When you're getting ready to sell, it's tempting to fix everything, or nothing. The smartest approach is somewhere in between: spend money where buyers will notice it, and skip the projects that won't pay you back.
Worth fixing
- Anything a buyer's inspector will flag: leaky faucets, running toilets, missing outlet covers, broken window seals and loose handrails. Small issues add up on an inspection report and give buyers reasons to negotiate.
- Fresh, neutral paint in rooms with bold colors or worn walls. It's one of the best returns for the money.
- Curb appeal: mowed lawn, trimmed shrubs, fresh mulch, a clean front door and working porch lights.
- Light fixtures and bulbs. Bright, consistent lighting makes rooms look bigger in photos and showings.
- A deep clean, including carpets, grout and windows.
Usually worth skipping
- Major remodels right before listing. A full kitchen or bath renovation rarely returns what it costs.
- Adding big-ticket upgrades like a pool or an outdoor kitchen.
- Personal-taste projects. Buyers will want to choose their own finishes.
Consider a pre-listing inspection
For older homes especially, a pre-listing inspection can help you find and fix issues on your own terms, before a buyer's inspector finds them in the middle of your contract.
Don't forget the competition
In much of Johnson County, your home is competing with new construction. Buyers compare move-in-ready condition, so a clean, well-maintained home with fresh paint can stand out.
Not sure what's worth doing for your home? I'm happy to walk through it with you and give you an honest list, no pressure. Call or text me, Ashley Forston, at (817) 240-1157, or learn more about how I help sellers.