If you want top dollar for your home, then it needs to be in top condition.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should remodel the whole property or tear up every floorboard before putting it on the market. Though doing so could help you fetch a higher listing price, it will likely eat up some serious cash in the process.
Instead, focus on major repairs — ones that buyers will notice on a walk-through or drive-by or issues that will crop up on a home inspection. These will give you the most bang for your buck, as well as help your home make a good first impression.
Need help homing in on the right pre-listing repairs? Focus on these 7 categories:
Obvious aesthetic problems.
You’ll definitely want to address anything that’s obvious to the naked eye, like paint chips, torn wallpaper, cracked windows, water stains on the ceiling, busted window screens, or dirty grout. These are turn-offs to a buyer and could make it harder to sell your house.
Exterior issues.
First impressions are everything, and a broken garage door, a fence with missing posts, or a weed-filled garden aren’t going to do much to endear buyers to your property. Evaluate your curb appeal carefully and make updates as necessary.
Issues with the roof.
Roof issues will most definitely come up on the inspection, and you can bet the buyer will want them repaired before move in. The nice thing here? Your insurance will probably cover the repairs or replacement anyway, so you’ll probably only have a small deductible to cover.
Problems with doors and locks.
If there’s one thing you can expect buyers to do when they tour your home, it’s open and walk through each doorway. If there’s pet damage on the doors, broken handles or locks, or doors that just don’t open or close right, they’re going to take notice.
Health hazards or code violations.
These will come up in the inspection, and repairing them will be non-negotiable. If you have broken smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, out-of-code upgrades or systems, exposed or faulty wiring, mold problems, or anything else that could be a health or safety hazard, be sure to address them long before you list the home.
Flooring fixes.
Once your home is cleaned up, staged, and decluttered, the floor is going to be one of the most obvious areas in any room. And stained carpeting, scratched-up wood planks, and broken tiles? Those are going to be on full display. Consider repairing or replacing distressed flooring before putting your home on the market.
Appliance and system issues.
Inspectors check everything in the house — including the appliances, the HVAC system, the water heater, the sinks and tubs, and so much more. If any of these features is in disrepair, it’s going in the report — and the buyer’s going to know about it.
A Pre-listing Inspection Can Help, Too
If you really want to make sure you cover all your bases, you might consider a pre-listing inspection. This is when a home inspector evaluates the property for potential repairs and defects, just as they would for a buyer. Once they’re done, you’ll have a full report of the issues to help guide your repairs.
Need help covering the costs of your repairs? Want to get prequalified to buy that move-up home? Get in touch with Premier Nationwide Lending today.
Premier Nationwide Lending is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. Sponsored by NTFN, Inc. 6201 West Plano Parkway, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75093 | NTFN NMLS 75333.
