The Do’s and Dont’s of Presale Home Repairs

Repairs and renovations—or the lack of them—can affect your home sale. You may be wondering if you need to upgrade your home to sell. Or should you leave it as is?

It’s important to weigh the costs of proposed improvements against your home’s expected market value after updates are made. You’ll also want to compare your home’s condition and amenities to others in your area, especially if you’re considering an expensive remodel like an updated kitchen.  Regardless of your neighborhood, here are some do’s and don’ts for most sellers:

Do:

• Paint rooms that need it, especially if they’ve endured pet damage or water stains. Choose neutral colors that will make your space look large and leave room for buyer imagination.
• Pay attention to curb appeal. Your home’s exterior makes the first impression, so clean up your yard and maintain basic landscaping.
• Make kitchen and bath repairs, such as installing new fixtures, countertops and grout.
• Consider adding a bedroom. If you can afford to revamp space in an attic or some other part of your home, you’ll increase its appeal to buyers with larger families and those who want room for guests.
• Consider a pre-sale inspection to give you a chance to fix what a buyer’s home inspector will eventually find.

Don’t:

• Invest in large renovation projects before doing your research. Buyers will look at comparable properties in your neighborhood.
• Go overboard. A kitchen or bath remodel might be a good investment, but don’t go crazy. You may be able to repaint existing cabinets and update existing hardware. In the case of a full remodel, opt for mid-range updates and appliances.
• Add luxury items that may not have broad appeal. A master suite, home gym, or new deck might seem like a great idea to you, but could have little value to a potential buyer.
• Ignore serious issues like electrical problems, faulty plumbing, poor drainage, or roof problems. Failing to address these serious issues can deter buyers from even considering your home.
• Overlook routine maintenance. If your furnace or HVAC is due for maintenance, get it professionally serviced.

A Note About the Market

If you’re in a seller’s market, you can typically get away with fewer renovations and repairs before selling. In a buyer’s market, potential buyers will be more particular about homes that need work. Your Realtor will have knowledge of the current market, so ask for advice before making any repairs. Together you can determine which repairs should be made before listing your home.

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