
Selling a Waterloo Region home can be a stressful and challenging process, especially when it comes to making necessary repairs. As a home seller it's likely that you understand that you may need to make repairs and improvements, but you are also almost certainly (understandably) not too keen to sink a lot of money into improving a property you are hoping to leave soon!
To help you stay on budget while also securing the fastest possible home sale - at the best possible price - it's important to understand which home repairs are essential and which ones can wait until the home has a new owner.
Here are some essential repairs that home sellers should make when selling their home:
Roofing
The roof is one of the most important components of a home and any issues with it can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. Unfortunately in their efforts to ensure that the interior of their home appeals to buyers, too many homesellers do not pay enough attention to something as mundane as their home's roof. But even if potential buyers fail to spot problems, their home inspector most certainly will
If your roof is leaking, missing shingles, or showing obvious signs of wear and tear, it's essential to have it repaired putting your home on the market. This is rarely a DIY project that's wise to try to tackle, and enlisting the help of a pro is always the best way to go.
Plumbing
Leaks, and even clogs in the plumbing system can be major red flags for potential buyers, who will, we can assure you, make sure they test the plumbing in both kitchens and bathrooms.
Make sure to address any leaks, clogs, or other issues with your plumbing system before listing your home. Also, ensure that the water pressure is adequate, and the faucets and showerheads are working properly.
Before you start searching YouTube for DIY plaumbing videos though, there are several reasons why it's generally a good idea to hire a professional plumber rather than trying to do a plumbing job yourself. Plumbers have the expertise and experience necessary to diagnose and fix plumbing problems quickly and efficiently. They are trained to identify the root cause of a problem and have the skills and tools to fix it, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Plumbing can also be a dangerous job, and attempting to do it yourself can put you at risk of injury or of causing unintended damage to your home. Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to work safely and prevent accidents and while it (technically) may cost more, stalling the sale of your home to fix an even bigger plumbing problem will be even more expensive!
HVAC
A functioning heating and cooling system is a must have on the wants list of most homebuyers. If your HVAC system is not working properly, it's essential to have it serviced or replaced before listing your home.
This will not only make your home more comfortable for potential buyers, but it will also make it more energy-efficient. Energy efficiency is something that an increasing number of home buyers are paying particular attention to, and the thought of having to replace an aging HVAC system early in their ownership of a new home may prevent buyers from making an offer, or lad to them asking for a reduction in price.
Electrical
Electrical issues can be dangerous and can also be a major turn-off for potential buyers.
Make sure to address any issues with your electrical system, such as outdated wiring, non working outlets, or even things like flickering lights, before listing your home for sale. Once again, skip the DIY and have a professional do any required work.
While on the topic of lighting, it's always a good idea to ensure that anything that should have a light bulb has a new, functioning one. While you might know that a light that does not work when a homebuyer tries to turn it on is simply a matter of replacing a dead lightbulb rather than a more serious issue, they will not, and even something as small as this can lead a homebuyer to move your property to the bottom of their list.
Painting

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home's appearance. Consider repainting any rooms that are looking shabby or outdated. This will give your home a fresh, clean look that will appeal to potential buyers.
As you might have heard already (we've written on the issue extensively here) when repainting your home or sale you should make use of neutral colours that will appeal to the design preferences of the widest audience possible.
This does not mean that you have to paint everything a stark white - which can look old and unwelcoming - but choose neutral colour palettes that create a calming, welcoming atmosphere that will highlight your home's best features.
Flooring
Worn or damaged flooring can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. Consider replacing or refinishing any flooring that is looking worn or outdated. Carpeting is currently the least popular flooring option among buyers, so replacing it with a hard surface alternative is a smart move to make.
Landscaping
A well-maintained lawn and garden can make a big difference in a home's curb appeal. Make sure to keep your lawn and garden well-maintained and consider adding some simple landscaping features that will make your home stand out.
Cleaning
A clean home is essential when selling your home. Make sure to clean your home thoroughly before listing it, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This will give your home a fresh, clean look that will appeal to potential buyers. Yes, a home's cleanliness has little to do with the 'bones' of the home, but a grimy home will turn buyers off immediately anyway.
In conclusion, making essential repairs is a critical step in the process of selling a home. By addressing issues with the roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, painting, flooring, landscaping and cleaning, Waterloo Region home sellers significantly improve their chances of selling their home quickly and for the best possible price.
Are you thinking of selling your Waterloo Region home soon? Working with the right local real estate agent is a must too.
Working with Team Pinto gives you access to real estate professionals who have years of full-time experience, a clear understanding of the mindset of home buyers and sellers and a thorough understanding of the regional marketplace. We're also exceptionally client oriented, and will do out best to ensure your experience as a home seller is as efficient, profitable and stress free as possible! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!