Spending money on a home you're selling may seem counterintuitive. But while some sellers' markets are hot enough to sell an outdated 800-square-foot home for half a million dollars, most markets are not so forgiving.
Repairs and updates give military home sellers an advantage by increasing marketability and value while setting up for a smooth inspection, fewer negotiations, and a faster sale.
As you begin thinking through what repairs to make before selling your home, choose repairs and renovations with a high return on investment, such as the following.
Structural Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home
Performing structural repairs on the house can enhance its market value and attract a larger pool of potential buyers. Failing to address foundation cracks, roof leaks, or plumbing problems can lead to lengthy negotiations and reduce the property's value.
A well-maintained home creates a positive impression, making it easier to sell quickly and at a better price. Additionally, it can prevent future legal liabilities related to undisclosed defects.
1. Repair or Replace the Roof
A new roof is a huge selling point for potential buyers. Not only does it increase the value of the home, creating the opportunity to list with a higher asking price, but it also makes for a smoother inspection.
Key reasons to update the roof include increasing the home's value, adding curb appeal, and energy efficiency.
Minor roof repairs that require only a few new shingles are reasonable for a homeowner to tackle. However, a new roof or more extensive damage should be left to the professionals to remediate.
Depending on the size, complexity, and materials used, a new roof costs, on average, $8,000 to $15,000 in the U.S.
2. Fix Leaks and Water Damage
Repair signs of water damage or a leak before selling to avoid scaring away buyers. Water restoration expenses can deter potential buyers from investing their money in a property that requires additional repairs.
Signs of water damage in the home:
- Stains and discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Peeling or bubbly paint and wallpaper
- Warped or spongy floors
- Cracked grout and raised floor tiles or linoleum
- Mold and mildew
Fixing plumbing leaks and repairing the damage caused by a leak can be expensive. Most minor leaks usually cost less than $500 to repair. However, a moderate to significant one can cost upwards of $5,000. Then, after the leak is addressed, it's time to address and repair the aftermath of the water damage.
Water damage restoration encompasses drywall repair, ceiling repair, flooring repair, mold remediation, inspection fees, and permits, which can range in cost from $1,500 to over $50,000.
3. Repair Cracks in the Ceilings and Walls
Cracks can be a cause for concern for potential home buyers. While some may seem harmless, others could be a red flag for significant underlying issues that may require costly repairs.
While you can easily spackle a crack, let it dry, sand it down, and cover it with paint, repairing more significant cracks should be left to the professionals. An expert in the field can identify the type of crack, its cause, and the correct way to repair it.
Causes of cracks in the home include drywall shrinkage, foundation settling, temperature changes, other issues with the foundation, problems with the home’s structure, water damage, and more.
Repair costs are difficult to estimate without a professional. Minor cracks can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while structural cracks often range from $1,500 to $10,000 and more.
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Cosmetic Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home
A visually attractive home creates a positive first impression, often leading to quicker offers and potentially higher sale prices. A fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, and trendy hardware are among the best renovations to do before selling your home. They signal to buyers that the home has been maintained and reduce concerns about underlying problems, helping the property stand out in a competitive market.
4. Revitalize with Fresh Paint
New paint is a cost-effective way to increase the home's appeal. Neutral color choices help potential buyers envision themselves in the space and cover up minor imperfections like scuffs and stains, giving the home a more polished appearance.
Hiring professionals to paint the home's interior can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the house. Those looking to save a little money can use the DIY approach. The costs are typically lower, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the paint quality and square footage.5. Update Flooring
Ensuring that floors are clean, well-maintained, and consistent in appearance throughout the home not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also increases the marketability of the property.
Replace worn carpet with new, although a professional cleaning will suffice. Replacing carpet costs between $3 and $7.
Refinish and remove any scratches and stains from hardwood floors. Refinishing hardwood flooring costs between $3 and $8 per square foot.
Clean tile grout and replace damaged tiles. Tile replacement costs anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot.
6. Refinish the Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings are considered outdated and may deter potential buyers. While removal is costly and labor-intensive, it can improve the look of your home. A smooth ceiling modernizes the space, improves the home’s value, and increases marketability.
Professional removal of popcorn ceilings costs $1 to $6 per square foot, while DIY costs are about $1 to $2 per square foot. DIY removal, factoring in materials, tools, and time, will cost approximately $100 to $500, but that doesn't account for asbestos removal or testing, if needed.
7. Give Cabinets a Facelift
Replacing cabinets can be an expensive venture, but refinishing or painting them can be a cost-effective way to improve the home’s appearance and increase value.
Hiring a professional to refinish kitchen cabinets costs $1,500 to $5,000. Those who choose to tackle the project themselves will spend about $300 to $600.
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8. Update or Replace Hardware
Updating old hardware like handle pulls and knobs can modernize a home. This is an easy and budget-friendly method to boost the appearance of the home for homebuyers.
New hardware costs:
- Basic hardware: $2 to $10 per piece
- High-end hardware: $16 to $50 per piece
- Installation: Minimal for DIY, but up to $100 per hour for professional installation
9. Swap Out Fixtures
Replacing fixtures can create a polished look and boost energy efficiency. Since this project can get expensive, consider focal point areas such as the dining room chandelier, ceiling lights and fans, and the entryway fixture.
DIY installation is free, of course, but requires some electrical knowledge and time.
Light fixtures range from $30 to $250 each, with professional installation costing about $50 to $100 per hour. While ceiling fixtures cost $100 to $500, hired installation runs from $50 to $150 per hour and typically takes three hours to complete.Exterior Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home
Exterior repairs create a strong first impression, add curb appeal, and ensure the property looks well-maintained. Resolve concerns such as worn-out siding and neglected landscaping.
10. Elevate Landscaping and Hardscaping
Landscaping can elevate the property's allure, boosting its overall aesthetics and value. By accentuating outdoor spaces, it transforms them into inviting and practical areas that showcase the property's full potential.
Removing weeds and dead plants, along with trimming overgrown bushes and mowing the lawn, are basic landscaping tasks. To increase curb appeal, fertilize and reseed the yard, add fresh mulch and vibrant flowers, and replace broken fence posts. Consider taking it a step further by repairing walkways and adding or replacing outdoor lighting to highlight pathways and create ambiance.11. Repaint the Exterior
Touch up the home's exterior with a coat of neutral paint to enhance the property's curb appeal.
Peeling or cracking paint, faded color, signs of water damage, and outdated color schemes are all signs that it’s time to repaint the outside.Hiring professional painters will cost $1,500 to $5,000, while DIY will range from $500 to $2,500. However, if smaller projects like handrails, the front door, mailbox, window treatments, and trim are all that's required, the costs will be significantly lower.
Secondary Repairs to Consider Before Selling Your Home
Consider renovating your home before selling when significant issues or outdated features could impact buyer interest or the sale price are present. Focus on upgrades with a high return on investment (ROI), as these can seriously boost the home’s market value.
Though there's a fine line between updating and high ROI projects, making a few small renovations sits high on the list of tips for selling your house. Especially in a competitive market, as they ensure your home stands out favorably to buyers.
12. Focus on High Return-on-Investment Projects
While remodeling may not be the top priority for sellers, targeted updates set your home apart from the competition and can ultimately lead to a profitable sale.
Kitchen remodels that include upgrading countertops, cabinets, and appliances offer a strong return on investment, as the kitchen is a central feature for many buyers. Bathrooms are another room with a high ROI. Updating fixtures, vanities, and tile usually pays for itself.
Beyond specific areas that require focus, some of the best renovations to do before selling involve investing in energy-efficient upgrades, like windows, which not only help reduce utility costs but also appeal to homebuyers seeking a more sustainable and eco-friendly home. The same applies if you can significantly increase the property’s value by adding usable space, such as with a finished basement.Preparing your home for sale is a smart investment that elevates its market value. Enhancing the home's desirability to potential buyers can lead to a faster sale and a higher ROI, which is particularly advantageous for military home sellers researching the best ways to sell their home.
For more tips for selling your house, see MilitaryByOwner's free guide below:
