When selling a home, there just might be some work to do. In fact, this is easily the number 1 question I get from people getting ready to sell their homes… What do I need to do to get the house ready for the market?
I totally understand that your home might be that one house that is in perfect turn-key condition, but most are not. No matter how new or how well-maintained your home is, it very well could still need some fixes, touch-ups, and care before you list it, especially if you want to get top dollar.
The difficulty is knowing what fixes and minor upgrades will give you the best return… What things should you do, or what things shouldn’t you do before pounding the sign in the yard and announcing to the world that you’re selling your house?
You might want to consider getting a pre-inspection done on the home. Your inspection report will give you a glimpse into what your future buyer will see and it will give you a punch list of items that should be done for the sale.
So check out these top 5 things you need to fix before selling your home in Roseburg… and one bonus tip at the end.
1. Foundation
Before selling your home in Roseburg, you will want to examine the foundation perimeter, basement, or slab for cracks and settling and evaluate the interior floors and ceiling for settling or settling cracks.
If you suspect a problem or issue, shoot me a direct message or call and I’ll get you in contact with one of my trusted network contractors. If there happens to be a foundation issue, you will want to fix it before listing, or disclose the problem and be prepared to compensate the price.
2. Electrical, and Plumbing
If there are any electrical issues that don’t get fixed, you will seriously limit your negotiating power when the buyer’s inspection report is received. And remember, when selling your house in Oregon, if you know about it, you must disclose it!
So what am I talking about here? Electrical and plumbing problems are a major red flag for most buyers. I would suggest checking for burnt-out bulbs, non-operable switches, and plugins, and making sure your plugs are GFCI protected in all water areas, outside, and in the garage.
Next, check under the sinks. Make sure all the plumbing connections and supply lines are in good shape. You don’t want any leaks under sinks or dripping faucets.
One thing to note here, some of the old electric panels are being called out by inspectors. There are two specific brands that won’t pass inspection. If you’re wondering if yours is one of these two brands, shoot me a Direct Message.
Again, a pre-listing inspection is a good idea here. Fixing plumbing problems will show your buyer that it is well-maintained, making your home more marketable and easier to sell for top dollar.
3. Roof
This is a big one! The roof is big, it’s easy to see, and it’s also easy to see if there are obvious signs of a problem. You can bet that all buyers, inspectors, and appraisers will be looking at the roof, and not only for active leaks, that’s obvious.
So what are you looking for? You should look for cracked boots around vents, missing or cracked shingles, bad flashing, moss, and plugged gutters. Interestingly enough, on average sellers recoup nearly all the cost (94% on average) of a new roof at the time of sale.
A new roof also makes selling your house an easier task. Of course, I’m not saying you should replace a good roof for the sake of selling, but an old or faulty roof will decrease your property’s value as well as lead to a lower selling price… or even worse you’ll lose your buyer altogether.
Be sure, then, when selling your home in Roseburg, to take care of any roof problems. Let me know if you need a roofer recommendation.
4. Heating and Cooling
Make sure the HVAC system is well-maintained and in good working order. It doesn’t cost much to have a unit serviced prior to the market and it is a good selling point. When buyers see that an HVAC technician has given it a clean bill of health, they are less likely to worry about future repair costs and offer a higher price.
On average, a new HVAC system ranges between $7K-$12K, so it’s no small thing you should overlook when selling your house in Roseburg. So keep it maintained and keep records to share with buyers, you’ll be glad you did.
An HVAC system that is obviously working well makes another attractive selling point, so don’t neglect this when preparing for selling your home.
5. Exterior and Landscaping
When selling your home, it’s easy to get so focused on the inside that you forget about the importance of curb appeal. You don’t want to neglect the outside when taking care of all the things you need to fix before selling your home.
We can’t show the buyer how great the inside is if they won’t come through the front door. That’s the importance of curb appeal!
Troy
Every buyer will see your house from the street before making an appointment to view the inside. But here’s the thing, we can’t show them how great the inside is if they won’t come through the door.
So, making a great first impression is important when selling a house in Roseburg. The question I usually get is; where do I start?
I would suggest walking around the home and touching up any exterior paint where needed. You’ll want to replace any bad siding, soffits, or fascia boards that need it. Look for peeling paint and signs of weather, and especially pay attention to the front door.
Also, be sure to tidy up the lawn and do at least some minor landscaping. Small affordable things like new mulch in beds and some strategically placed potted plants can have a powerful visual impact.
Bonus… Kitchen and Bathrooms
From a buyer’s perspective, the kitchen and bathroom(s) are the most important rooms in a home. Look at these rooms with a critical eye and see if there might be a fix or update or two that can be done on a reasonably low budget that might give these rooms a facelift.
I’m not talking about a full-blown remodel. Think smaller, like new lighting and plumbing fixtures, hardware like hinges and handles, and maybe new countertops, touch-up paint, caulking, or tile grout as needed.
If buyers are halfway interested, they will spend quite a long time carefully examining these two rooms specifically, so be sure to make any needed fixes and upgrades in both the kitchen and bathroom(s).
Get the Pro Help You Need When Selling Your Home
These are the top 5 things you need to fix before selling your home, but you may need to do more or even less. It all depends on the local Roseburg real estate market conditions and what buyers in our market expect and demand at the time.
What works in one local market may not be effective in another, and you certainly don’t want to waste money making fixes you don’t need. That’s why it’s so important for home sellers to work closely with an experienced top real estate broker in Roseburg.
If you’re interested in working with an agent who thoroughly understands the local market, consider giving me a call or shoot me a direct message. And, if you’re considering selling your home in Roseburg, be sure to do your homework before listing. Got any questions, contact us today at 541-643-1131.