Making simple repairs in a house before you put it on the market is a crucial step in the selling process. Some homeowners think, why not leave these minor repairs for buyers to do? In short, they are a big turn-off for buyers because unless they are specifically looking to buy a fixer-upper, they aren’t going to be thrilled about a laundry list of repairs and all the costs that might be involved. It’s better to relieve this stress from buyers beforehand so when they do look at your house, they can concentrate on the good and not the bad. Thankfully, the most common repairs are easy to do and don’t require a lot out of pocket. Here are 8 must-do home repairs before selling, including step-by-step tutorials.
1. CLEAN & REPAIR GUTTERS
Gutters are going to be one of the first things buyers get a look at when they are viewing a home. Make sure they are in good working order and recently cleaned so they show that the home has been well-maintained. This video tutorial from Lowe’s shows all the tools and steps to clean, repair and maintain gutters.
2. PRESSURE WASH HOUSE EXTERIOR & DRIVEWAY
Pressure washing is the best technique for removing dirt and grime the exterior of your home has accumulated over time. It makes a huge difference; afterwards, you will be amazed at how much of a difference it makes. For a tutorial on pressure washing your driveway, visit this HGTV link and head over to Popular Mechanics for a tutorial on pressure washing the exterior of a home.
3. PATCH CRACKS IN DRIVEWAY & SIDEWALKS
Cracks in the concrete on the driveway and sidewalk leading up to the house will throw up some red flags to buyers. They will be wondering if there are any foundation issues with the property, so it’s best to repair them yourself. For a step-by-step tutorial on repairing concrete, click over to the DIY Network.
4. PATCH UP WALLS
Before painting any walls, patch up holes and cracks. There is a very easy and inexpensive process to patching up drywall that doesn’t take much time but makes a huge difference. See House Logic’s tutorial on repairing drywall.
5. CAULK WINDOWS & DOORS
The sealing on windows and doors can wear away from use over time. By caulking to repair these seals, you not only make the home more energy efficient but also give it a fresh maintained look that buyers will appreciate. Check out the information and tutorial on Weather.com to learn more.
6. REFURBISH BASEBOARDS
Baseboards are often overlooked by homeowners but they will be noticed by buyers that are inspecting every feature. If your baseboards are scratched, dented or damaged in any way, it’s a good idea to refurbish them. Check out the tutorial on eHow to get started. (Image: Waldon Construction, LLC)
7. REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT BULBS
This may seem obvious, but sometimes it can be overlooked in all the excitement of preparing your home for sale. If you have any broken light bulbs, make sure you replace them before showing the house as good lighting makes a huge difference in a home. If they’re a little dim, consider a higher wattage. Learn more about replacing a light bulb on wikiHow’s tutorial.
8. FIX FAUCET DRIPS
A dripping faucet is not only annoying but also wastes precious water with every drip. Thankfully, it’s usually a quick and easy repair that will have it back in working order. For a tutorial, visit Family Handyman.
These simple repairs will make a huge difference to in your home and buyers will appreciate how well-maintained it is, building their trust in the property.
Warm regards,
Megan