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Make These Repairs Before You Sell Your Home

Mar 16, 2015

Many homebuyers will create a list of repairs they’d like to see completed before closing on a house. This can be stressful for sellers, who have negotiated a great deal based on the current condition of the home, and then are asked to make these repairs before successfully closing the sale. This unnecessary stress could be prevented with a pre-sale inspection. If the home inspection is done prior to listing the house for sale, many problems can be remedied up front.

Address the following common issues prior to putting the house up for sale – before the buyer has a chance to negotiate the price – and the transaction will be much smoother.

Windows

Check all windows in the home. If a seal has been broken, it can cause the house to be drafty, or the window may look “foggy.” Although the window may be functional, it’s better to repair or replace it prior to listing the home for sale.

Jacuzzi Tubs

If your bathroom has a jet tub or jacuzzi, check the jets for leaks and other issues. Many people don’t use bathtubs as often as we’d like; some jacuzzi tubs may go unused for years. Run the tub at least once before listing your home, and have a professional plumber address any major issues.

Exterior Water Damage

Older homes may have rotten wood on the exterior trim. If there are splitting or rotten boards along the front or rear of your property, have them replaced, re-caulked, and painted. Pay special attention to the chimney area if your home was built before the 1990s.

Roofing

If there are split or missing roof shingles on your home, pay a roofer to give the roof a once-over and replace any missing or damaged shingles.

Railings

Check all the handrails and deck railings in your home. If you have any wobbly rails, repair or replace them immediately. This is a safety issue that often makes its way onto inspection reports, causing bigger problems later on.

Gutters

Gutters that do not properly channel water away from the foundation of the home are problematic. Have them professionally cleaned, checked for leaks, and rid of debris before selling the home.

Showers

Check all showers and faucets throughout the home. If there are any leaks – even slow drips – have them fixed by a licensed plumber.

HVAC

The cost to replace HVAC units causes great concern for buyers and sellers alike. If your unit appears rusty or worn, have it cleaned and serviced prior to closing. Change the air filter and make sure it is operating properly.

Light Bulbs

Change any and all light bulbs that are missing or not working. Inspectors don’t always check to see if the light works or not, and may note a possible “electrical issue” on the inspection report. Electricians cost a lot of money, and the inspector could give sellers the impression that there’s a major electrical issue with the home when really, you just need to replace a bulb.

During the home inspection, buyers will often find issues beyond these, but addressing these common problems will reduce the risk of any deal-killers and hopefully avoid some major expenses.