What Do I Have to Fix Before Selling My House?

It’s easy to miss the wear and tear that occurs in your home, especially if you’ve lived there for years. Buyers often want homes that require little, if any, work once they move in. By taking care of a few fixes before you list your home, you can increase the odds of that potential buyer turning into the new owner of your home.

Unappealing exterior: Your home’s exterior is the first aspect that buyers notice, so you want it to look good. Add sod if your yard has missing patches of grass, replace missing fence posts, and remove any weeds. Replace any missing shingles or problems with the siding as well.

Faulty wiring: Electrical issues can range from missing outlet covers to major rewiring. Odds are, the electrical work you need to be addressed will be on a smaller scale, such as faulty switches, damaged junction boxes, and frayed wiring.

Poor drainage: It’s imperative to have rain or melting snow directed away from your home. Clogged gutters, poorly placed downspouts, and spongy soil can cause water to seep into the foundation, so clean out the gutters, add downspout extensions, and regrade your lawn to fix these issues.

Cosmetic repairs: You might think that peeling paint, damaged tiles, or worn-out carpeting are minor issues, but to a prospective buyer, they can be a deterrent. Give your home a mini facelift and make these repairs. However, avoid spending more than a few hundred dollars on updates, since you’re unlikely to see a return on that investment.

Once you look at your home as a prospective homebuyer, you can determine what fixes you need to address. Taking care of these issues can help maximize the amount of money you might get for your home. If you have any other questions about selling your home, reach out to a trusted real estate professional.

Sources: Maxrealestateexposure.com, Opendoor.com, Homelight.com


We are ready to help you find the best possible mortgage solution for your situation. Contact Sheila Siegel at Synergy Financial Group today.