When it comes down to it, the only reason you should make repairs or renovations to your home before listing it for sale is to end up with more money in your pocket on settlement day. Fixing these common issues that are uncovered at home inspections will likely be worth the investment.
While some of the repairs may not directly add value to your home, they will make your home sell quicker, which will reduce your holding costs and potentially give you more leverage if you are planning to coordinate a sale with the purchase of another property.
1. Plug-in air fresheners
Having plug-in air fresheners in your home will only make potential buyers wonder what they are NOT smelling! Not to mention, many people have sensitivities to the fragrances that are in air fresheners like Glade plug-ins.
If there are lingering odors from things like pets or cigarettes, have a deep cleaning done and use activated charcoal filters to help eliminate the smells. In some cases, removing carpeting and damaged upholstery may be necessary.
If the smell is coming from mold or mildew, be sure that any moisture issues are remedied first, otherwise it is sure to return.
2. A freshly painted section of a ceiling or wall
A section of fresh paint on a ceiling or wall is a dead giveaway that you are trying to cover something up. If you've had a water leak in the past that left stains, you're better off painting the entire affected surface so that it looks uniform.
And no, I’m not implying that you should cover up active water leaks with paint! Not only could you put yourself in legal trouble for hiding a material defect, but a thorough home inspector will be able to identify moisture issues using a moisture meter.
If it's discovered that you were covering up a leak that was never fixed, it will only make the buyers fear that more serious issues are lurking beneath the surface. It's better to be up front so you don't waste weeks under contract only to have an issue like this derail your home sale.
3. Foundation cracks
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a buyer like seeing cracks in the foundation! Foundation repairs are notoriously expensive and can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in repairs or more.
If you've had a foundation crack assessed by a structural engineer and it was determined that it’s not a cause for concern, it may be advisable to share the engineer’s report with prospective buyers to allay their fears
4. Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits
Faulty wiring is more than just an inconvenience, it is a safety hazard, and the language used in a home inspector’s report will certainly emphasize this fact. If you’re already aware of electrical issues in your home, you’ll likely save time and money by hiring a licensed electrician to make repairs before listing the house.
By planning ahead, you’ll have time to get multiple estimates for the work and will avoid a last minute rush to find an available electrician.
5. Dated and poorly maintained appliances
Having older appliances is not necessarily a deal breaker, but the truth is that many home buyers are put off by dated looking appliances, especially in the kitchen. There can be months- or even years-long lead times to get certain appliances delivered, so if new appliances are in your renovation plans, make sure to place your orders well in advance.
If it doesn’t make financial sense to invest in new appliances, maintaining detailed service records and performing a deep clean on refrigerators, ovens, stovetops, and washing machines will make a great impression with home buyers.
6. Mold and mildew problems
Mold and mildew are a major concern not only for the structural Integrity of the home, but also for the indoor air quality. Those who are sensitive to mold and mildew (like myself) will experience headaches and even nausea within minutes of stepping into a contaminated area! You'll be able to attract many more qualified buyers if there are no mold and mildew concerns.
Moisture and poor ventilation is typically the cause of persistent mold and mildew, so make sure that you address this to get to the root of the problem.
7. Poor drainage and standing water near a property
Make sure gutters and downspouts aren't blocked and that they drain away from a home properly. Home inspectors flag improper drainage and grading around properties very frequently. Often, correcting these issues are inexpensive and means there will be one less thing for buyers to nitpick about.
8. Evidence of termites and other wood destroying insects
Termite damage is on the same level as foundation problems when it comes to the amount of fear that it instills in buyers. Just say the word termites, and they will imagine the floorboards crumbling beneath their feet!
If you’ve had an infestation of termites, carpenter ants, or other wood destroying insects in the past, make you’ve repaired any damaged structures and have cleaned up any wood shavings or dead insects that may have been left behind. Otherwise, the inspector might assume that you have an active infestation.
9. Big temperature changes throughout the house
Significant temperature changes throughout the house can be a result of insufficient insulation or air leaks in the home. Nowadays with energy prices rising, homebuyers are more cognizant than ever of minimizing their utility costs, and they know that a drafty house will be more expensive to maintain.
If you have an older home that was not insulated and air sealed as well as today’s modern homes, making these upgrades can make your home stand out from the competition, and you’ll be able to claim a tax rebate for the work that was done according to the guidelines of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Look into getting an energy audit done (only $100 through BGE or Pepco) before and after the work is completed, so that you can show prospective buyers the improvements in energy efficiency.
10. Pest infestation
It goes without saying that no one wants to deal with pests in their home. Some buyers will be afraid to even step inside a home if they see bugs or mice!
Call an exterminator well ahead of time so that the buyers don’t encounter any surprises when looking in cabinets or other convenient hiding areas.
Next Steps
If you're preparing to sell and aren't sure where to start, book a strategy session with me and we'll make a prioritized list of the repairs that will give you the best return on investment.