|
 |
| Fourteen
Repairs to Make Before Selling
Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than
peeling paint, a broken window, or a splintered front step. It's
wise to make necessary repairs before you put your house on the
market. A house in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership
- one of your best sales tools. Start by covering these areas:
Inside the House
|
|
Outside the House |
 |
Fix
or replace damaged flooring, such as torn linoleum or cracked
tiles
If you can't afford to replace damaged or worn
floors, consider offering the buyer an allowance for renovation.
|
|
 |
Replace cracked windows
and torn screens
Don't let your house be shown with the equivalent of a black
eye |
| |
Fix any drains,
faucets, or plumbing fixtures that aren't operating
Fixes can range from replacing a faucet washer
to buying a new toilet.
|
|
 |
Replace broken gutters or missing
downspouts
Good drainage is key to passing a home inspection.
|
|
Paint the interior
Fill and paint any cracks or holes in the walls.
(You may need to repaint entire walls to mask such repairs.)
|
|
|
Replace or fix broken stairs
It's a matter of both safety and aesthetics. |
|
Replace burned-out bulbs and
broken electrical sockets.
Most agents will want to turn on all the lights
before showing
|
|
 |
Reseal the deck and repair broken
boards
A new coat of sealer can spruce up a fading deck
|
|
Replace or fix broken stairs.
Fix any creaks as well. |
|
 |
Repair the roof
Replace shingles and tack down loose flashing.
If the roof is old, you may want to replace it and adjust
your sales price accordingly. |
|
Replace old locks
and doorknobs
Make it easy for a buyer to walk in |
|
|
|
 |
Fix any doors that
don't open easily, including garage door
If your garage door opener doesn't work, repair
or replace it |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
