Buyers form impressions fast. Small, visible problems can make them wonder what else hasn't been maintained. A focused repair list before listing can help.
Inside
- Walls — patch holes and dings; consider fresh neutral paint. See drywall patching.
- Doors — fix sticking doors and loose knobs. See door repair.
- Trim — repair damaged baseboards and casing.
- Floors — address soft spots, cracked tile and damaged planks.
- Bathrooms — re-caulk tubs and sinks, fix loose tile.
Outside
- Exterior wood — repair soft trim and sills. See wood rot repair.
- Decks and railings — secure loose boards and railings.
- Fences and gates — fix leaning sections and dragging gates.
- Clean surfaces — a clean exterior photographs better. House washing in LaGrange from Southern Style Soft Wash, an independent local business, is an option for siding, walks and driveways before listing photos.
Prioritize
- Safety issues.
- Signs of water damage.
- Things that don't work.
- Cosmetic items.
After the inspection
Buyer inspection reports often mix cosmetic notes with items for licensed trades. Sort them first. See pre-listing and inspection repairs.