Seller Resources
Recommended Home-Selling Repairs
Thinking of selling your home in Central Ohio but not sure which repairs you should make? If you want to get top dollar for your property, odds are, you’ll have a few things to take care of before you list your home.
Nearly all purchase contracts include an inspection clause, a buyer contingency that allows a buyer to back out if numerous defects are found, or negotiate their repair. The trick to prepping your home is not to overspend on pre-sale repairs, especially if there are few houses on the market but many buyers willing to buy at almost any price. On the other hand, making such repairs may be the only way to sell your house in a down market.
Recommended Improvements for All Sellers
Getting the most value for your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are a few easy home-improvement tips.
- Improve your curb appeal. The first thing buyers see is the view of your house from the street, so make sure it looks good! Think: mow the lawn, rake or prune, clear walkways. Consider power-washing or painting your home’s exterior if it looks dingy or old.
- Fix maintenance issues. If you know of any problems (leaks, plumbing issues, drafts, rusty areas, squeaky floorboards, mold or mildew), fix them well before buyers can find them. They’ll come out in the home inspection, so get a jump on it and don’t let buyers use minor problems against you in negotiations.
- Paint interior rooms. A fresh coat of paint can make rooms look brand-new! Go for whites and light colors, and try to stay neutral with your color choices.
- Replace fixtures and hardware. Replacing or polishing lighting and plumbing fixtures is a cheap and easy way to make a home look newer and brighter. You may also want to consider upgrading your light bulbs while you’re at it.
- Create space. More open spaces and less clutter can help a home feel larger and more open—without you having to make any changes. Simply remove extraneous objects or furniture to give your home a more spacious feel.
- Don’t forget the outdoor spaces. Sellers often underestimate the importance of a good outdoor area to buyers, so don’t forget to spruce up your deck, backyard, patio, or garden. You can even consider installing a firepit or outdoor cooking area.
Other Improvements You Might Consider
If you really want to up your home value, or you feel like your home is in need of more than a little love, here are some other home-improvements you might consider.
- Replace your garage door and front door. While not necessary, these minor (and fairly inexpensive) improvements can do a lot for your curb appeal and overall home value.
- Replace your roof. One of the home improvements with the highest return on investment, replacing your roof can significantly improve your home value.
- Update your flooring. Whether it’s deep-cleaning your carpets, refinishing your wood floors, or completely redoing your flooring, updating your flooring can do a lot for your home.
- Make partial renovations. Make minor improvements without completely redoing a room. In bathrooms, you can replace the tub, toilet, sink and fixtures, and tiling. In the kitchen, you can replace the counters and flooring, or resurface cabinets and drawers.
- Go green. Green and energy-efficient features are the next hot thing to hit the real estate market. Buyers love saving energy (and money!) with features that range from LED lightbulbs to Energy Star appliances.
Not Sure Which Repairs to Make on Your Home?
The best way to know for sure which repairs should be made is to ask your Realtor. Your agent will know which repairs are worth the cost and effort, and which will only cost you money without adding value to your home.
Not sure which repairs you should make? Ask us!