Investing in certain home repairs can help you get more when selling a house. Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to learn what repairs you should make to get it in tip-top shape. Leaving many repairs for a buyer will not get you top dollar for your home. Complete these ten easy repairs before selling your house
1 Paint
Paint is an inexpensive way to update and freshen any room in your house. It’s an easy fix before selling your home, and a project you can do yourself. Best of all, it makes a big impact on potential buyers. Consider painting if your rooms currently have dark colors, faded or outdated colors, or visible scuffs or stains. Stick to light and neutral colors if repainting before listing your home. After all, you’re going for the widest appeal with your paint choice. Neutral colors can allow a buyer to imagine their own furnishings and color scheme, while lighter colors lighten a room and make it feel more spacious. If you have water stains on a painted ceiling, it’s important to fix that as well with a fresh coat of paint. Be sure the problem that caused the stain is fixed as well.
2 Refinish hardwood floors
Homebuyers love hardwood floors due to their durability and versatility. A good cleaning may do the trick in returning luster to your worn hardwood. If your floors are in rough shape or are scratched, you may want to weigh the cost of refinishing. Shiny hardwood floors that are in great shape can really wow buyers.
3 Perform kitchen repairs
A splash of paint and new fixtures are easy repairs to make before selling a house. If any of your appliances are not in working order and they are being sold with the house, it may be time to repair them. The stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and any other appliances should be in good working order. Any kitchen plumbing issues should be addressed as well. A kitchen is the main selling point of any home, so it’s worth putting a little work into making it look its best.
4 Bathroom repairs
A shiny, clean bathroom is a must when listing any home. This may mean giving your bathrooms a good scrubbing, as well as replacing old grout and broken fixtures. A fresh coat of paint may be needed as well as minor fixes, such as repairing a leaky faucet or toilet.
5 Invest in carpet cleaning
Have your carpets professionally shampooed or do it yourself before listing your home. No buyer is going to be drawn in by dirty outdated carpeting or worse yet, carpeting that smells of pet odors. If the carpet in certain rooms is really bad, you may want to consider replacing it. In most cases, a professional carpet cleaning can work wonders.
6 HVAC system repairs
It’s extremely important that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system are in good working order. If you’re having any issues, contact an HVAC specialist to take a look and fix any problems. A buyer may walk away if they suspect an HVAC system is in poor condition.
7 Furnace & water heater repairs
Be sure your furnace and water heater are both working properly. Have a technician inspect and clean your furnace before listing your home.
8 Electrical repairs
Your home’s electrical panel should meet current codes and you should address any faulty wiring or other electrical issues. This is another important repair that should not be overlooked.
9 Roof repairs
While you’re not going to want to invest in replacing your roof, it is smart to replace any broken or missing tiles and address any damage that may cause leaks. Be sure to clean and repair storm gutters as well.
10 Get your lawn in shape
You don’t have to invest in new landscaping to sell your home, but you should get your existing landscaping and lawn in the best shape possible. Weed, water, mow, clip, and garden your way to a beautifully inviting outdoor area that buyers will love.
Keeping your home in good shape can pay off when it’s time to sell. Routine preventative maintenance not only keeps your home in great shape, but you’ll have less to repair when you’re ready to sell. Remember, home buyers like homes that require few repairs, and they steer clear of money pits.
The Ultimate HELOC can help with home repair and remodel projects
Benchmark Federal Credit Union’s Ultimate HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit), is currently featuring a low introductory 6-month rate of 3.99% APR* and a $100 cash bonus* when it’s a new or refinanced HELOC for another financial institution. Plus, there are two great repayment options to better meet your needs. Tap to learn more about the Ultimate HELOC.
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are for qualified borrowers and are subject to change without notice. The introductory rate of 3.99% APR is for the first 6 months. At the end of the introductory term, the rate reverts to rate according to credit score at the time of application: as low as Wall Street Journal Prime Rate – .51% for 80% LTV** and Wall Street Journal Prime Rate – .26% for 81-90% LTV**. The floor rate is 3.99% APR. $100 application fee for loans under $25,000. An early termination fee of $250 if HELOC is paid off & closed in the first 12 months. $100 cash bonus for acquiring a new or refinancing a HELOC held at another institution & will be deposited into member’s account after loan closing. Promotional bonus & rate are subject to the institution’s discretion & may be discontinued without prior notice.