Most Important Things to Repair Before Selling a House
Some normal wear and tear over the years are typical for any house. However, if you are considering selling your house, repairing these small blemishes can make a big difference to the value of your home on the market. So, what is worth fixing? Here is a list of important things to repair before selling your home.
Paint
Updating the paint is one of the most effective ways to transform your home. When picking a new paint colour, keep in mind that it should appeal to most people’s taste. We recommend using light and neutral colours for mass appeal.
Do you have torn or outdated wallpaper in your home? To enhance your home’s style, it is best to upgrade the wallpaper to a modern look. There are many wallpaper brands in the market that offer unique and trendy patterns which are quite easy to install. You can also create an accent wall in a bedroom or in the living area with wallpaper or a bolder choice of paint colour.
Exterior
First impressions matter; the exterior condition is critical as it is the first thing that buyers see walking up to your house. Simple things such as replacing missing fence boards, cleaning and organizing clutter, and landscaping the front yard can have your home feeling more welcoming and pleasant.
Kitchen
A spacious and inviting kitchen can be an excellent selling point for the house. However, we do not recommend doing a complete kitchen renovation unless your real estate agent advises so. There are more straightforward ways to update your kitchen, for example:
- Replace old kitchen countertops.
- Paint or replace cabinets, especially if they are chipped or stained.
- Replace kitchen backsplash.
- Update lighting fixtures to brighten up the room.
We also recommend replacing any appliances that are run down or out of operation. While they do not have to be top-of-the-line, buyers will expect functional kitchen appliances.
Bathroom
A clean and functional bathroom is a necessity if you want your house to sell. If there is any water damage in the bathroom, now is the time to hire a professional to fix it. Some other things to consider are:
- Make sure that the toilet is running properly, and the faucet is not leaking.
- Clean up dirty grouts.
- Replace missing tiles.
- Remove old wallpaper and replace it with new coats of paint.
We recommend focusing on kitchen and bathroom repairs as they are pricey areas to upgrade, and buyers are likely to put their focus on them.
Lighting
Clever lighting can make the smallest room look open and inviting. Take some time to analyze the space and find appropriate lighting fixtures to maximize the perception of space. Remember that natural lighting is your best friend, so ditch the heavy drapes and let the sunlight in!
Kelly Ebbs and Kerry Millican are your Ottawa real estate professionals at Royal Lepage Team Realty. Whether it is a condo or a family home, we are here to help guide you through the selling process. Together, we can make it happen. Get in touch to get started today!