Fall is a fantastic time to sell your home, with cooler weather and beautiful foliage creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. However, to ensure your home stands out and attracts potential buyers, it’s essential to tackle some maintenance tasks. Here are 20 common maintenance items to focus on:
1. Exterior Paint Touch-Ups
Freshen up the exterior paint, especially if it’s chipped or faded. This instantly boosts curb appeal.
2. Gutter Cleaning
Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage.
3. Roof Inspection
Check for damaged or missing shingles and repair them to prevent leaks and improve the home’s appearance.
4. Landscaping
Trim bushes, rake leaves, and plant seasonal flowers to create an inviting first impression.
5. Pressure Washing
Clean the driveway, walkways, and siding to remove dirt and mildew, making your home look well-maintained.
6. Window Cleaning
Wash windows inside and out to let in more natural light and enhance the overall look.
7. Deck and Patio Maintenance
Clean and repair decks and patios, and add a fresh coat of stain or paint if needed.
8. HVAC Service
Have your heating and cooling system serviced to ensure it’s in good working order for potential buyers.
9. Caulking and Sealing
Inspect and re-caulk windows, doors, and any other areas where drafts could occur.
10. Light Fixtures
Replace outdated or broken light fixtures and ensure all bulbs are working.
11. Door and Cabinet Hardware
Tighten or replace loose knobs, handles, and hinges on doors and cabinets.
12. Plumbing Repairs
Fix any leaky faucets, running toilets, or other plumbing issues to avoid turning off potential buyers.
13. Paint Interior Walls
Repaint rooms in neutral colors to appeal to a broader range of buyers and give your home a fresh look.
14. Flooring
Clean carpets, polish hardwood floors, and repair or replace any damaged flooring.
15. Garage Organization
Clean and organize the garage to show off its storage potential. Consider adding shelving or storage systems.
16. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure all detectors are functioning and replace batteries as needed.
17. Appliance Check
Clean and inspect all kitchen appliances to ensure they are in working order and present well.
18. Bathroom Updates
Re-grout tiles, replace old caulk, and ensure all fixtures are clean and functional.
19. Fireplace Cleaning
If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected to ensure it’s safe and ready for use.
20. Pest Control
Schedule a pest inspection and treatment if necessary to avoid any surprises during showings or inspections.
Final Thoughts
By taking care of these common maintenance items, you’ll not only enhance your home’s appeal but also demonstrate to potential buyers that your property has been well-cared for. A well-maintained home can lead to faster sales and better offers, making all the effort worthwhile.
If you need any assistance or have questions about preparing your home for a fall sale, feel free to reach out to me, Greg Douglas. Let’s get your home ready to impress and sell this fall!
