It’s relatively easy for homeowners to overlook signs of wear and tear as the years go by. As such, it comes as no surprise that some homeowners never get the maximum amount of money possible when it comes to selling their homes, as a result of overlooking things that needed to be repaired. If you’re in the midst of putting your house on the market this is for you. Use this as a guide when it comes to the most critical things that should be repaired before you put your house on the market.
Paint
Studies suggest that as humans, we tend to formulate an opinion about something in less than 15 seconds. When a potential buyer walks through a house, they experience various first-time impressions. Paint that is peeling or chipped can leave a bad image in a potential buyer’s mind. And, poor color choices can turn off other candidates. Consult with a pro-Home Stager who is a Color Certified to advise you on any paint color changes you need to make prior to listing your house for sale. The last thing you want is to pick the wrong color and when there are over 20 shades of “white,” you want to make sure you are painting the walls the correct shade based on other interior finishes that play off the paint color.
Exterior
Another section you should focus on is the exterior portions of your home. Is the gutter falling apart? Is the lawn well-maintained? Is your fence missing fence boards? Do you have any kind of junk in your yard? Moss growth on exterior walls or siding can turn off most buyers. Therefore ensure that you focus on repairing things that are associated with the exterior portions of your property such as a moss covered shingle roof for instance.
Repair Your HVAC System and Furnace
While system breakdowns do typically occur, no one wants to purchase a house which features a water heater, furnace or AC Unit that was unkempt and is in need of residential repair service. Most states have laws that stipulate that homeowners should document maintenance services they have conducted on their major systems. Most buyers are aware of this and will ask for proof that the HVAC system and furnace were properly maintained. One of the things you can do is to hire a contractor or home inspector to conduct a series of tests and checks to ensure that it’s functioning efficiently. They can also help to repair your furnace and/or HVAC system if they find that the performance is lacking.
One of the most critical areas you should focus on is your house’s foundation. Poor drainage around your home’s vicinity can lead to problems in its foundation. In some cases these issues can be minor, such as the natural settling of your home. However, if the problem is severe, chances are that you have already seen signs of major damage such as cracks in the walls of your home and visible cracks in the exterior portions of the foundation.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Rachelle recommends residential water heater repair for this in need. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700