METCALF MOVING BLOG
6 Home Maintenance Tasks to Address for First-Time Sellers
It’s no secret that selling a house is stressful. However, what many people don’t know is that there is a science to selling your home that can make the process faster and much less frustrating.
While there are no guarantees in life or real estate, there is a simple formula for attracting buyers and locking in offers. One of the most vital aspects of this formula falls under home maintenance tasks.
Keep reading for our top six suggestions to find a buyer and get your house sold quickly.
1. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first impression potential buyers will get of your property and home. If your house’s exterior doesn’t inspire them to come inside to get a closure look, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.
Keep it simple:
- Get rid of garbage, debris, foliage, etc.
- Keep grass cut short
- Trim back vegetation (trees, shrubs, weeds, etc.)
- Consider adding potted plants or flowers
Your yard doesn’t have to be perfect, nor do you need to dump a ton of money into it. However, remember that good curb appeal will draw in buyers off the street.
2. Fresh Paint Goes a Long Way
For both indoor and outdoor renovations, a new paint job is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to brighten up your home and add mass appeal. Remember to keep paint colors relatively neutral. Color pops are okay, but only when tastefully done in moderation.
3. Clutter is a Huge Turn-Off for Buyers
Next, keep in mind that buyers like to imagine themselves living in homes they tour. This can be difficult if your home is full of personal items and clutter.
We recommend renting a storage unit, borrowing space from a friend, or moving your stuff in advance to a new location when trying to sell your home. Then, stage your home to better present the house to buyers.
4. Cleanliness is Key for Making a Good Impression
Regular cleaning is one of the most important home maintenance tasks. Cleanliness is essential when it comes to impressing buyers and keeping them interested. A dirty room or unpleasant odor can make them look negatively at the entire house.
5. Minor Repairs Can Make or Break a Deal
Buyers often look at minor signs of damage as indicators of bigger problems throughout the home. Before putting your home up on the market, we recommend taking care of all the small issues, such as:
- Broken fixtures or hardware
- Water leaks
- Cracked windows
- Stained carpets
- Air gaps in doors/windows
- Broken appliances
- Etc.
Though these issues aren’t a big deal, they can ruin potential deals.
6. Signs of Water Damage Will Scare Away Buyers
One of the worst problems a home can have is water damage. Regular home maintenance tasks can help you avoid experiencing the worst of these effects. Take care of water leaks from pipes, damaged roofing, or leaking appliances as soon as possible.
Water issues get worse over time, leading to harmful mold, rotting wood, pests, and more.
Looking for More Home Maintenance Tasks or Other Moving Advice?
If you’re a first-time seller, we understand how overwhelming this entire process can feel. Just be sure to stay organized and educate yourself as much as possible on how to get your house sold.
Whether you’re looking at the local housing market and planning to sell your house soon or need help moving into a new home, we can help. Check out some of our other articles about stress-free moving or contact us to inquire about our moving and storage services.
