Selling a home can take some time and while most home sellers are focused on making updates that will give them the most return, it is imperative that the small fixes aren’t overlooked. Homebuyers don’t want to walk into an open house and be greeted by strange smells and seemingly easy fixes that are just going to lengthen their weekend to-do lists.
Here are some easy fixes you can make in one day:
Replace Cover Plates on Outlets & Light Switches
It might seem like a silly fix, but when a potential buyer enters a room and notices missing or broken cover plates on outlets and light switches, it can be a red flag for the buyer. If the seller hasn’t tackled a small project, such as replacing the cover pates, what other big issues can’t be seen?
Before an open house, and even before taking photos for your listing, do a walkthrough of your home and make note of any missing or damaged cover plates. Replacing them is quick, easy, and affordable and will ensure you won’t miss out on a potential sale because of a silly mistake.
Hang Blinds and Window Treatments
More often than not, the blinds and window treatments in a home are part of the contract when a home is purchased but the last thing a buyer wants to deal with after an offer is made and the seller moves out is to enter the home without any blinds or window treatments. If this isn’t properly outlined in the contract, there can be a lot of unnecessary back and forth between the buyer and seller and a contentious issue like this can threaten the entire deal.
If there are windows in your home that need blinds, it’s safer to replace them prior to open houses and accepting offers. The project can be completed on a budget and it’s one less thing to worry about in the future.
Odd Smells
When a potential buyer enters a home for a viewing, they don’t want to be met with smells of your animals, laundry, or your dinner from the night before. Be prepared before a showing and create a home scent that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.
How to fix odd smells:
Freshen the fridge by throwing away leftovers and expired condiments. A box of baking soda will also help take care of any lingering odors.
Bake some cookies! There’s nothing better than walking into a room and smelling fresh baked cookies (or any baked good for that matter!). Before a showing, bake a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies and leave them on a platter for the potential buyers. Not only will the room smell good, but they’ll leave with a full stomach.
Give your floors a good cleaning. This might seem obvious but with your focus on selling your home and making sure it’s in tip-top shape, regular chores can get pushed to the back burner. Prior to a showing, mop your floors and vacuum any carpeting to keep your home smelling fresh. We also recommend doing a deep clean with a carpet shampoo machine two times a year to help get up any additional odors.
Fix Loose Handles, Replace Dead Lightbulbs, & Replace Batteries
When a potential buyer walks through a home for the first time, they’re paying attention to every detail, even the small ones, to determine if the property is a good fit for them and their family. By replacing dead lightbulbs and batteries, as well as tightening loose handles, are all low-cost and quick fixes you can make for your home that instantly make it feel move-in ready.
Small Details to Fix:
Loose handles on interior and exterior doors
Loose cabinet pulls and knobs
Dead batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Mismatched paint in bedrooms, living spaces, and offices
Light bulbs that don’t match
Loose pieces of tile and backsplash
Water pressure in the shower and faucets
Improve Your Curb Appeal
Having a home that looks welcoming before entering into it can change the way a potential buyer sees your home. If it’s been a while since you’ve done some landscaping, now is the time!
What to Focus On:
Mow the lawn
Lay fresh mulch
Add in new plants and flowers in the front of the home
Power wash walkways and stairs
Add a new wreath to the front door
Clean the gutters