When you’re getting ready to sell your home, making the right repairs can have a significant impact on how quickly your property sells and the price it commands. The preparation of the property is even more important than listing it, because once it’s listed, there’s only so much you can do. By investing more time on the front end, you can make a bigger impact on your home’s value. As a real estate agent, I often advise my clients on which repairs to prioritize to attract buyers and maximize their home’s value. Here are some of the most common repairs that home sellers make before putting their property on the market.
A Home Upgrade Doesn’t Always Mean It’s Worth More
In some of our listings, we’ve seen home sellers install fences, replace carpets, trim bushes, and add fresh bark, thinking these upgrades significantly increase the home’s value. However, the reality is often the opposite—these improvements usually just bring the property up to the level of comparable homes that have sold recently. Investing thousands of dollars into upgrades doesn’t necessarily mean your home will be worth more than those recent sales.
The Front Door and Porch
The homebuying experience often begins at the front door and front porch. This is where buyers make an initial judgment about how well the home has been maintained. Ensure the front door is freshly painted, the doorknob is in good condition, and the porch is well-presented. Replacing an old doorknob with a new one and ensuring the door hinges feel solid can leave a strong impression. Pressure wash the porch area and repaint if needed to make it clean and bright.
Patch and Paint Walls
Once inside, walls are one of the first things buyers notice. Scuffs, cracks, or bold, personalized colors can be off-putting to potential buyers. A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can do wonders in creating a clean and inviting atmosphere. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your home after you’ve lived in it for a while. It can make rooms appear brighter and feel more new and welcoming. Don’t forget to patch any nail holes or minor drywall damage beforehand to ensure a smooth finish.
Fix Leaky Faucets and Plumbing Issues
Dripping faucets, running toilets, or other plumbing issues can stick out to buyers and make them wonder if the home has been properly maintained. These might seem like small problems, but they can leave a big impression. Make sure all faucets, drains, and toilets are in good shape and not leaking. If there’s a bigger plumbing issue, bringing in a professional to fix it before you list can save you from inspection headaches later. Tackling these repairs ahead of time keeps buyers confident and helps everything move more smoothly.
Repair or Replace Flooring
Worn-out carpet, scratched hardwood floors, or cracked tiles can detract from your home’s appeal. For hardwood floors, refinishing may be enough to restore their beauty. Carpets should be deep-cleaned or replaced if they’re too far gone. For tiled areas, replace any broken tiles and re-grout where necessary to give the floors a polished look. What you don’t want to happen is for a homebuyer to walk into the house and hear hardwood floors creaking or feel them floating and shifting as they walk. Addressing these issues ensures your floors make a solid and positive impression.
Update Light Fixtures
Old, outdated, or non-functional light fixtures can make your home feel tired. Swapping them out for modern, energy-efficient options is a relatively inexpensive way to give your home a fresh and updated appearance. We’ve seen homes over the years where lightbulbs are different colors and different brightness. When you change all the lightbulbs to one tone, it not only looks better in person but also makes your home more photogenic for listing pictures. Also, ensure that all bulbs are working and consistent in color temperature for a cohesive look.
Service HVAC Systems
Buyers want assurance that the home’s heating and cooling systems are in good working order. HVAC systems are expensive to fix and will most likely come up during the inspection. To prevent a transaction from falling apart, you can do the servicing ahead of time. Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to ensure everything is functioning properly. Replace filters and provide documentation of the service, as it’s a great way to demonstrate that the system has been well-maintained.
Address Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see. Simple fixes like painting the front door, cleaning gutters, and pressure washing the driveway and walkways can make a big difference. Consider adding fresh mulch, trimming bushes, and planting seasonal flowers to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Fix Windows and Doors
Drafty windows or sticking doors can signal to buyers that additional repairs might be needed. Ensure all windows open and close properly, replace any broken panes, and recaulk where necessary. For doors, check that hinges and locks are in good working order and that the front door creates a welcoming entry.
Update Kitchen and Bathroom Details
You don’t need a full remodel to make these rooms shine. Small updates like replacing cabinet hardware, re-caulking around sinks and tubs, and upgrading faucets can make a big impact. You don’t need to replace everything—just doing the maintenance can reassure the homebuyer that the home will be in good condition for many years to come. If your budget allows, consider updating dated countertops or adding a fresh backsplash to modernize these key spaces.
Repair the Roof If Needed
A damaged roof is one of the biggest deal-breakers for buyers. A roof can be very expensive to fix, and oftentimes, the bank will not approve the loan if the roof is too old. Most of the time, there are smaller issues such as replacing shingles or sealing cracks that need to be repaired. Additionally, gutters may need to be cleaned, and moss should be removed in the correct way to prevent damage. Addressing these repairs before listing ensures your roof is in good condition and can add significant value to your home while giving buyers peace of mind.
Ensure Electrical Safety
Outdated electrical systems can pose safety risks. In older homes, some outlets may not be grounded, which can be addressed during pre-listing repairs. Replacing Zinsco (also known as Magnetrip, Sylvania, and Challenger) panels, known for safety issues, is often necessary. These panels have a history of design flaws that can lead to overheating and electrical hazards. Most banks will require these panels to be replaced before approving a loan, as they fail to meet modern safety standards. Addressing these issues not only reassures buyers but also prevents potential delays during inspections.
Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Washington state regulations require that all residential occupancies sold after July 26, 2009, must be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms as per building code requirements. These alarms provide an essential safety feature and reassure buyers that the home is compliant with modern safety standards. Sellers can avoid potential inspection delays by ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functional prior to listing.
Inspect and Address Basement or Crawlspace Water Issues
In Washington State, where rain is plentiful, water can often collect in basements or crawlspaces. Hydrostatic pressure can force water into your home, leading to leakage and damage. Ensure that your sump pump is working properly to handle water accumulation. If necessary, install French drains to divert water away from the foundation and regrade the landscape to improve drainage. These steps not only protect the home’s structural integrity but also reassure buyers that water issues are under control.
Declutter and Deep Clean
While not a repair in the traditional sense, decluttering and deep cleaning your home are essential steps to prepare it for sale. Remove personal items and excess furniture to make spaces feel larger and more inviting. Hire professional cleaners to ensure every nook and cranny is spotless, including carpets, windows, and appliances.
LP Siding
Why is Inner Seal Siding So Bad?
Inner-Seal siding was a composite wood material made by pressing layers of wood together with glue. Unlike traditional wood siding, it consisted of stacked pressed sheets bonded with adhesive. However, due to manufacturing flaws, the siding failed to last long-term.
Over time, the glue deteriorated, causing the lower edges to crack, absorb moisture, and expand. This led to delamination, making the siding vulnerable to the elements. In rainy areas, excessive moisture caused mold and fungi growth, with some homeowners even finding mushrooms sprouting from their siding. Even in drier regions like Central Oregon, the siding was prone to cracking and discoloration over time.
