Sellers: Make These Home Repairs Before Negotiating
After the home inspection is complete, homebuyers may come back to the sellers asking for a few things to be fixed. Some of these home repairs are small while others can more involved. To avoid having to do some simple home repairs right before closing, make sure you take the time to go through your home and consider making these nine home repairs before the negotiating begins.
Windows
You may not notice, but a potential homebuyer going through with a critical eye will notice that you have drafty windows. Buyers will want to see these fixed before signing because drafty windows otherwise becomes an extra expense.
Having a Leaky Jet Tub
Whether you use your jet tub a lot or a little, you will want to make sure that you have this checked before an inspector goes through. In most cases, there will need to be some adjustments made. Buyers believe that they will use this often and will not want to have to pay for it to be fixed.
Rotting Boards
On the outside of your home you may begin to see chipping paint or rotting boards. If buyers see this they may begin to think that you have not taken care of the home. Be sure to add a fresh coat of paint to areas that are fading or chipped and replace all rotten boards.
Roofing Details
It is important that you check your roof before you list your home. You don’t want this expense to come to the day before closing and have to pay more money to have someone fix the roof immediately. Buyers like to have peace of mind when it comes to a secure roof.
Wobbly Rails
The inspector will check how secure your deck rails and handrails are and will report out on any issues found, as it is a matter of safety. It will only take a little time make these repairs before listing your home.
Fix the Gutters
If your gutters are not properly taken care of this can cause plenty of damage, quickly. By fixing gutters that are clogged or leaking you can avoid spending a lot of money in the end.
Leaks
If anything leaks you should have it fixed. You can count on the inspector finding it and the buyer will want it repaired. Bring in a plumber to address any leaking faucets or showers.
Big-Ticket Items
One of the big-ticket items that you don’t want to forget about is your heating, ventilation, and cooling system. Make sure you schedule someone to come in and service or change out the filter before listing your home.
Lights in Working Order
Before an inspector goes through your home make sure every light bulb works. If one does not and an inspector tries to turn on a light with no success, he/she will assume and note that it is a more serious electrical issue.
The home-selling process can be difficult enough on its own. Put yourself and your home in position for a quick, headache-free process by making all of the smaller home repairs that need addressed. Buyers will want to see that the home is in working order before they agree to close on the home, so this up-front investment can save you time and money in the long run.