4 Home Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home

If you've thought about selling but unsure which home improvements will be worth the money, then keep reading!

1. Update and fix damaged flooring

Your scratched-up wood flooring, worn and outdated carpet, and beat up linoleum will turn away your buyers quicker than they entered. If you want to increase the value of your home, then install new flooring or refinish the old!

Hardwood floors are highly appealing in today's market. Pull up your carpet or old stick-on linoleum and uncover the existing hardwood flooring underneath. Did you know that getting the hardwood refinished will allow you to recoup 100% of the costs? It's okay if refinishing is not in your budget. Just by uncovering the original hardwood floors, buyers will be able to see them in person instead of trying to imagine what they might look like. This is also appealing since the hard work is already done for them!

If you're not lucky enough to have hardwood floors, there's still other options! You can install engineered hardwood floors or choose a luxury vinyl tile that looks like hardwood. If you need to replace carpet, make sure you do so right before you list. You don't want to install new carpet just to have it ruined by pets or dirty shoes right away. You can also offer a carpet allowance to buyers but sometimes this option isn't as attractive because they might not want to deal with replacing the old.

Engineered hardwood floors featured in the Empire Homes 'Deveney' floor plan.

2. Fix wall damage and paint the walls

Although you may love your red accent wall and bright teal bathroom, it may move your home to the bottom of a buyer's list. Whether it's too difficult for them to look past the paint colors or they don't have the time to make the changes themselves – you're better off making this home improvement yourself.

Fixing nail holes and brushing on a fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest ways to give your house a face lift. By choosing light, neutral paint colors such as tan or gray, you'll give buyers a blank canvas to envision their own furniture and décor in the space.

Light gray paint color used in the Empire Homes 'Buchman' floor plan.

3. Repair damage

Water stains are a huge red flag for buyers. Don't scare them off with hidden plumbing problems – get them fixed and repair any damage it has caused! If you have long fixed the problem but never got around to repairing the damage – do it now! Buyers will still have suspicions if they can still see the damage even after they're told the problem is resolved. Plus, they won't like knowing they'll have to pay the cost to take care of it themselves. Give them a peace of mind and do it yourself. The costs are cheaper than a lost sale.

4. Spruce up the exterior

First impressions are key. Don't let your weedy lawn and dirty windows be the first things buyers see when they pull up to your house. By taking care of the exterior of your home, you will increase the house's value and make a good first impression to buyers.

Check out these easy exterior improvements and repairs:

•  Clean your windows and the glass on your door
•  Mow your lawn
•  Pull the weeds
•  Clean front door scuffs and repaint if needed
•  Repair a loose doorknob or replace if the finish is wearing off
•  Add mulch to flower beds
•  Replace caulk around your windows
•  Repair any broken screens
•  Patch cracks in your sidewalk or driveway

Landscaping on Empire Homes 'Maison' floor plan.

Remember to focus on the most important repairs that will give you the highest return on investment. Small repairs and good staging can go a long way, so don't waste your money on pricey projects that won't pay off. If you're unsure which repairs you should make, give Cassidee a call. She will be able to tell you which home repairs and improvements are worth the money and will justify a higher asking price. Cassidee will even help stage your home for FREE! Learn more about staging HERE!