All the Fixings

So your clients are ready to sell, but they know the house needs a little work before it goes on the market. They want to know which fixes or repairs are worth doing that will actually help them get top dollar and which ones are better left to the buyer.

Items the seller should fix:

• Things that are simple and easy to fix, but not too expensive, such as doors not hanging properly, condensation leaks in the furnace, broken cabinets, plumbing leaks (like a pail under a sink), landscaping, painting, replacing internal and external light fixtures, simple hardware updates
• Electrical issues
• Items that are a clear safety risk or environmental issue, such as broken steps, loose or missing handrails or guardrails, buried or abandoned oil tanks

Items best left for the buyer to fix:

• Any cosmetic items that will appeal to a buyer’s specific taste, such as shingles on a roof or flooring
• You can also provide quotes on these items if they need replacement in the future. This way, the buyers can budget for it, but then select the style and features they prefer:
  • Energy enhancements, such as insulation and ventilation
  • Major appliances, as long as they are in good working condition, even if near the end of their life expectancy, such as a furnace or air conditioner

Take steps to appeal to buyers to get the best price for the home, without overspending on items that might not jibe with a buyer’s personal taste.

For more information, please visit Pillar To Post or email [email protected].