Minor Issues Add Up to Big Deterrent for Home Buyers
Date: August 18, 2022
Top priorities for home buyers are cleanliness, functionality, and energy efficiency, in that order – according to a study by iPropertyManagement.
Once you’ve checked deep cleaning, decluttering, and basic yard care off your pre-listing priority list, it’s time to look at functionality.
Start with the basics. Before performing major upgrades, like installing new flooring, take note of smaller items needing attention. Begin at your front door and do a walk through, going from room to room, looking for issues as if you were a potential buyer.
It may seem obvious that doors and windows should open and close easily with functional hardware, that water flow from kitchen and bathroom faucets without leaking or dripping, and toilets flush freely. But, when we’ve become accustomed to working around a door that sticks, a tap that drips, or a handle needing to be jiggled ‘just so’ it can be easy to miss seeing how these little things add up. A multitude of minor issues can become a big deterrent for home buyers.
Make sure your home is in good working order; from the front door to the roof and everything in between. Replace or repair broken or difficult to use door knobs and locks, cracked window glass, torn window screens, broken light fixtures, and loose handrails. Patch holes in walls and touch up paint. Tighten or replace missing drawer pulls and electrical outlets that no longer hold a plug securely in place, etc.
“In the U.S., sellers spend approximately six months preparing their homes for sale”, according to Zillow.
Do I really need to fix everything before I list my home for sale? No. A home can be offered for sale in almost any condition. In some cases, it makes sense to sell a house “as-is”. Especially when major repairs are needed. However, a home’s condition has a direct impact on selling price and number of days on market. A buyer expecting to make repairs will offer a lower price to cover related costs and generally take longer to make a decision to buy.
To get the best price for your home and best chance for a quick sale take time to make repairs before listing it for sale with a local realtor.
If you have any questions about getting your home ready for sale or would like a home selling consultation, call Ouachita Real Estate at: 870-867-2215