It is understandable that you might not want to put a lot of money into the home that you are leaving, but many things that might just be a minor annoyance to you will be a total deal breaker for your potential buyer. More than one-third of sales fall through due to home inspection, environmental or appraisal issues. Taking care of these problems before you list the house can help to ensure that the sale will go through without any major hiccups.
Another deal killer can be cosmetic factors that take away from the home’s appearance. First impressions are very important, so cosmetic issues can take away from the overall appeal of the home and turn away buyers that might otherwise be interested in the property. Many buyers want a home that is move-in ready. They will not want to replace hardware or re-carpet a room right after they purchase the home. Here is a list of 3 things you must fix before putting your home up for sale.
1. Paint and Dated Wallpaper
Many sellers think that they might avoid removing dated wallpaper by lowering the price of the home or providing prospective buyers with an allowance to have it replaced. However, this is not usually an effective strategy since many buyers might not have an additional budget for repairs or they might not want to start a home improvement project right after they purchase the property. It is better to take care of the home’s appearance before you list it—even though that is not usually the most convenient option.
2. Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of home fires, so your potential buyer and home inspector will want any issues promptly addressed. Fortunately, many electrical issues are fairly simple to fix. Replacing a circuit breaker or rewiring an outlet is a simple task for most experienced electricians and should not cost you too much money in the long run. Most electrical repairs will cost between $200 and $1500 depending on the scope of the problem.
3. Necessary Roof Repairs
Continual poor drainage or simply just age can cause long-term damage to your roof. If your home has any bent, broken or curled shingles, it is a good idea to replace these right away—before the problem spreads. Damaged shingles can result in leaks and water damage. If the issue is not addressed, you will end up needing a new roof sooner rather than later. Replacing an entire roof will cost you upwards of $10,000, so it is best to take care of smaller issues as they arise.
If you take care of these three common issues before listing your home, you should have no problem going through with the sale once you find a buyer.
