The average person lives in a house for sixteen years before moving to a new one.
If you fall into this category, you know that selling a house is both exciting and stressful. You’ll want to ensure your home looks its best before putting it on the market. Keeping home updates to a minimum before selling may feel counterintuitive, but many don’t offer enough value for the trouble.
Save your money by following this guide on what not to fix when selling a house.
Everyday Wear and Tear
It can be hard not to rush to fix all the cosmetic flaws you see daily. If you see have any of the following in your home, leave it alone:
- scuffed baseboards
- chipping paint
- small settling cracks in the walls
- scratched floors
All these flaws will take more energy and money to fix than you’ll get back in your sale. You can always adjust the purchase price before listing to reflect any damage.
The only thing to watch for is that none of these minor issues lead to more significant problems. As long as they are only cosmetic, leave them alone.
Outdated Rooms
When fixing a house to sell, don’t go wild by adding updates to outdated rooms. While a complete renovation may feel like a good idea, it’s not necessary to make a sale.
Consider doing a partial room update for the most bang for your buck. Change out old hardware, shower heads, and faucets for updated versions. Add a new mirror in the bathroom and install new carpets in the bedrooms.
Remember, most homeowners will change things up to suit their tastes. Updating one or two elements of a room can give you a modern effect without costing you a fortune.
Exterior Home Cracks
The outside of your home is everyone’s first impression, so it makes sense to want it to look its best. The small cracks on your walkways and driveways are probably glaring to you but not a deal-breaker to potential buyers. Most people expect imperfections in a driveway or walkway.
If you want to spruce up the exterior of your home, try upping the curb appeal by planting bright flowers. Keep any hedges trimmed and your gardens weed-free for a polished look.
Old Appliances
A shiny, new appliance can make a room look fresh, but updating the old ones in your house can be very expensive. If you are considering selling your house for cash, adding new appliances won’t make sense. Most new home buyers will want new appliances when they move in anyway.
Painting Rooms
Adding paint to a room can change what a room looks like quickly and easily. This, however, doesn’t mean you should repaint your entire home before you list.
If your home is a fixer-upper, it may not be worth it to do much painting. The new homeowners will likely be doing larger renovations and painting everything anyway.
You can remove any old wallpaper from the walls. Patching any holes or dents is another quick and easy fix that can go a long way.
Small Electrical Problems
Of course, if you have electrical work that is a safety issue, you need to address that ASAP. Things like old or exposed wires or broken light fixtures need immediate attention.
Not all electrical issues need fixing before you sell your home, though. If you have a dead outlet or a light switch that doesn’t turn anything on, leave it as is. In most cases, these won’t cause you to lose a sale.
Removable Items
A removable item in your home is something like a curtain rod or blinds. If they are broken or outdated, it may be better to eliminate them. When you take them out of the picture, buyers may have an easier time envisioning their own style.
What You Should Fix Before You Sell
Unless you are selling a house as-is, there are a few fixes you should invest your time and money into before you sell. The following are common selling points that can make or break a deal.
- plumbing
- electrical
- foundation
- the roof
- safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- HVAC
If there is something in your home that won’t pass inspection, it’s a good idea to get it fixed. Major leaks, pest infestations, or hazards can be a big turn-off when selling.
The bottom line is that you want to get a large return on investment (ROI) for any repairs you make. Most fixes you make will offer a small ROI, making your efforts futile.
Tips Before You Sell Your Home
Before putting your home on the market, make sure you have a clean and decluttered house. This step alone can make a big difference in the interest you get from potential buyers.
If you are working with a real estate agent, they can be a good resource on what repairs you should make for a faster sale. They can help you determine what repairs you will make back from the sale and which ones aren’t worth your time.
Don’t jump on new trends, as this can be a turn-off for buyers. Very trendy colors or fixtures only appeal to a small portion of the market. Expand your potential buyers by keeping things classic and neutral.
Knowing What Not to Fix When Selling a House Will Help You Get the Most Money in Your Sale
A potential buyer won’t even notice most of the minor eyesores you have in your home. When you know what not to fix when selling a house, you’ll keep as much money in your pocket as possible.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of putting your home up for sale, consider getting a cash offer. If this sounds like the avenue you want to take, Millennial Home Solutions can help. Connect with us to get started on a cash offer for your house today.