Important Fixes to Entice Prospective Buyers
Selling a home can seem like a difficult process, but there are many fixes you can handle in order to make your home appealing to potential buyers. Some fixes are relatively simple, but other repairs may require an experienced professional to complete the job properly. Don’t let these 10 defects deter potential buyers when you can make the necessary changes before putting your home on the market.
1. Patching Holes and Cracks
Holes can be caused by a variety of wall hangings, like pictures, posters, and television mounts. When these decorations are taken down your walls might be riddled with holes, and these holes will really stand out to a prospective buyer. DIYers can typically patch these holes on their own with some drywall compound and a putty knife. Larger cracks in the ceiling, walls, window frames, or door frames are more difficult to fix, but experienced DIYers should still be able to manage this repair on their own. If there is too much damage, hire a professional carpenter or drywaller to make the repairs.
2. Repairing or Updating Appliances
Large appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers are often sold along with a home; however, if you currently have old or damaged appliances, your property may not fetch as high a price as it could. It’s a good idea to get the appliances in good working condition and clean them up before putting your home on the market. If your appliances are old or not functioning, it may be better to replace them.
3. HVAC Maintenance
Before planning to put the home on the market, have an HVAC professional come in to inspect the system for issues and perform regular maintenance, like cleaning the ducts and checking the electrical system.
Changing the air filter is one part of the system that can be taken care of by a DIYer. The air filter should be replaced every 90 days to help prevent damage to other parts of the heating and cooling system. However, many people don’t follow a regular maintenance schedule, so air filters can often be left for years without being replaced.
4. Door Handle Replacement
There are few things more frustrating than not being able to get into or out of a room. When door handles stick or don’t open with the first, second, or even third turn, they can become detrimental to the sale of a home.
Replacing a door knob or handle is a relatively simple repair. Upgrading and installing door handles can make a positive impact on potential buyers, as does ensuring that your interior door knobs all match.
5. Faucet Repair or Replacement
DIYers with some plumbing experience will find it relatively easy to replace bathroom and kitchen faucets. Some faucets can have one handle that balances hot and cold water, while other products will have two handles. To make the kitchen more appealing, consider installing a faucet with a separate pull-out sprayer that can be used for rinsing the dishes.
Faucets can last for years without any problems, but slight leaks at the handle create water spots and places for mold to grow, spread, and develop on the handle, faucet, and sink. Leaks from the faucet into the sink may be less damaging to the surrounding area but can cause unnecessary increases on the water bill, and the constant drip, drip, drip is noticeable to potential buyers.
6. Update Faceplates
Electrical outlets can be installed on the wall, ceiling, or even the floor in a home, but they are most commonly located on the walls just above the baseboards or at waist height in the kitchen or office. The wiring of these outlets is typically protected by plastic or metal faceplates that can become cracked, chipped, stained, or bent over time.
While changing the faceplates is an aesthetic improvement, it’s also an affordable and easy safety update that almost anyone with a screwdriver can complete. The faceplates can also be changed to a different color in order to match a new wall color or room aesthetic.
7. Replace Missing or Expired Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are a necessary safety device to have in the home. It is mandatory to have a working smoke alarm on every floor of the building. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing a smoke alarm on every floor, as well as installing one in every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. A home inspector will verify the placement of the smoke alarms, their age, and whether each alarm works; so before putting the home on the market, replace missing, damaged, or outdated smoke alarms.
8. Fix Any Existing Water Damage or Mold Problems
Certified home inspector Hubert Miles notes that “when water gets into a home’s foundation and has no real way of draining out, it can cause a wide range of issues. Most of these problems are significant red flags when buying a property.” Water damage can be caused by leaks inside the home, through the foundation, walls, or roof. It can also be a result of improperly vented plumbing, air ducts, or bathroom fans. High humidity levels can also contribute to water damage due to increased condensation on cooler surfaces, like windows, doors, and pipes. Find and fix the source of the water damage, then make repairs to the damaged area, ensuring that small patches of mold are carefully removed. For removing larger patches of mold, hire a restoration company that specializes in water damage.
9. Repair Faulty Wiring
Not only is faulty wiring a major fire risk that should be dealt with immediately, but it also stands out on a home inspections. Potential buyers don’t want to move into a home that might have a higher risk of burning down. If you don’t have the experience, contact a professional electrician and get the issue fixed properly to protect yourself and future owners.
10. Exterior Siding and Roofing Repairs
When a prospective buyer pulls up to the home, the first things they will notice about your house are the roof and the exterior walls. Damaged roofing tiles can be enough to drive away potential buyers because these signs indicate that the roof has been neglected and that there may be leaks and water damage in the home. Dirty or damaged siding and brick also turn people away in a hurry. Pressure wash the home’s exterior and make repairs to the siding, brick, and roof. If you aren’t comfortable, consider hiring a professional company to get the job done.