When you’re ready to sell your home, you’re likely in a rush to start the process. You’ve probably addressed major fixes (or at least made note of them), and you’re eager to start taking photos and inviting prospective buyers to tour. You may not want to act so quickly. There are minor flaws that many sellers overlook that can actually cost you a sale. You may not think about a minor paint chip or a tiny hole in the wall, but it will often be the first detail buyers focus on. If you think you’re ready to sell, you may want to do a final tour of the home to look for some of these simple fixes first.
Leaky Faucets
A leaking faucet is often a quick fix, typically with an o-ring replacement on the faucet head. However, a leaking faucet can point to larger issues in the eyes of a buyer, and major plumbing problems are very expensive. If a potential buyer sees a leaky faucet, they may see it as a warning sign and pass, especially if there are other noticeable plumbing problems like water damage or running toilets.
Running Toilets
Another type of plumbing issue that causes fear is a running toilet. Most of the time, toilets that run all of the time have to do with a loose handle or flush chain; it’s a simple fix, and replacing the entire flushing mechanism doesn’t cost more than $20-$30 in most cases. Homebuyers who are inexperienced with toilets or fear a larger systemic plumbing issue may balk at the sight.
Cracked or Uneven Patio
A patio space can draw in many interested buyers; the backyard is an often underutilized space in a home. However, the patio’s quality may be called into question. Excessive cracks or wear in the patio foundation may be more of an eyesore or headache than it is worth. Uneven patios can be even trickier to repair, and it may be a major tripping hazard for the new homeowners. You can fill in cracks for a temporary fix, but repaving can be expensive. Uneven patios require some creativity to avoid repavement or replacement. If your patio is concrete, you may be able to lift it without the hefty price tag that comes with repavement. I found concrete lifting near me at much better rates than an entire repavement.
Window Cracks
In the home, windows are far more than just a viewpoint to the outside world—they’re a vulnerability in a home’s energy efficiency and security. If a window or multiple windows have cracks, that’s a clear sign they’ll need replacement sooner rather than later. Window replacements can be pricey, especially for uniquely shaped windows or models with heavy insulation. Some homebuyers may prefer newer or more secure windows.
Floor Damage
Flooring is an extensive home feature, and it can take a bit of elbow grease or financial investment to replace or repair. Hardwood damage can lead to mold or other issues that require immediate, costly replacements. Vinyl flooring problems are less expensive to fix, but can be a pain point for those who prefer turnkey options. Major carpet stains will require some work to clean up, but they may put a bad taste in the buyer’s mouth; opting for a full replacement can put them at ease, but it can cost a lot upfront when they’re already paying for a house. Try to eliminate stains and damage as much as possible.
Holes in Walls
A hole in the wall of any size may worry many homebuyers. While holes can be patched up fairly easily, they could indicate that the previous owners did not care for the home enough, especially if the hole is large. Holes in the walls could also reveal further damage, like mold or pests, major flaws that will send most buyers heading for the hills.
Squeaky Doors or Cabinets
Squeaky doors can be ominous for a homebuyer. It may seem strange, as a squeak is usually fixed with some low-cost lubricant spray, but like a hole in the wall, it can lead buyers to believe that the home may not have been as cared for as they like. Thankfully, these fixes take just a moment, so be certain you’ve properly lubricated the hinges of cabinets, doors, and fence gates before giving a tour.
Chipped Paint
Make sure your home’s interior and exterior have a fresh coat of paint; at the very least, you’ll want to correct any chips or faded paint jobs. Many homebuyers don’t want to bother with painting right away, and cracks or chips in the paint are another sign that can indicate a lack of care went into the home. Low-cost paint won’t hurt your wallet, and a few strokes to fix problematic areas won’t take much time at all.
Foul Odors
If smokers or pets previously occupied the home, it could cause an odor that new buyers may be vulnerable to. Other foul odors could indicate mold damage or sewage problems, which will send most buyers running. Even if an odor is due to vacancy or another temporary situation, buyers’ noses are sensitive. Keep the home as clean as possible, and fumigate it if necessary. Eliminating smoking odors can be tricky, so you’re better off disclosing this fact upfront.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to notice some of the smaller flaws in a home when you’re trying to sell it quickly. You may become accustomed to a tiny paint chip or a foul odor, but these minor fixes will be some of the first things a potential buyer will notice. Even easy fixes, like a running toilet or a squeaky kitchen cabinet, can build up in a buyer’s mind and send them packing. Thankfully, most minor fixes are easy and affordable, so get them done before you start tours for the most selling success.
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