What to Fix?

During the process of listing a house for sale, every owner asks themselves the question of “is there anything I should do to the house?” Usually this is reference to painting, cleaning the yard, or rearranging furniture. Here is a quick guide of things that should be done before you re-list.

1. Landscaping

As talked about in a previous blog, the “curb side appeal” is the most important aspect of preparing your house for sale. If you have dying plants, they should be replaced or removed. Ensure that your yard looks neatly kept and clean. Make sure the lawn in mowed and edged. Put mulch in the beds for a fresh clean look.

2. Doors that Stick

If you have a door that sticks, be sure to get the WD40 and a screw driver out and do anything you can to fix it. Doors that stick can be viewed as a problem to a potential buyer, no matter how easy the remedy. If a door closes on its own, take out one or two hinge pins (one at a time) and put a slight bend in it with a hammer. Reinstall the pin. It will give added friction to the hinge and help keep the door in place.

3. Paint

If you have bright colors, scuff marks, or holes in the walls these things should be taken care of before you show your house for sale. The house should be painted neutral and all scuff marks should be removed. Any holes should be repaired.

4. Lighting

All switch plate covers that are cracked, broken, or missing should be replaced. They are only 40 cents and take a matter of seconds to change. Buyers that see these broken will wonder if there are other things that have been left unattended in the house. You should also make sure all lighting is working properly and the fixtures are cleaned. Ensure that bad light bulbs are all replaced.

5. Laminate Counter Tops

If you have laminate counter tops often times the corners of the laminate will lift. To fix this you simply hold a heat gun about 6 inches from the surface to warm the adhesive; once it feels tacky roll down the edge. In place of a heat gun, many times you can use a house hold iron to warm up the laminate and glue. Make sure not to leave it on too long.

For more information on all aspects of your home when buying or selling, visit www.123SellHouseNow.com.