Small Fixes, BIG RETURN.

Imagine you are a buyer looking at your home. What do you think needs fixing? The most common areas of concern is the condition of roof, eavestroughing and windows. In addition, repair of missing or peeling exterior paint is often a condition something that buyers pick away at.

Money spent on some small repairs can make a big difference in the final sale price because buyers tend to overestimate the cost of performing repairs. People are lazy these days and they reduce their offer by an amount higher than necessary to compensate. If the lender requires the repairs to be performed before closing, the seller can, in effect, end up paying for repairs twice: first in a lower sale price and second in the out-of-pocket cost of the repairs themselves.

Here’s a better plan; perform the repairs before putting your house on the market. Some simple repairs that make a huge difference in marketability of your home and the offer price are:

* Replace cracked windows and torn screens.
* Fix or replace any broken stairs or handrails.
* Fix plumbing fixtures, leaking faucets, and so on.
* Replace exterior lock sets and garage door openers if damaged.
* Repair worn or damaged flooring.
* Replace broken or leaking gutters and downspouts.
* Remove any soil or landscape mulch from contact with wood.
* Clean, repair, or replace the roof.
* Repair or replace any worn boards on decks or porches.
* Have your heater and air conditioning units serviced and filters replaced.

First impressions are key. Taking care of the necessary repairs before putting your home on the market is important to yielding top dollar and ensuring a quick, hassle-free sale.  I have been through hundreds of home inspections and I know what those inspectors will be looking for.  I’d be happy to come by and make some recommendations on how to improve that marketability of your home, and ensure you get that top dollar.

Please call or email me if I can answer any questions or be of any assistance in helping you get top dollar when you are ready to sell.