3 Fixes You Must Do Before You Sell Your House

Your house needs to go through a fine-tooth comb before you put it up for sale. You just cannot throw your property in the market and wait for things to happen.

Getting your property ready for selling can be a daunting task without a bit of planning. Here’s what you need to do before you put your property up for sale.

1. Update or Replace Electrical Items

Replace the electrical panels and circuits that are obsolete. Call in an electrician and update those panels with safety switches and newer electrical materials. You also want to check and see if there are any wiring problems that can create a safety issues. Investigate the common electrical wire cable problems and fix them before you go on the market.

2. A Mini-Facelift

At this point of the game, it can be difficult to recuperate your full investment if you decide to remodel the home. A mini-facelift, however, is definitely going to appeal to more buyers and less risky.

Paint

The first cosmetic fix to consider is a fresh coat of paint. If the paint is five to seven years old or if there are visible signs of paint chipping off and fade caused by the sun, it is best to get the walls painted.

Painting the walls, ceilings, trims and doors is a cheap way to give a dramatic makeover to the rooms.

Minor Fixes

Minor fixes go a long way in making your house look attractive to the potential buyers. Things like replace a broken tile, update outdated outlet face plates, tighten a loose handrail, updating the hardware, are easy and minor fixes that will refresh the home without breaking the bank.

Lighting

The quickest way to make a small room seem larger and inviting is by making changes in the lighting. Lighting plays with the perception of space, that’s why there are many studies done about how light affect buying behaviors in the retail industry. Good lighting is worth an investment. Consider these three things while improvising the lighting:

1. Take time to analyze your current space and see if you can find some ways to improve the lighting.
2. If you have outdated light fixtures, replace them with more modern alternatives. This change can have a great impact on the look and can lead to a quicker sale.
3. While investing in lighting, don’t forget the natural light. Let the sun in. If possible, ditch the heavy drapes.

Roofs and Outdoors

If your roof needs to be replaced, then get it done. Buyers hesitate to buy the property if they have to replace the roof. Replacing the roof may not increase the sale price of your property, but it will definitely open up plenty of potential buyers, who are willing to buy your house, and reduce the chance of a price reduction. If the sidewalks have cement cracks in them, patch them up. Give your fence a good makeover; fix or paint them.

3. Kitchen Improvements

Minor repairs in the kitchen can make your kitchen appear more welcoming. Before your home goes on the market, take the time and check these areas and make the necessary fixes:

Kitchen Appliances

The stove, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher need to be in good working order. Fix any leaks and replace the coolant in your fridge if necessary. If your appliances are outdated, consider replacing them.

Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets should be in good conditions, because this is something the buyers will definitely open and check to see how much storage they can have.

• The doors and drawers of the cabinet have to open and close smoothly.
• Tighten loose hinges, unclog or replace drawer tracks that are rusted or stuck.
• Replace broken handles and knobs.
• If the paint of the painted cabinets has chipped or peeled off, sand them down and then apply a fresh coat of paint.
• You can also change the hardware with new ones to make the cabinets look more updated.

Sinks and Faucets

Faucets should not leak, and sinks should not clog.

• Make sure that the overflow drain, which prevents overfilling of the bathtub, functions properly.
• Hot and cold water faucets should operate as marked.

4. Flooring Fixes

From laminate to carpet, no matter what your flooring is, it should look presentable and in good condition.

• Replace cracked or chipped floor tiles.
• Refinish scratched or dented hardwood.
• Replace carpets that are torn or stained.
• If you have pets, make sure that your steam-clean your carpets.

Buyers will always want to buy a house that is turnkey. If they see any tell-tale signs of an ill-maintained house, it’s going to put them off. If you want to make a quick sale, make sure that you get the must-fixes done in your house before you introduce it in the market.