15 Minor Repairs That'll Go a Long Way When Selling a Home

15 Minor Repairs That'll Go a Long Way When Selling a Home
These small repairs could make a big difference
Your goal in selling your home should be to command the highest price while moving your property off the market as quickly as possible. If you want to attract buyers and snag an attractive sale price, here are some low-cost repairs worth investing in.
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1. Repainting walls
There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe life into a home. Not only is paint inexpensive, but the work is also fairly easy to do yourself.
ALSO READ: Thinking of Selling in 2022? Here's How to Prep Your House
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2. Replacing worn carpets
Worn or stained carpets can give a bad impression. It's worth ripping out carpet that's seen better days and replacing it with new carpet. If you're handy, you may be able to handle your own installation.
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3. Securing cabinet knobs
Loose cabinet knobs can be a needless turnoff for potential buyers. Spend a little time going through your kitchen and bathrooms to secure those knobs and give buyers one less thing to nitpick over.
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4. Swapping out old toilets
Older toilets can run or clog easily -- something no new homeowner wants to deal with. Since they're a fairly inexpensive appliance to replace, you may want to invest in an upgrade if your toilets don't function as well as they could.
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5. Regrouting old tile
Grungy tile could send buyers running the other way. It pays to regrout your tile for a clean, fresh look -- one that makes your bathrooms look nice and updated.
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6. Fixing leaky faucets
Faucet leaks are often caused by minor issues, and often, they can be repaired easily. Be sure to tackle that task before putting your home on the market. You don't want buyers to pass on your home because of some random drips.
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7. Replacing loose siding
When winds kick up, siding can come loose. Not only is that unattractive, but it could also be dangerous if you have a piece of siding just flapping away, waiting to potentially fall and hit someone. Replacing individual pieces of siding usually isn't too expensive, and if the siding is fairly low to the ground, you may be able to do the work yourself without stress.
ALSO READ: 4 Questions to Ask Before Deciding to Do a Home Repair Yourself
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8. Sanding a wooden deck
Wood is one of those materials that are very sensitive to the elements. If your deck could use a good sanding, it's worth putting in the time and money. The last thing you want is for a buyer to pass on your home because they're worried about deck splinters.
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9. Tightening loose light switch plates
Securing light switch plates is one of the easiest jobs you can do. And while any experienced buyer knows full well that a loose switch plate here and there doesn't have to be a deal-breaker, why not make that simple effort?
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10. Fixing water stains on ceilings
Water stains aren't just unsightly. They could also lead buyers to believe you have a leak problem in your home. If that's not the case, and those stains are a remnant from an older issue, it pays to paint over them.
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11. Replacing damaged fencing panels
A damaged fence can be ugly to look at and leave your exterior less secure, which can turn buyers off. If a buyer is hoping for a fully fenced yard for a child or dog, for example, a missing panel could wreck your chances of getting an offer -- so, it's worth making that fix.
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12. Replacing torn window screens
Window screens are inexpensive, so if yours have seen better days, go ahead and swap them out for new ones. It's a job you can do yourself and shouldn't take a lot of time.
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13. Refacing older cabinets
Older cabinets can make a kitchen look dated. If your cabinets could use a refresh, consider refacing them by giving them a new veneer instead of swapping them out. The cost difference will be substantial.
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14. Securing loose roof shingles
No buyer wants to see pieces of your roof dangling off the top of your home. Though you may need to hire a roofer to secure or replace loose shingles, it's worth making that effort to avoid losing buyers.
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15. Replacing dying shrubs and plants
If your goal is to sell your home, it's important to make a good first impression. Boosting your curb appeal could be your ticket to a quick offer. So, if you have dying landscaping, spend a little time sprucing up your lawn and planting new shrubs and flowers.
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Secure that sale
In today's real estate market, sellers have a clear upper hand. But that doesn't mean buyers won't be choosy. If you want to command top dollar for your home, invest in these relatively minor repairs. They could really make a big difference.
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