This seems like a no-brainer. If something needs repair such as a curtain rod, trim around a door or a sprinkler hitting a window – then it is wise to fix it. Sprucing up your home to show it off can bring you extra $$.
Now there is a fine line here. I’m the type of Listing Agent that does not recommend installing new carpet, granite counters and any other high dollar improvement. Most times the Buyer will have their own ideas and style about home improvements and it is too hard to guess what they want. About 4 years ago I had a Seller who was insistent on updating her deceased parent’s home before putting it on the market. It took her about 9 months and $50,000 to accomplish this. We put the house on the market and it sold for much less than I had predicted 9 months earlier due to declining values. If she had put it on the market without any improvements she would have sold it for a higher amount and not went through all the improvement drama and money.
Now if you are dealing with electrical, heating or roof problems and you know they are in need of repair or upgrading then by all means have these attended to right away. These can be expensive but a Buyer will automatically put a high dollar amount on fixing them. Plus you can give the new Buyer the receipt when you close escrow so that they know who to call if they have trouble in the future.
One other thing that I advise Home Sellers is to have a professional home inspection. For about $350-400 a home inspector will tell you if any of the major systems of the house need attention. This is especially a good idea if you find yourself selling a parent’s home. It might have been your childhood home but since you haven’t lived in it for 20 or more years, you might not know if your parents have been keeping up with repairs.
