Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Search
Accessibility Menu

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

By Maurie Backman - Mar 4, 2022 at 7:00AM
A person making a home repair.

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.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Previous

Next

A couple is laughing as they sit in front of a white wall they are painting blue.

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

Previous

Next

A cozy carpeted bedroom.

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.

Previous

Next

The corner of a kitchen.

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.

ALSO READ: How to Finance a Kitchen Remodel

Previous

Next

A white toilet in a white bathroom.

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.

Previous

Next

Person tiling a floor in a home bathroom.

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.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Previous

Next

Dripping water faucet.

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.

Previous

Next

A medium-sized home with white siding.

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

Previous

Next

Person working on a laptop on a sunny deck.

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.

Previous

Next

Finger flipping a light switch.

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?

Previous

Next

A ceiling with water damage stains.

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.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Previous

Next

Person putting up fence.

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.

Previous

Next

A person looking out a window.

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.

Previous

Next

Person measuring cabinets with a dog by their side.

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.

Previous

Next

Roof with a damaged shingle.

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.

ALSO READ: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Previous

Next

A house with a large lawn.

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.

5 Stocks Under $49

Presented by Motley Fool Stock Advisor

We hear it over and over from investors, "I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I'd be sitting on a gold mine!" It's true, but we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Click here to learn how you can grab a copy of "5 Growth Stocks Under $49" for FREE for a limited time only.

Previous

Next

Home with a For Sale sign out front.

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.

The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Previous

Next

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.