Keeping a home in good condition can significantly increase its value when it's time to sell the property. Buyers are often looking for homes that require little to no repairs, which is why spending some time to fix some issues can result in good offers from prospective buyers and prevent your property from stalling on the market.
Having said that, not all issues need to be repaired before you put your house up for sale. Here are some of the most common problems you should address.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing problems can easily cause water damage, which can lead to mold and dry rot. If left unaddressed for some time, water damage can lead to serious issues and cause the home's foundation to become damaged and unstable.
The cost of repairing plumbing issues varies depending on the source of the water and the size of the damage. It could include simply fixing leaky faucet washers or replacing water pipes.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems are the cause of at least 51,000 fires each year, leading to 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage, according to data from the Electrical Safety Foundation.
There are plenty of simple fixes for electrical issues, including replacing missing wire nuts, frayed wiring, and faulty light switches. Major issues, however, may require the rewiring of the entire house or replacing an outdated circuit breaker.
Poor Drainage
To prevent damage to your roof or the home's foundation, water should be directed away from the home by gutters, downspouts, and the slope of the lawn. Issues related to poor drainage can cause cracks in your home's foundation or the rotting of structural beams.
Roof Problems
An old roof is not a problem, but one that is in disrepair can decrease your property value and cause a host of other issues, such as attic leaks and poor ventilation. This could later lead to more issues and more expensive repairs.
Lack of Safety Features
One of the first things buyers and appraisers look for is modern safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Every state requires smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are also required in a number of places. These are often explained to you by your real estate agent.
In addition to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it is also worth having GCFI outlets and receptacles in the home.
