Whatever the reason for selling your home, you deserve to get its reasonable maximum real estate value. You have, after all, maintained it and cared for it all these years. During a slow market though, the more the amenities your house has to offer, the better its sale value would be so it’s necessary to prepare it before putting it up in the market.

A major renovation is not a practical step to take in most cases. Instead, doing some minor repairs can turn in better offers. Where do you start? Think like a buyer. The first thing that a buyer would notice is the outside appearance of your house. So fix the roof, repaint the walls, tend the gardens and just keep your lawn clean.

Contact a home inspector to identify which repairs are of immediate concern. Having a home inspection can give you an objective listing of things to repair and make your home ready for buyer scrutiny.

Usually, ceilings are given extra attention by the buyers. A ceiling can give signs of water leak and the kind of maintenance that the seller has done. If there are ceiling cracks, smoke, water and grease stain, fix it fast by finding the source of the problem. Water stain is the result of problems like leaky roof, heating or air conditioning system that malfunctioned or even burst pipes. Although a fresh coat of paint can instantly give it a new look, it pays to fix the real problem and not just cover it up. Real estate buyers often have the home inspected before they seal the deal and any undisclosed home problems will be revealed and may even cause the seller to lose the deal.

The walls can also give the buyer hints of damage and the personal taste of the seller. Your wallpaper which you so lovingly picked may not appeal to your buyer so since you’re cleaning or repainting the walls anyway, might as well remove the wallpaper too and replace it with neutral paint.

Homeowners should remember that kitchen improvement is always a good investment since it will pay off later on. Appliances, cabinets, storage, tiles and countertops must be well maintained too. Unless the house has special historical significance, it’s better to rid it off of dated furnishings and fixtures.
Windows, pipes, faucets, tubs, sinks, pools and walls that have leaks or cracks must be repaired or replaced immediately.

The bathroom is also an important part of the house and gives it a good resale value when it is well maintained. A simple change of shower curtains can do wonders for your bathroom. Make sure too that it smells fresh and is clean all the time. Replace chipped tiles and keep the mirror pristine. If you have a tub, create a romantic mood by sprinkling rose petals to complement the bubble bath.

Overall, show the real estate buyer the warmth and joy of owning your home. If there are major repairs to be done, assess the expense carefully and weigh the pros and cons. In most cases, it is better to disclose it to future owners so they can have a free hand in renovating it to suit their taste.

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