If you are a homeowner, you know how easy it is to delay repairs. Guess what? You are not alone. You are in a popular club as 86% of homeowners are putting off home repairs. Sometimes when you do that it doesn’t make it better, in fact, it could make it worse. In a recent survey, 2-3% of those who finally did the repair reported that it cost them more money to wait to do the repairs than to do them when they first occurred. This is mainly because the cost of supplies had gone up, and in addition, the repair went from being something minor to something major. 

So in this article, I’m going to give you 5 must-do’s to prepare your home for sale, and maybe you’ll even do it ahead of time so that you can enjoy your home being in great shape. I’m located in Southeast Florida on the Treasure Coast; so I’m basing my information on what I experienced living here and the real estate that I sell. 

Location-based home repairs to consider

Still, many of these items are essential no matter where you are located but there might be some additional things depending on where you live. These could include septic tanks, sump pumps, or radon. Which you can add to the list that I’m about to give you. 

A note on home maintenance 

When you notice that your home needs maintenance, it is essential that you take care of it. However, maintenance is even more critical when you’re considering selling your home. This is because you want to make sure that you remove any of the issues the buyer is going to want or maybe deduct from the sales price. If a buyer finds these problems, it could cost you a lot more than if you would have just taken care of it yourself. Bottom line: It is wise to make sure these repairs are all done ahead of time.  

Almost 70% of home repairs are cosmetic, which makes those pretty easy to take care of. However, believe it or not, 23% of the repair projects are actually serious issues, and waiting to get it done will cost you more money. I know money can be really tight right now so the thought of having to repair your home when maybe you don’t have it is a lot. Take the time to consider the possibility of putting away a little bit of money each month for repairs that would be needed now or in the future. 

I’ve always found it really interesting when I am taking potential buyers around a property. They’re noticing every single thing that’s wrong in the property, I mean everything. That always leaves me thinking to myself I’ve been in your home and your property is not perfect. Yet you think everything that you’re looking at needs to be absolutely perfect? However, with that type of thought process applied to your home, it’ll make it easier for you to know what you need to do to make it appealing. This is important as we get into a more balanced seller/buyer market, you need to make your home very appealing. 

So here is the list of items you have probably noticed but ignored because of cost or don’t want to do it.

1.​​ Electrical

Do you know of switches or items which are not working? Make a list and have an electrician come out and fix them.  Some may be important to your safety and will be noticed when selling your home, get them fixed. This will give you peace of mind knowing there aren’t any safety issues. AND help you be ready to sell your home.

2. Plumbing

It seems most issues with a home have to do with water, the toilet or faucets leak, the dishwasher or washer hoses are leaking, let’s not forget the garbage disposal may not be working, or the outside hose bib won’t turn on or off, the bathtub or shower doesn’t drain, and the list goes on. These things are very annoying so make your list and get that plumber out there. These are a turn-off; get them fixed.

3. Painting

This could be inside or outside. If the outside looks pretty good and just needs pressure cleaning you are all set. However, if it’s been a while, then maybe it needs to be painted. Make sure the inside of the house isn’t looking tired. Are there water stains that need to be fixed? Things like that are worth putting a fresh coat of paint on because it will freshen up the entire home. Don’t only cover up those water stains, ensure that if there’s a leak, it’s been fixed as well. So do it yourself or hire a professional; either way, get it done.

4. Air conditioner or hot water heater

Your home may have 1, 2, or even 3 air conditioning units. Are they in good working order? If they are not, it will definitely be found in a home inspection. The buyer’s gonna want a credit; my suggestion is to replace them or lower the price of the home to account for this expense a new owner will need to pay.

5. Roof

I’m going to speak on this subject from a Florida perspective.  If you have a roof nearing 15 years old, you need to either replace it or have it inspected to validate that it has at least 5 years of life left to get homeowners insurance.  So if your roof is getting near 12 or 13 years old, you may want to consider in advance if you need to replace it or give a buyer credit. This will really affect the new owner’s ability to get homeowners insurance. Those roof inspections I believe, need to be done by a structural engineer and are very cumbersome. We have a real issue in Florida regarding homeowners’ insurance, but that’s another video. However, I encourage you to plan for this significant expense.  It could make a difference in what you receive for your home.  If you want more information on this issue, please comment below, and I would be happy to answer your questions.

I hope this was helpful and that you now have a better idea of the must-dos before selling your home. Perhaps even to enjoy while living there! I love hearing from you so if you have any comments please reach out! I promise I will be the one to get back to you personally. In the meantime, happy house hunting!

If you’re considering selling your house then there are 5 home repairs you must make! In this video 🎬 I am going to provide you with the 5 home repairs you want to consider as a homeowner to avoid costly maintenance in the future. Keeping your house in great condition is essential, and a more critical venture when you want to sell. Two-thirds of people who delayed repairs on their house reported paying more to finally do the repairs, and I will tell you why. Come join me on this informative video. New videos🎤 released every TUESDAY!

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I am Maria Wells, Broker/Owner of Lifestyle Realty Group. Located on the Treasure Coast of Florida, I am your neighborhood expert in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Sewalls Point, Hutchinson Island and more. With six real estate designations I bring you knowledge and insights beyond the average Realtor. I will listen to what you are asking, read between the lines and provide information you may not know to ask. As the 2017 elected State President of Florida Realtors, the largest state trade organization in the US serving over 180,000 members and, 2019 elected Region 5 Vice President for the National Association of Realtors I convey tremendous experience and knowledge to handle the complexities of real estate to be your strong advocate. My Concierge philosophy and resources will provide you with personalized attention and service! As a persuasive negotiator, I will get you to the closing table, manage all the details for a worry-free transaction, and be a resource for all your real estate needs for years to come. If you are looking for my “Selling Senior Style” services, I have worked with hundreds of families to solve all of the issues regarding personal and real property for seniors and their families. My designation Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) will give you tremendous value if you are in this life journey. I live in Jensen Beach Florida with my husband, where we raise Orchids,🌸, polish up our Harley’s 🏍 , enjoy our grown children and one adorable grandson.👶🏻 🍼.

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