7 Little Fixes Left Undone That Can Cost Big Money In A Home Sale

A lot of people who have homes for sale want potential buyers to be able to see the possibilities.

But buyers who can see the possibilities are usually looking for a cheap price in a home purchase. Either they are investors or they want to put sweat equity into a home instead of cash.

So unless you want to sell your home for a discount its important to make it look well maintained.

Most people let things go because we just dont want to be bothered with constant demands on our time and money. And you might have to take time off from work to be at home so repairs can be made. Its such a pain.

Still, there are things that are worth money that are going to come directly out of your pocket if you dont get them done before you put your house up for sale.

Its probably not worth it in todays market to put in a $50,000 dollar kitchen with granite counter tops, but other things that go directly to maintenance will matter.

Just get those jobs done before you even let a real estate agent look at your property.

1.Have your house inspected and fix everything that doesnt pass. Broken switch plates, lights that dont light, and plumbing that doesnt work will make your house look bad. Fix things that need to be fixed for your own safety if nothing else. You dont want buyers to see anything that looks in need of repair. An inspection report that shows repairs have been made has value to potential buyers.
2.If you have leaks from the roof get them fixed. A new roof is a favorite home improvement for many buyers. It has a lot of value, more than any other home improvement. If you end up staying in your house its a good thing for you, too.
3.Make sure your baths and your kitchen are VERY CLEAN and tidy. Kitchens tend to be busy visually. There is so much stuff that people get distracted. Clean up, lighten up and polish everything. Hire cleaners if you cant do the job. You want your house to be PERFECTLY clean when people look at it.
4.If any of the paint on the inside or outside of your looks worn fix it. Paint is the cheapest home improvement. It can also make whats old, new again. Think of it as a face-lift for your house.
5.Pay attention to floors. Most people notice them, especially as they walk from room to room. They are nearly always looking at their feet and at the same time noticing the floors. You want them to see something besides stained carpet.
6.Look at your ceilings, too. Are there leaks or other damage? Some people will put on a new roof but fail to fix signs of water damage on ceilings. Its a red flag for buyers. They will strike you off the list.
7.Got kids or pets? Make sure your house does not look like a day care center for either. Make the kid spaces look like any other bedroom. Fix things the kids or pets have damaged, like scratched doors or crayon art on the walls.

Buyers are looking for a better life when they look for a home. Most of them just want to move in and be comfortable. Having to do extensive remodeling after the purchase is unaffordable for many buyers.

Another group of buyers who might be able to afford to remodel dont have either the time or the inclination because they work all the time.

Asking buyers to see the possibilities will come out of your pocket. Make them see your house as a well maintained home where they can be comfortable.