So, you have made the decision to place your home on the market for sale, that is great. However, before you give the green light to your real estate agent to make it public, there are a few things you need to make sure are fixed. If you have not been keeping up with normal maintenance repairs throughout the duration of your stay, there might be some things you will need to fix. Here are some areas of a home you should make sure to check before placing it on the open market.

Foundation

When people think of a foundation issue, they often picture a home sloping drastically to the left or right. However, not all foundational issues are easily seen, and if you fail to mention this on your home inspection report, it can come back to haunt you financially. Therefore, one of the first places you need to check is your home's foundation. Although there are some visible issues that can tell you that your foundation needs to be repaired, you should not take the chance. Instead, seek the professional advice of a licensed contractor to get an official report on the state of the foundation and if any repairs need to be made.

Insulation

Most homes already have insulation placed within them; however, they can become less and less effective over time. If insulation has lost its effectiveness, it can create not only uncomfortable conditions but also dangerous ones as well. So, how can you tell if you need to change out your insulation? Some of the more obvious signs include a drastic change in temperature, high utility bills, and animal infections, to name a few. Homebuyers expect these common issues to be fixed, and thus, it is in your best interest to take care of your insulation prior to going into any sort of agreement with a buyer. Plus who wants to be in an uncomfortable home when you could be walking in a cool room during summer months or a heated home during the winter months.

Roof

When it comes to essential repairs, roof condition is at the top of the list for many potential buyers. This is because the roof is the first line of defense against water entry, wind, and pests. You should make sure that no shingles are broken or missing. You should also inspect the whole area to find and fix any problem spots such as bubbles, blisters, cracks, and anything that compromises the effectiveness of the roof. If you really want to go above and beyond, you may seek to upgrade the roof entirely. There is a lot of value in stone-coated metal roofing. This type of roof material, although sometimes pricey, offers a plethora of benefits such as longevity and low maintenance.

Plumbing

Plumbing can be an issue of whether it is a new or old home. The reality is that even the best of pipes can and will wear down over time. Therefore, before placing your home on the market, you should make sure that all your plumbing is working perfectly. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to simply look at certain areas of your home. Faucets should not be leaking from the top nor from their pipes on the bottom. Take a walk around your property and look for any puddles being made when water is used inside the home, as that can be a clear indication of a cracked pipe.

HVAC System

Before placing your home on the market, you must make sure your HVAC or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system are working properly. If you are not quite sure of how well the system is working, then you can hire an HVAC technician to make an inspection or make proper repairs in order to get it in working condition. If the system is working just fine, you should also consider having it clean thoroughly. The HVAC is one of the most important features of a home because it gets used often and depending on where the property is located in the U.S. it might be used daily because of harsh weather, hot or cold.

Garage Door

The garage door tends to take a backseat to many of the larger projects; however, it does not mean it is less important. A properly working garage door should have a working motor, opener, and door. Indications of a less than stellar garage door may include slow opening and closings as well as the sound of rubbing metallic noise. These issues are fortunately very easy to fix but can cause a headache during the selling process if not taken care of beforehand. Make sure the garage door is insulated, it will save you money and will help with a noisy garage door.

Decks

Contrary to popular belief, the deck is also part of the home and needs to be up to code before it can go on the market. Your deck should be structurally sound, along with code-compliant guardrails. Your deck should not show any signs of heavy water damage or the presence of a termite infestation, to name a few.

Fencing

For many potential home buyers, privacy and security is a big concern for them, especially when moving into a neighborhood they are not too familiar with. This is why your home fence should be properly inspected for any damages. Wooden fences are especially popular. Though aesthetically pleasing, wooden fences are especially susceptible to water damage that can weaken the overall structure and functionality.

Placing your home for sale can be an exciting time for any homeowner. However, before the process can take place, you must make sure that the eight areas listed above are in proper working order. Doing so can improve your chances of selling your home on time and for the right price.

If you’re looking to sell your home, let me know so I can help! Contact me to schedule an appointment.