Before You List Your House for Sale in the Kootenays do These Quick Fixes

Selling your home in the Kootenays? Before you list it, take a weekend to tackle a few quick fixes. Buyers notice the little things. A dripping faucet or scuffed walls might seem minor, but they can raise red flags. Thankfully, all you need is a couple of days, and we assure you these small steps won’t break the bank. A little effort now can help you sell faster and for a better price. Plus, taking care of these touch-ups yourself means you can get them done on your own time without paying for someone else’s labour costs. So, without further ado, let’s look at the areas that deserve your attention before your for-sale sign goes up.

Start with the Kitchen and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are your home’s biggest selling points. If they look well-maintained, buyers feel reassured about the overall condition of the home. These rooms are also prone to wear and tear, so a few quick updates can go a long way.

First, check for leaks. A dripping faucet or slow drain is annoying and can hint at potential plumbing issues. Most leaks can be fixed with a wrench and a new washer. If your faucet is old and worn out, consider replacing it. A shiny new tap can make the entire sink area feel new.

Next, re-caulk around sinks, tubs, and showers. Over time, caulk gets discolored, chips, or cracks, letting in moisture. Scrape out the old caulk and apply a fresh bead. It’s a simple job that will definitely make your bathroom look cleaner.

Cabinets are another easy fix. Tighten loose handles and replace any missing screws. If your cabinet hardware looks outdated, swapping it out for something modern is an inexpensive way to bring the space into the current decade. While you’re at it, check cabinet doors and drawers. If they stick out or hang crookedly, adjusting the hinges is usually all it takes.

On your final sweep through the kitchen and bathrooms, clean and polish any surfaces. Water spots, soap scum, and grime can make any bathroom look neglected. A little elbow grease will ensure everything sparkles when potential buyers walk through.

Patch and Paint Your Walls Before Listing Your House for Sale in the Kootenays

Walls take a beating over the years. Scuffs, holes, and chipped paint can make a home look tired. Luckily, these are some of the easiest fixes to handle in a weekend.

If you are planning to take down artwork and declutter your walls, start with that. Then, you can go with some putty from the hardware store and patch the holes. Small nail holes from pictures can be filled with spackle in no time. For larger holes, you might want to use a patch kit. Let the patch dry, sand it smooth, and it’s ready for paint.

Speaking of paint, a fresh coat can make all the difference in your sale. If your walls are in decent shape, matching the existing color and covering up problem areas is a quick fix. But if your walls are full of marks, it might be time for a full repaint. Stick with neutral tones like white or beige. They make rooms look bigger and help buyers picture themselves in the space.

Baseboards and trim deserve attention, too. If you’re not ready to take on repainting your baseboards, try to go in with a damp cloth and wash the dust and scuff marks off. Sometimes, this is all you need to make them look brand new. If you notice gaps between the trim and walls, use a little caulk to seal them. 

If your home has wallpaper, make sure it’s not peeling or damaged. For small sections, you might be able to reattach it with wallpaper glue. But if the wallpaper is outdated or peeling in several places, it’s best to remove it and paint instead. Buyers tend to prefer a blank slate over wallpaper that might not match their style.

Prevent Buyer Hesitation with Small Repairs

Buyers love a home that feels move-in ready. Even small, visible issues can lead to second thoughts or give them leverage to negotiate for a lower price. That’s why fixing minor annoyances before listing is a smart move.

Check all doors and windows. Do they close properly? If not, adjust the hinges or tighten loose screws. Sticking doors can often be fixed with a little sanding along the edges. If a doorknob is wobbly, securing it takes just a few minutes.

Light fixtures are another thing to pay attention to. A flickering light or a missing bulb makes a home feel poorly maintained. Swap out burnt-out bulbs, and if a fixture is outdated or broken, try to replace it before you show the home. Outlets and switches should also be in working order. If any covers are cracked or discolored, replace them.

If your home has squeaky floors, try sprinkling a little baby powder into the gaps to reduce noise. It’s a quick fix that can make a big difference during showings. Buyers will notice if every step they take comes with a squeak.

These small repairs won’t take much time, but they’ll add up to a home that feels solid.

Ready to Sell Your Home in the Kootenays?

Once you’ve tackled these quick fixes, your home will be in great shape for listing. Buyers want a house that feels move-in ready, and doing these repairs can help you tick that box for someone. If you’re looking for more ways to boost your home’s appeal, check out our February post on curb appeal. 

Need expert advice? Our team of agents at RE/MAX Four Seasons knows the Kootenay real estate market like the back of our hands. Contact us today to get started!