It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a home you're trying to sell. But while some seller's markets are hot enough to sell an outdated 800-square-foot home for half a million dollars, most markets are not so forgiving.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 the advantage by increasing marketability and value while setting up for a smooth inspection, fewer negotiations, and a faster sale.
As you take on repairs to sell your home, choose ones with a high return on investment, like 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.
Repair Roof Damage
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:
- Increase value
- Add curb appeal
- Energy efficient
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.
Photo from Canva
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 in walls, ceiling, and floor
- 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 current or past leak can be expensive. Most minor leaks cost less than $500 to repair. However, a moderate to significant one can cost upwards of $4,000. Then, it's time to address and repair the aftermath of the water damage.
Water damage restoration includes drywall repair, ceiling repair, flooring repair, mold restoration, inspection fees, and permits, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $30,000.
Repair Cracks in the Ceiling 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 cracks should be left to the professionals. An expert in the field can identify the crack's type, its cause, and the correct way to repair it.
Causes of cracks in the home:
- Drywall shrinkage (usually hairline cracks)
- Foundation settling (vertical cracks)
- Temperature changes (horizontal cracks)
- Issues with the foundation (diagonal or stair-step cracks)
- Uneven settling (diagonal cracks)
- Problems with the home's structure (cracks greater than 1/4 inch or bulging)
- Water damage (cracks with stains, damp, or mold)
Repair costs are difficult to estimate without a professional. Minor cracks can cost anywhere from $100 to $800, while structural cracks often range from $1,500 to $10,000 and more.
Photo from Canva
Cosmetic Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home
A well-maintained and 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 signal to buyers that the home has been well cared for, reducing concerns about underlying problems and helping the property stand out in a competitive market.
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.
Cost to repaint a home:
- Those hiring professionals to paint the home's interior can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the house.
- DIY costs are lower, usually between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the paint quality and square footage.
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.
- Carpet: Replace worn carpet with new, although a professional cleaning might suffice. Replacing carpet costs between $3 and $7 per square foot in 2024.
- Hardwood floors: Refinish and remove any scratches and stains. Refinishing hardwood flooring costs between $3 and $6 per square foot.
- Tile: Clean grout and replace damaged tiles. Tile replacement costs anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot.
Photo from Canva
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.
Benefits of a smooth ceiling:
- Modernizes the space
- Increases value
- Increases marketability
Professional removal costs $1 to $3 per square foot, while DIY costs are about $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Materials, tools, and time make DIY removal about $150 to $500 and do not account for asbestos removal or testing, if applicable.
Give Cabinets a Facelift
Replacing cabinets is an expensive venture, but refinishing or painting cabinets can be a less costly way to make the home more marketable.
Reasons to refinish cabinetry:
- Improves appearance
- Increases value
- Modernizes the space
- Cost-effective update
Hiring a professional to refinish kitchen cabinets costs $1,500 to $4,500. Those who choose to tackle the project themselves will spend about $100 to $350.
Photo from Canva
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 $15 per piece
- High-end hardware: $10 to $40 per piece
- Installation: Minimal for DIY, but up to $150 for professional installation
Replace 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.
Cost to replace fixtures:
- Light fixtures range from $50 to $500 each, with professional installation costing about $50 to $150.
- Ceiling fixtures cost $75 to $300. Hired installation runs from $100 to $200 per fan.
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.
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.
Checklist for landscaping:
- Remove weeds, debris, and dead plants.
- Trim overgrown bushes, trees, and lawn edges.
- Mow and edge the lawn.
- Fertilize and reseed if necessary for a lush appearance.
- Add fresh mulch or gravel to garden beds.
- Plant colorful flowers and low-maintenance shrubs.
- Repair or replace walkways, patios, and retaining walls.
- Ensure that paths and driveways are clean and in good condition.
- Check and repair irrigation systems.
- Add or replace outdoor lighting to highlight pathways and create ambiance.
- Repair or replace fences, gates, and garden structures.
Photo from Canva
Exterior Paint
Touch up the home's exterior with a coat of neutral paint to enhance the property's curb appeal.
Signs it's time to repaint outside:
- Peeling or cracking paint
- Faded color
- Signs of water damage
- Oudated colors
Hired professional painters will run $3,000 to $8,000, while DIY costs range from $1,100 to $4,000. 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, renovating can help your home in a competitive market and ensure it stands out favorably to buyers.
Photo from Canva
Focus on High Return-on-Investment Projects
While remodeling may not be the top priority for sellers, targeted updates can set your home apart from the competition and ultimately lead to a profitable sale.
- Kitchen remodel: Upgrading countertops, cabinets, and appliances can offer a strong return on investment, as the kitchen is a central feature for many buyers.
- Bathroom renovation: Updating fixtures, vanities, and tile can increase appearance and value, particularly in the primary bathroom.
- Energy-efficient windows: Investing in energy-efficient windows not only helps reduce utility costs, but also appeals to homebuyers looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly home.
- Finished basement: Adding usable space can significantly increase the property's value.
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 with tight timelines.
For more information on prepping your home sell, see MilitaryByOwner's free guide below:
