As a real estate agent, I often get asked which items are worth fixing before selling a home. While it's not necessary to completely renovate your home before putting it on the market, there are a few key items that can make a big difference in the sale price and how quickly your home sells.
Curb appeal: First impressions are everything, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Make sure the lawn is well-maintained, the landscaping is trimmed, and the exterior of the home is in good condition.
Minor repairs: Fix any minor repairs that are needed, such as leaky faucets or creaky doors. These small issues can give buyers the impression that the home has not been well-maintained.
Clutter: Remove excess clutter from your home to make it feel more spacious and open. Rent a storage unit or have a garage sale to get rid of items you no longer need.
Cleaning: A thorough cleaning can go a long way in making your home more appealing to buyers. Clean the windows, carpets, and upholstery, and consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Landscaping: A well-maintained lawn and landscaping can increase the curb appeal of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.
Now, let's talk about a few things that may not be necessary to fix before selling your home:
Major renovations: While updating a kitchen or bathroom can be appealing to buyers, major renovations can be costly and may not recoup their value in the sale price.
Personal touches: While you may love the bright pink walls in your daughter's room, buyers may not share your enthusiasm. Consider neutralizing personal touches to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Minor cosmetic issues: Small dents or scratches in the walls may not be worth the cost and effort to fix.
Outdated appliances: Replacing outdated appliances may not be necessary if they are still in good working condition.
Big ticket repairs: If you have a roof or HVAC system that is in need of repairs, it may not be worth the cost to fix it before selling.
By focusing on the key items that can make a difference in the sale of your home, you can increase its appeal to buyers and potentially fetch a higher sale price. As a real estate agent, I've seen firsthand the difference these updates can make in the sale process.
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