What to Repair Before Selling Your Home

Thinking of selling your home? Before listing, it’s crucial to ensure your property is in its best possible shape. Small repairs and upgrades can go a long way in improving first impressions, boosting value, and attracting serious buyers. Here’s a guide to the most important things to fix before putting your home on the market:

1. Patch Up Walls and Repaint

Buyers notice details, and scuffed walls or outdated paint colors can be a big turn-off.

• What to do: Patch holes or cracks in drywall and apply a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint.
• Why it matters: A clean, fresh appearance gives your home a move-in-ready feel.

2. Fix Leaky Faucets & Plumbing Issues

Even minor plumbing problems suggest poor maintenance.

• What to do: Repair leaky faucets, running toilets, or slow drains.
• Why it matters: Buyers may assume bigger hidden issues if small things are neglected.

3. Update Lighting and Replace Burnt-Out Bulbs

Good lighting can make your home feel larger and more welcoming.

• What to do: Replace outdated light fixtures and ensure all bulbs are working.
• Why it matters: Well-lit homes appear cleaner, brighter, and more modern.

4. Repair Flooring Issues

Scratched hardwood, stained carpet, or cracked tiles can drag down your home’s value.

• What to do: Refinish floors, deep-clean carpets, or replace damaged tiles.
• Why it matters: Flooring has a big visual and functional impact on potential buyers.

5. Touch Up Curb Appeal

First impressions begin at the curb.

• What to do: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, fix broken fences, and touch up exterior paint.
• Why it matters: A clean exterior signals a well-maintained interior.

6. Address Doors, Cabinets, and Hardware

Squeaky doors or loose handles can signal lack of care.

• What to do: Tighten, oil, or replace worn hardware and fix anything that doesn’t close properly.
• Why it matters: Small fixes add up to a smoother showing experience.

7. Ensure Appliances Are Working

If your home includes appliances, buyers will expect them to be fully functional.

• What to do: Repair or replace any non-working appliances.
• Why it matters: Broken appliances can hurt your negotiating power.

Final Tip: Don’t Over-Renovate

Stick to cost-effective repairs that offer a clear return on investment. A real estate agent can help you prioritize fixes based on your market and budget.

Thinking of selling soon? Reach out and I’ll help you evaluate what improvements will bring you the best return and get your home sold quickly and confidently.