Blog

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to fix absolutely everything before trying to sell your house. Sellers often splash the cash on expensive repairs and never get the return on the investments they were hoping for. So, we’re going to stop you from making the same mistake. Not every repair was created equally. However, landscaping, kitchen improvements, and roof repairs tend to pay off. After all, buyers are willing to pay more for a good-quality home.

Seems expensive at first glance, doesn’t it? But allow us to show you that it doesn’t have to be.

Kitchen Improvements

Even the most minor kitchen improvements can increase your chances of selling your house. Start by checking your appliances. Are they old? Or leaking? Does your fridge’s coolant need replacing? Dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators need to be functioning correctly. Next, consider your cabinets.

Buyers will undoubtedly open them to check storage, so ensure the:

• drawers and doors open and close smoothly
• hinges are tight
• handles and knobs are in good condition
• fronts are aesthetically pleasing and free from scrapes or chips

Finally, check the sink and faucet. Leaking or clogged sinks put buyers off in an instant. Why? Because it could signal deeper issues. Always take the time to fix it before showing people around.

Roof and Foundation Repairs

Buyers will always pay less for homes with unfixed roofs. Whether it’s leaking or nearing the end of its lifespan, appraisers will catch the problems during inspections and expect you to renegotiate the price. Granted, roof replacements are expensive — most homeowners fork out roughly $8,200! It’s often worthwhile as buyers are more attracted to properties they know won’t need significant roof work in the next 20 years. If you’re lucky, you’ll get away with patch repairs. You’ll just need around $930 for a contractor and supplies depending on the market and location where the property is. As for foundation repairs, fix them if you want to attract a wider buyer pool and secure a higher price for your house. Cracks, bowed walls, and water damage are buyer-scaring issues. Repairs can cost approximately $4,500, depending on the foundation type. But if you don’t fix it, buyers may ask for a credit to repair the damage themselves, costing you more during the sale.

Landscaping

Curb appeal and attracting buyers go hand-in-hand. It’s a surefire way to help your home stand out from the rest. And the best part? You need less than $1,000 and a bit of hard work to enhance your home’s outdoor beauty.

We recommend:

• planting flowers
• mowing your lawn
• trimming trees
• removing trees (if necessary)
• installing sprinklers or irrigation systems

Simply put, if your home looks clean and tidy from the road, you’re well on your way to selling success. The real estate market is shifting towards being a buyer’s market. This means that the ball is in their court and they can afford to be pickier with the homes they make offers on. By improving your home’s curb appeal through landscaping updates, you can drastically increase the chances of it selling.