Essential Home Fixes Before Selling: Foundation, Roof, and Plumbing
Selling your house can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor, and ensuring that your home is in top-notch condition is crucial to attracting potential buyers. While there are numerous improvements you could make, some fixes are non-negotiable and can significantly impact the sale of your property. In this blog, we’ll explore the first three critical fixes you must address before putting your house on the market.
1. Foundation: The Solid Ground for a Successful Sale
The foundation is the backbone of any home, and buyers are quick to notice any signs of trouble. Cracks in the walls or floors can be red flags, and even a small crack can make potential buyers hesitant. In Texas, where weather conditions can contribute to settling and cracking, it’s essential to differentiate between normal settling and more serious structural issues. Diagonal cracks, in particular, warrant attention, and addressing foundation concerns early on can save you from potential headaches during the selling process.
2. Roof: Sheltering Your Investment
A compromised roof can be a deal-breaker for many buyers. Whether it’s due to wear and tear or an insurance company’s refusal to cover it, a damaged roof can lead to financing challenges. Lenders may be unwilling to provide a loan for a property with an uninsurable roof. However, don’t let this discourage you. In some cases, roofing companies can step in and replace the roof just before closing, ensuring a smoother transaction. Quick and efficient, these repairs can be the key to securing a successful sale.
3. Plumbing: Flowing Towards a Seamless Transaction
Plumbing issues can send potential buyers running in the opposite direction. Slow drainage or the possibility of broken pipes can be costly concerns. While plumbing repairs might seem daunting, they are often necessary to make your home more appealing to buyers. Addressing these issues before listing your property can prevent negotiations from falling apart and allow for a more straightforward closing process.
It’s important to note that these major fixes, especially foundation, roof, and plumbing, are not areas where cutting corners is advisable. In most cases, these issues must be addressed to make your home eligible for financing.
4. Peeling Paint: Unraveling the Potential for Problems
At first glance, peeling paint on the exterior of your home might seem like a superficial concern. However, it’s a detail that can’t be overlooked, especially when it comes to inspections and loan approvals. The peeling paint can be a signal of more significant issues, leading to water intrusion and subsequent wood rot. Even if you’ve attempted a quick fix by sanding and painting over the problem area, savvy buyers and inspectors can still detect the underlying issue. Addressing peeling paint promptly not only improves your home’s curb appeal but also prevents potential structural damage that could turn away potential buyers.
5. Wood Rot: The Silent Deteriorator
Wood rot is a sneaky problem that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a more significant issue. It’s closely linked to peeling paint and can accelerate the deterioration of your home’s structure. The connection is clear: water seeps through the peeling paint, infiltrating the wood and providing a breeding ground for wood rot. While a small corner affected by wood rot may not seem like a major concern, it’s essential to address it, especially for those seeking VA or FHA loans. These loans come with stricter requirements, and wood rot can be a deal-breaker. By tackling wood rot early on, you not only ensure a smoother transaction but also protect the long-term integrity of your home.
6. Windows: More Than a View
Windows are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the safety and functionality of a home. The VA requires that windows operate smoothly, lock securely, and ensure the safety of the occupants. If you have windows that are stuck or don’t lock, it can pose a problem during inspections and loan approvals. Thankfully, there are often solutions that don’t involve replacing the entire window. Ensuring your windows meet safety standards enhances your home’s appeal and facilitates a hassle-free closing process.
7. Patching a Fence: Honorable Mention
While not a mandatory fix, patching a fence is a highly beneficial step, especially if you want to maximize your home’s value. A standing fence with all its pickets intact may seem satisfactory, but missing pickets can create an unfavorable impression. Additionally, addressing issues like rotting posts early on can prevent more extensive and expensive problems down the line. Fences are a significant investment, and potential buyers may appreciate the effort put into maintaining this essential part of the property.
In conclusion, these seemingly minor home fixes—peeling paint, wood rot, and window issues—can significantly impact your home’s marketability. By addressing these issues early in the selling process, you not only enhance your home’s appeal but also pave the way for a smoother and more lucrative sale. Stay tuned for more insights into essential home fixes before selling.
From crucial home fixes to aesthetic updates, all these home updates are important when trying to get the most out of your home. If you are looking to sell and need advice or help with these home updates, give us a call!
