Home Repair Checklist For Sellers

By Kaci Cooper, 23 Jan 20:37

If you’ve ever gone to an open house where things were falling apart- paint was chipped, porch railing was wobbly, doors stuck, etc.- then you know how important it is to make minor repairs before you sell your home, along with top to bottom cleaning.

Home Repairs and Touch-ups
Buyers are looking for details such as the aforementioned. In the long run, it is best to make those repairs before putting your home on the market, and ask for more money from the buyer.

It may not be in the best interest of the seller to undertake major projects, like putting in a new bathroom. However, it is important to make sure that those things that make a home livable are taken care of. Otherwise the buyer might think that the owner had the same carefree attitude about more important factors, like the roof and foundation.

House Repair Checklist
Here is a list of the things you should look at closely before putting your home on the market:
-Make sure major mechanical systems are in order- heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems. If the buyer pays for your house and then discovers the air-conditioning does not work, you will hear from them, or perhaps even their lawyer.
-Check fixtures and appliances to make sure that they are in working order. For example if your stove only heats up to 300 degrees, it might be best to replace it.
-Pay special attention to major repairs needed in the roof, foundation, or basement. Things like mildew or mold have become certain deal-breakers for most buyers.
-Make sure your landscaping looks nice, pull weeds, cut back bushes. Buyers want to know that you have taken good care of your home.
-Make your front entry look inviting with a new doormat or a nice potted plant.
-Touch up your paint and make sure that if you have any dark-colored walls you repaint them white. Most people prefer light colors because they feel that dark colors are depressing. It will also give the illusion that your room is bigger than it actually is.
-Make any necessary repairs, especially those repairs that have to do with safety or the ones that you have learned to live with. This will save you time and money in the long run.

There is much to accomplish with selling a home. So make sure you take everything step by step. This way you will get everything done and sell your home quicker than if you skated over the necessities of repairs and touch-ups.

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