Selling a home can be a daunting task, and one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is determining which repairs or renovations are necessary before listing your property. While some repairs can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers, others may not be worth the time, effort, or expense. This guide presents a comprehensive list of the top 50 things to consider when deciding whether to fix or leave as-is before selling your home.
Exterior Repairs and Improvements
- Curb Appeal:
- Should fix: Damaged or missing roof shingles, broken windows, faded paint, or cracked siding.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor landscaping issues, minor cosmetic flaws, or minor wear on exterior surfaces.
- Front Entrance:
- Should fix: Cracked or uneven walkways, broken steps, or damaged front door.
- Shouldn’t fix: Superficial scuff marks or minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Roof:
- Should fix: Leaks, missing shingles, or significant damage.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic issues or minor wear and tear.
- Windows and Doors:
- Should fix: Broken or damaged windows, malfunctioning locks, or damaged door frames.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor scratches or minor cosmetic issues.
- Landscaping:
- Should fix: Overgrown vegetation, dead plants, or damaged irrigation systems.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor weed growth, small patches of brown grass, or cosmetic imperfections in plants.
- Driveway and Garage:
- Should fix: Cracked or uneven driveway, broken garage door, or malfunctioning garage opener.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor oil stains or small dents on the garage door.
- Fencing and Gates:
- Should fix: Damaged or sagging fences, broken gates, or missing pickets.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor discoloration or minor cosmetic flaws.
- Patio or Deck:
- Should fix: Structural damage, broken boards, or unsafe railing.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor scratches or minor cosmetic issues.
- Pool or Spa:
- Should fix: Non-functioning equipment, leaks, or damaged tiles.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic imperfections or regular maintenance.
- Exterior Lighting:
- Should fix: Non-functioning or inadequate exterior lighting.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
Interior Repairs and Improvements
- Kitchen:
- Should fix: Outdated appliances, broken cabinets, or damaged countertops.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor scratches or minor cosmetic issues.
- Bathrooms:
- Should fix: Leaky faucets, broken tiles, or damaged fixtures.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or minor wear and tear.
- Flooring:
- Should fix: Severely damaged or worn-out flooring.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor scratches, small stains, or minor wear.
- Walls and Ceilings:
- Should fix: Cracks, water stains, or peeling paint.
- Shouldn’t fix: Small nail holes, minor scuffs, or minor cosmetic flaws.
- Electrical and Plumbing:
- Should fix: Faulty wiring, leaky pipes, or non-functioning fixtures.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor drips or minor electrical issues.
- HVAC System:
- Should fix: Malfunctioning or outdated HVAC systems.
- Shouldn’t fix: Regular maintenance or minor repairs.
- Plumbing Fixtures:
- Should fix: Leaking faucets, clogged drains, or malfunctioning toilets.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor water spots or cosmetic flaws on fixtures.
- Lighting Fixtures:
- Should fix: Non-working or outdated light fixtures.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
- Closets and Storage Spaces:
- Should fix: Broken shelves, damaged closet doors, or dysfunctional storage units.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor scratches or minor cosmetic issues.
- Appliances:
- Should fix: Malfunctioning or outdated appliances.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
- Painting:
- Should fix: Faded or chipped paint on walls, doors, or trim.
- Shouldn’t fix: Small nail holes, minor scuffs, or cosmetic flaws in hidden areas.
- Basement:
- Should fix: Water leaks, cracks in the foundation, or mold issues.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
- Attic:
- Should fix: Damaged insulation, leaks, or pests.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
- Security System:
- Should fix: Malfunctioning or outdated security systems.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
- Fireplace or Chimney:
- Should fix: Cracks in the chimney, damaged firebox, or malfunctioning damper.
- Shouldn’t fix: Minor cosmetic flaws or regular maintenance.
When deciding whether to fix specific aspects of your home before selling, it’s essential to carefully consider each repair’s potential impact on the sale. Prioritize repairs that improve functionality, enhance curb appeal, and address safety concerns. However, it’s equally important to avoid overspending on repairs that may not yield a significant return on investment. By using this guide as a starting point, you can make informed decisions about which repairs to prioritize and ensure that your home is ready to impress potential buyers. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate professional for tailored advice based on your specific circumstances. Good luck with your home sale!
