9 Things You Should Fix In Your House Before Selling It

Things You Should Fix In Your House Before Selling It
  • Author: Fazal Umer
  • Posted On: August 24, 2023
  • Updated On: August 24, 2023

Are you thinking about parting ways with your house and moving elsewhere? Popular opinion claims August is the perfect time to find potential buyers for your West Michigan property. Data suggests that home prices rose by 2.6% in 2023 as compared to last year in Michigan, which means you can sell your house for profit now.

However, don’t forget about giving your living space a little makeover before putting it on the market. Call for a pre-listing home inspection and hire professionals to stage your home for buyers. Also, make all minor or major repairs to attract more customers. Consider taking on these renovation projects:

Fix structural problems

Unfortunately, millions of Americans live in hazardous homes with structural damages. Make sure your house has a strong foundation by fixing any major or minor structural issues. As buyers usually hesitate to invest in a property demanding extensive repairs, your house takes longer to get off the market with structural damage. Addressing these concerns will give potential buyers confidence in the property and enhance your reputation as a trusted homeowner in the neighborhood.

Renew the bathroom

Bathroom renovations are the second-most important home reno project that can attract homebuyers to your property. As per Zillow, even mid-rage bathroom cosmetic upgrades yield $1.71 for every dollar invested in them. Do some research on what sort of bathroom upgrades other homeowners in the area are going for. For example, shower replacement and wall-mounted faucets are already trending. Contemporary bathrooms will make your home sell faster.

Refurbish the kitchen

How about giving your kitchen an overhaul to make it more appealing to potential buyers? Even though kitchen renovations may cost a lot, experts claim you can get 70 to 80 percent of your investment back after selling the house. Consider the following upgrades:

  • Swap out old countertops for new ones
  • Give kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint
  • Add a new backsplash to enhance its aesthetics
  • Upgrade appliances by installing energy-efficient ones
  • Install pull-out shelves to make the kitchen more spacious

Fix a leaky roof

A leaky roof isn’t a pretty sight for either current inhabitants or future homeowners. Small leaks in the roof can lead to major problems, and you might have to replace the whole thing in the end. It can also lead to mold growing in your house, making it an attractive home for humanity-loving critters and insects. A leaky roof threatens the structural integrity of your property, and if you live in areas with heavy wind, the shingles on your roof can easily get damaged and might need quick replacing.

But even replacing a worn-out roof can be a reasonable investment. Yes, it costs around $11,000 right now on average. But it promises (ideally) a 60% ROI when you resell the house.

Refurbish the floors

Refinishing the floors can influence a buyer’s perception of your property. You can easily recover 70 to 80 percent of the cost of refinishing hardwood floors. Call a flooring expert and have them re-sand and polish the surface to make it look as good as new. This will help hide wear and tear and bring out the natural grain of the wood.

Proper landscaping

Improve a casual visitor’s first impression of your home by investing in proper landscaping. Data shows that landscaping increases your house’s resale value by 15 to 20 percent when done right. The last thing you need is scaring away potential buyers with a house that looks like it’s been taken over by vines and trees.

Do the following things:

  • Mow the garden
  • Trim the trees properly
  • Plant colorful flowering plants
  • Ensure the sprinkler system is functional
  • Get rid of weeds, overgrowths, and clutter in the garden

Heating and cooling

If your HVAC system has a few years left, it can attract more buyers to your house. Potential homebuyers would like to know that your property is well-insulated, energy-efficient, and capable to withstand extreme weather conditions. A recently repaired HVAC system ensures good humidity control, consistent temperature regulation, and better indoor air quality.

Fix electrical problems

Electrical problems can be a major red flag for potential buyers. Surveys indicate that almost 50% of buyers won’t invest in a property with electrical problems. And that’s not a project you can or should undertake on your own; always hire a professional to come to your house and take a look.

A professional contractor will check your house’s wiring, switches, and circuit breakers to ensure everything’s in order. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for repairs. And while you’re at it, consider upgrading a few light fixtures to stuff that’s more en vogue.

Resolve plumbing issues

If your home has any plumbing issues, call a contractor to repair the pipes and faucets in your house. As mentioned earlier, homebuyers like to buy a house in perfect condition. They want to just move in without doing any lengthy, expensive, and time-consuming repairs.

The cost of these repairs can vary from situation to situation. While clogged drains and leaky pipes can put you back $250 to $350, damages from bursting pipes are often repaired at $4,000!

Conclusion

This blog explains which necessary home repairs can expedite the home-selling process. You can attract ideal homebuyers and get a decent offer on your house by fixing your roof, eliminating plumbing/electrical issues, and improving the property’s HVAC system. Don’t forget about renovating your kitchen and bathroom. Give your place an exterior makeover via repainting and landscaping as well. These upgrades maximize your home’s potential and create a lasting impression on potential buyers.

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Author: Fazal Umer

Fazal is a dedicated industry expert in the field of civil engineering. As an Editor at ConstructionHow, he leverages his experience as a civil engineer to enrich the readers looking to learn a thing or two in detail in the respective field. Over the years he has provided written verdicts to publications and exhibited a deep-seated value in providing informative pieces on infrastructure, construction, and design.

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