Important Repairs to Make Before Listing Your House

First impressions matter. Whether you’re selling FSBO or with limited MLS exposure, these key repairs can boost buyer confidence, attract stronger offers, and help your home sell faster.

🌳 1. Exterior & Curb Appeal

The outside is the first thing buyers notice. A few simple updates can instantly increase your home’s perceived value:

  • Repair cracked driveways, loose gutters, or broken fencing
  • Repaint or power-wash siding, shutters, and front doors
  • Replace worn house numbers, lights, or mailbox

🛠️ 2. Interior Touch-Ups

Buyers want move-in ready homes. Handle the small but noticeable fixes inside:

  • Patch holes, cracks, or nail pops in walls
  • Repaint in neutral colors to appeal to more buyers
  • Repair squeaky doors, leaky faucets, or loose handles

🔥 3. Mechanical & Safety Items

Inspectors will flag these right away. Address them before listing to avoid surprises later:

  • HVAC filters, tune-ups, or minor repairs
  • Water heater leaks, plumbing drips, or running toilets
  • Check smoke detectors and electrical outlets

🍴 4. Kitchens & Bathrooms

You don’t need a full remodel, but small updates here make a big difference:

  • Replace dated cabinet hardware and faucets
  • Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks
  • Deep clean grout and tile

🧰 5. Roof, Moisture & Exterior Sealing

Moisture issues spook buyers and inspectors. Address the basics before listing:

  • Replace missing shingles and seal exposed nail heads
  • Clear gutters/downspouts; ensure water is diverted away from the foundation
  • Re-caulk exterior penetrations (trim, windows, vents) to prevent leaks

✅ Quick Pre-Listing Checklist

  • Neutral paint touch-ups complete
  • All faucets/toilets run without leaks
  • GFCI outlets test/reset properly
  • Smoke/CO detectors with fresh batteries
  • HVAC filter replaced; service tag up to date
  • Exterior caulk/seal + gutters cleared
  • Kitchen/bath caulk and grout refreshed
  • Professional-quality photos scheduled

🔑 Bottom Line

Simple repairs can go a long way in boosting your home’s appeal and minimizing negotiation issues. Combine these updates with MLS exposure to reach more buyers and get stronger offers.

Want more prep advice? See our best home selling tips, compare staged vs empty homes, and learn how to use seller concessions instead of large price cuts.