If you plan on selling your house this year, then you need to know about the best things to fix before selling a house. A lot of sellers make the mistake of putting their attention to repairing things that just do not matter to buyers. Today’s market is highly competitive. To make your house stand out, property buyers expect certain things to be in top condition. If you want to attract qualified buyers and sell your home quickly, then follow these ten best things to fix before selling a house list.
Update Your HVAC System
Savvy buyers in today’s real estate market are looking past the flooring and wall colors. They are looking to see what the systems in the house have to offer, including looking at the HVAC system. Buyers today know that certain systems are going to be expensive to replace or repair, and they would rather buy a house that needs cosmetic work instead of system work. One of the best things to fix before selling a house is your HVAC system. If your AC is a little wonky and you can use a tune-up, then contact the ac company to make the repairs.
An upgraded HVAC system is a huge selling point for buyers. They know how valuable a trusted HVAC system can be. Any serious buyer will ask about the system and inquire about any upgrades you have made. If you could produce maintenance records, repair records, and other information about the system showing that it is a well-cared-for system that recently had some upgrades, it could cement that offer for your house.
No one recommends that you replace the system unless, of course, it does not work and needs to be replaced, but it is strongly recommended that you have the system fixed. No one wants to buy a house knowing that they will need to replace the HVAC unless they are getting a great deal. Of course, that means you will lose money on the sale. Fix the HVAC and ensure that it is in proper working order to get top dollar for your house.
Inspect for Pests and Make Necessary Repairs
If you have a pest problem, that is one of the best things to fix before selling a house. Pests can be a huge deterrent for buyers. Have a professional pest control service come out and inspect the house for any evidence that pests are getting in. They will treat pest infestation and provide you with information for keeping them out.
Buyers know that pest infestations can be a huge problem that is difficult to deal with. They also may look at a house with a pest problem as a house that is not well-maintained. Pest removal services are relatively inexpensive and an essential service before you sell your home.
Even if you haven’t noticed any pests, it is still a good idea to have the house treated and inspected by a professional. They will provide you with documentation to show buyers that you have the house treated and it gets an all-clear from the pest experts. In some states, a termite inspection is a necessary part of a house sale. Check with your lawyer or local authorities to find out if you must have a termite inspection before selling your home.
Get Your Septic Tank Pumped
There are a few things about any house that can make buyers nervous. A house that is reliant on a septic tank can be one of those things. One of the ways you can offset any buyer anxiety about the house being on a septic system is to make sure that your system is in good repair. One of the best things to fix before selling a house is the waste system.
A local septic tank company can pump and clean your septic tank, and while they are there can do an inspection to ensure that everything is working as it should. If the septic expert finds anything wrong with your system they will have repair options for you. Getting your septic tank repaired before you sell your home is essential. No buyer wants to walk up on your porch and smell sewer gas from a faulty system. You can almost guarantee if they do, you will miss out on the sale.
Septic systems require regular maintenance. They should be pumped and cleaned every three years but, in some cases, those services need to be done more often. If you have a large household, you should have your tank pumped every other year. In any event, before you sell your home, have your septic cleaned and repaired.
Have Your Carpets Cleaned
One of the best things to fix before selling a house is the flooring. You do not have to replace your flooring, but you should make sure that it is presentable. A professional carpet cleaning service can help to get your carpets in tip-top shape. Buyers will view clean carpets as a sign of a well-maintained home.
Clean carpets make the whole house look and feel neater. Clean carpets help your house to make the right impression on buyers. Dirty, dingy carpets do not send the right message about your house. Professionally cleaned carpets will brighten up any space. You do not want buyers to only notice the flooring in your house, and that is exactly what will happen if the carpet is not cleaned.
Professional carpet cleaning is very affordable and has a quick turnaround from start to finish. It is one of the best things to fix before selling a house because of its affordability and the way it can transform a space. This is a worthy investment if you are trying to sell your house.
Get Your Trees Trimmed
Overgrown trees are a no-no when you are trying to sell a house. Tree trimming is a necessity. It is one of the best things to fix before selling a house because it improves curb appeal and it improves the safety of the house. Overgrown limbs near a roof can make buyers concerned about the safety of the house.
You can ask any realtor about how important curb appeal is to selling a house. A house that has manicured trees is far more appealing than one that does not. Well-manicured trees invite buyers to take a closer look at your house for sale. They will not be off-put by precariously hanging limbs. Investing in having your trees trimmed is an easy way to exhibit the beauty of your home. It also sends the signal that your house does not need a lot of work to make it move-in ready.
Call a tree professional and enlist their services. Trimming and pruning of trees should be left up to the professionals because it is a dangerous job. You will get the best results by hiring the pros.
Install A Welcoming Front Door
The first thing a buyer sees when they come to check out your house for sale is the front door. It is important that your front door enhances your house’s curb appeal. Door contractors will have options for front doors that will improve the impression that your front door is making on buyers. Any realtor will tell you that the best things to fix before selling a house are the things that will catch the buyer’s eye, like your front door.
There is a wide range of styles, colors, and designs to choose from that can highlight your house’s architectural features and make your home more inviting. A great front door gets buyers excited about what is behind the door. They will be more eager to check out your house for sale if the front door is enticing. Work with a contractor today to replace your front door with something that is more welcoming and that adds a touch of style to the exterior of your home.
Fix Any Electrical Issues
When you are thinking about the best things to fix before selling a house, you should be thinking about the repairs that are important to the function of your house, including electrical repair. No one wants to buy a house that has electrical problems for several reasons. Electrical problems can signify a larger imminent danger. Making sure your electrical problems are resolved before you sell your house not only protects the new buyer but it protects you from liability.
Electrical fires are responsible for millions of dollars in property losses every year. They are also responsible for thousands of serious injuries and fatalities. You never want to be the responsible party if an electrical fire breaks out. If you know something is amiss with the electrical system in the house you are trying to sell, get it fixed by a certified electrician.
Give Your Exterior A Face Lift
We talk a lot about the best things to fix before selling a house to improve curb appeal, because curb appeal is essential to selling a house. You can give the exterior of the house a quick facelift by hiring a house painter to paint the exterior. A fresh coat of exterior paint can easily brighten up your house and make it more appealing.
Getting the exterior of your house painted will present it as a turn-key type house where the new owners will not have to make big changes to live in the home. It will attract qualified buyers that are looking for a home in top condition. It is a simple step to take to get the best offers.
Update Your Bathroom
Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes according to the experts. One of the best things to fix before selling a house to really get buyers interested is your bathroom. A few changes can have a huge impact on how buyers see your house. For example, adding a custom glass shower door can modernize your bathroom and make it more appealing to buyers.
Some paint, maybe new flooring, and other updates will get the attention of buyers that want a home that has an updated bathroom. You can do a lot of the work yourself. For example, painting the bathroom is an easy weekend project that only costs you the paint and tools to apply the paint. Simple changes in the bathroom can increase the resale value of your home. This is a project that is worth taking on before you list your house for sale.
Make Sure Your Staircases Are Safe
One of the best things to fix before selling a house is those loose spindles on your staircase. Take a look at the interior staircase in your home and make sure that it does not need repair. This is not just a cosmetic repair, this is a safety repair. You don’t want potential buyers to slip on your staircase because it is in disrepair. That would not bode well for selling your house.
Check stairs for any loose boards. Also, check the handrail to see if it is firmly in place and does not need any adjustments. Loose carpeting on the staircase should be replaced and any loose spindles should either be repaired or replaced.
It may seem like there are a lot of things that you need to address and repair before you sell a house, but none of the things on this list take too long to repair. They can all be done quickly and will ensure that you get top dollar for your house. Follow this list and you will sell your house in record time and walk away with a nice profit.
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