12 Repairs You Should Make Before Selling your Home in Lakewood, CO

Some would argue that making repairs to your home before selling isn’t necessary, but the market should dictate how much "fixing up" your home needs. If there are few houses on the market, you might be able to get your asking price with only a handful of repairs. But if buyers have many properties to choose from, you’ll want to make as many repairs as needed to remain competitive in the market.

But it's important that, as you begin to make repairs before selling your home, you choose ones with a high return on investment. Here are some recommended repairs to make before you put your home on the market!

Structural Repairs

Some repairs aren’t up for debate. Ensure the property is structurally sound before listing your home for sale. Your home inspector will give you a more detailed list, but here are a few repairs you’ll need to look for.

1. Roof

You can replace worn and broken roof tiles yourself, but if there are holes, leaks, mold, or rotted wood, you’ll need to seek the help of a professional to repair or replace your roof.

2. Leaks

 If there's water damage to your ceiling or walls, you’ll need to look into a potential water leak and fix it.

3. Cracks

Cracks in the ceiling or walls can indicate a larger issue with the foundation. Talk with your home inspector and determine which type of repair your foundation needs.

Cosmetic Repairs

Homebuyers not only want a pretty space, they’re looking for a clean, blank slate they can move into and make their own. These cosmetic repairs will help create that space they’re looking for.

4. Paint

Repair minor cracks, holes, and dings in the walls, and then apply a fresh coat of paint, including the ceilings if needed! No one wants to buy a home that looks grimy. Applying a coat of neutral paint makes the home look well-cared for, clean, and fresh.

5. Flooring

Do you have carpet? Get it professionally cleaned or think about replacing the carpet altogether. Hardwood flooring  can add value to your home, and many buyers today are looking for properties with hardwood. If your home's hardwood flooring has excessive scratches or wear, have them refinished.

6. Ceiling

You might not think about ceilings collecting dust, but they do. If you have both ceiling fans and popcorn ceilings, the combination creates dust.  At the least, clean popcorn ceilings, if not replacing them altogether.

7. Cabinets

Replacing cabinets is an expensive venture, so consider refinishing or painting cabinets. Just like paint on the walls, refinishing your cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms will freshen and update your home's look.

8. Hardware

Easily overlooked, it's simple to update knobs, handles, and pulls on cabinets and doors. This small fix can help make your home look up to date.

9. Fixtures

Replacing light fixtures can get expensive, so you’ll need to be selective. You don’t need to rewire the electrical or install recessed lighting unless you want to, but take a look at your larger fixtures. Replace items like the dining room chandelier, ceiling lights and fans, and the entryway fixture.

Exterior Repairs

The exterior of your home makes the first impression, so investing a few dollars in repairs here will serve you well.

10. Landscaping

Keep your home looking well-cared for by replacing dead plants and trimming the grass.

11. Paint

The whole exterior may not need a new coat of paint, but maybe your trim, handrails, and shutters do. Look for any fading, weathered, or outdated paint and brush over with a neutral color.

Secondary Repairs

If the market is competitive and you have a flexible budget, there are a few more repairs you should consider making to your home.

12. Remodel

Kitchen and bathroom remodels are high on the "return on investment" list. If you have the ability or budget, consider replacing the countertops, cabinetry, and appliances in these rooms. Although it wouldn’t always be in your best interest to do this, these updates may make your house stand out against the competition.

Whether you're facing an off-season PCS or awaiting orders in the spring, these repairs provide a good starting point for you to get your house ready to sell.

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