Orlando Real Estate » Home Selling » Home Repairs Prior to Selling
Should You Make Repairs Prior to Selling Your Home?
Many prospective homeowners hope to buy a home in “move-in” condition. Read: no repairs required. To meet this ideal, and make the sale, homeowners need to be proactive.
Even if you already know of repairs that should be made, some experts recommend hiring a certified home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. If the pre-inspection results in a checklist, the information will help homeowners feel empowered. Remember, you can expect your buyer to have your home inspected before closing.
Do you have an incentive to make repairs? Many buyers will discount the offer price by much more than the cost of the repair or replacement. The buyer might even walk away.
To help you prioritize items, look over the pre-inspection report or your own list of repairs. If you have your home pre-inspected, talk it up and share the report with buyers. If you repair anything, walk them through the documentation, pointing out the item and the cost to you.
Questions & Punch List to Guide You Through Repairs
Is your carpet ready to sell? Carpet should be clean and stain-free; absolutely no odors, i.e. pets, tobacco, mildew. No rips or faded areas.
Is your flooring ready to sell? You should replace or repair any damaged linoleum, tiles or wood. Keep the floors clean, scratch free and sparkling.
Are your interior walls ready to sell? Interior walls, trim, and doorways should be free from dings, scratches, or holes. Paint should be fresh with no visible faded or discolored areas. Colors should be neutral.
Is your home clean & uncluttered? Clean and unclutter - especially kitchen and bathrooms; tables, shelves and counter tops. Organize closets. Remove broken items and excess furniture.
Is your home's lighting ready to sell? Make your home light and bright. Clear any obstructions from windows and skylights. Use highest wattage bulbs you can safely use.
Are your plumbing and electrical systems ready to sell? Fix any dripping faucets or running toilets. Replace defective electrical switches, plugs, overhead or outside lights.
Are your kitchen and bathrooms ready to sell? De-emphasize dated looks in kitchen and bathrooms with small fixes, i.e. new fixtures, cabinet hardware and paint. Repair damaged sinks, countertops and cabinet.
Are your exterior walls ready to sell? Hose off outside walls to remove any cobwebs and dirt that may have accumulated. If you have extra matching paint in the garage, do some touch-ups as needed.
Is your yard ready to sell? Ensure front and backyard landscaping is attractive. Remove clutter, dead or dying plants; prune trees and bushes, re-plant lawns. |