generally on the lookout for specific signs of home maintenance, including up-to-date plumbing, heating, cooling, and electric systems. In addition, here is some advice on other types of repairs that will prepare your home for selling.
Flooring
According to real estate agents, buyers pay special attention what is under their feet, so be sure to fix your floors!
•- Hardwood floors today are "in"; shag carpeting is out and should be removed or at least shampooed
•- If floors are made from cheap plywood or are in poor shape, carpeting is an inexpensive alternative to finishing floors (neutral color carpeting is recommended for best sale results)
•- For ceramic, linoleum, or tiled floors, clean or replace grout, and replace cracked or chipped tiles
Walls and Ceilings
•- Patch any holes
•- Cover cracks with fiberglass tape or joint compound and sand
•- A new coat of paint is considered the most cost-effective home improvement (neutral colors recommended)
•- Remove grease or smoke stains
•- The experts recommend removing wallpaper, which can quickly 'turn off' prospective buyers who don't share your taste (easily accomplished by using a wallpaper remover steamer)
•- Repair or replace lighting fixtures
Roofs and Exteriors
Buyers expect a solid roof above their heads, so roof repair/replacement is paramount for good resale value.
Don't forget the following simple yet important repairs (as needed):
•- fix doorknobs, doorbells, and locks
•- make sure house number can be clearly seen
•- repave asphalt driveways
•- repair and/or paint fences
•- caulk doors/windows
Kitchen and Bathroom Repairs
•- make sure doors, drawers, and cabinets close and open properly
•- fix leaky taps/faucets (shiny new faucets and sinks make a lasting impression)
•- replace burned-out or weak light bulbs
•- replace, resurface, or paint worn/dated/stained kitchen and bathroom cupboards and cabinets
Pre-Sale Inspection
You might want to consider showing your home to a formal real estate inspector before placing your home on the market and opening the door to buyers. An expert home analyst may point out problems you were not aware of or make other helpful suggestions. Once you hear the sound of approval from the voice of experience, you are hopefully well on your way to home selling success!
