When you’re ready to sell your home, do a quick inspection to address areas that need to be repaired or improved. When you put your house on the market, having these repairs done will attract serious buyers who want to close the deal as quickly as possible. Haggling over needed repairs or cosmetic updates may cost you time and money. Here are some things to look for that can be taken care of with minimal time and cost.
Roof
Check your roof for missing shingles or loose downspouts and gutters. If you can’t make the basic repairs yourself, hire professional roofers to handle the work, which shouldn’t take more than a few hours. You should also have any holes repaired where water may be entering your house into the attic or behind the siding, and any water damage should be taken care of.
Walls
Check the walls of each room for scrapes and scratches. Damaged walls should be patched and smoothed to give the surfaces for a clean, fresh look. Once that’s done, a painting contractor can update the wall colors and textures to match what homebuyers are looking for. Coordinate the wall colors with the rest of your home’s decorative palette for a streamlined appeal to potential buyers.
Finally, remove framed certificates and family photos from the walls or tables to avoid a personal effect that can deter some buyers.
Kitchen
Ensure the kitchen is tidy and neat by clearing all dirty dishes and putting away foods in the fridge or pantry. Your countertops should be clean and free of crumbs or unnecessary items. Clean the appliances, floor as well, and patio door (if you have one in your kitchen) for a bright, open feel to the room that many consider the most important in the home.
Bathroom
Scrub the toilet, sink, shower, and tub as well as the floor to remove dust, debris, and odors. If there’s a window in the bathroom, install a new window blind or curtains for a vibrant look. Add a fern or a potted plant for ambiance and a natural vibe.
Check over the visible plumbing and make sure there are no leaks. Also, check the water pressure, temperature, and drains in the shower and sink. If there are any issues, have a plumber take care of them. Homebuyers will be checking these areas before they make an offer.
Lawn
Pick up the kids’ and pets’ toys and store them out of sight. Do a quick weeding of the flower beds and garden areas. While your landscaping doesn’t have to be flashy, it should at least be tidy. If you have porch furniture, add a couple of new patio cushions to brighten them up. Hose down the driveway and fences to clear debris and dirt.
It doesn’t require significant time or money to make your home more attractive to shoppers. Addressing things like these will bring out the natural beauty of your property to make it stand out from the competition.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.