5 Fixes to Sell Your Home Fast

When it comes to selling your home, remember there are more savvy buyers out there than ever before. Many insist on a home inspection, and most mortgage lenders won't go forward with a financing package until there's an inspector's report on file. No house is perfect, but the right repairs today can make tomorrow's home maintenance look a lot more manageable. That helps you sell much faster.

Usually, the winning strategy is to go after the biggest problems before selling your home. Those include roof repair, heating and cooling system performance, wiring issues, and sewage or septic system problems. But what if those things are in great shape? If you have any leftover home repair budget, you can invest it in targeted projects. These won't take long, but they can impress prospective buyers and give you negotiating power for the asking price you really want.

Let's review five of the best fast fixes before selling your home:

1. Lay New Flooring
   Flooring can transform a room's appearance, with lighter flooring tending to make a space look bigger – especially when paired with plenty of natural light. If any of your floors are looking tired, consider laying new laminate flooring. Laminate comes in various colors and styles, is cost-effective per square foot, and is easy to lay yourself. This weekend DIY project can make a big difference in how new your interiors seem.
2. Update (and Simplify) Your Landscaping
   In spring and summer, mulch serves as a powerful secret weapon to make your yard more appealing. Heaped around your trees and shrubs and in your planting beds, it encourages healthy growth while allowing you to water a little less. This is a good opportunity to simplify, too: Buyers don't want to be dazzled by all the hard work they'll need to do, so consider taking down water features and any time-intensive touches.
3. Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover
   No time or funds for a huge kitchen renovation? You don't need to upgrade your entire kitchen when selling your home. Updated kitchen cabinets are a wonderful way to grab attention without spending too much. Instead of buying all new cabinets, consider removing the hardware and doors and cleaning everything thoroughly. 
4. Replace Your Bathroom Fixtures
   It may only cost a few hundred dollars to replace bathroom fixtures and hardware, such as your sink's faucet and handles, but the impact it has when walking into a room is worth it. Be thorough: Don't forget about the handles on your bathroom cabinets, tub fixtures, and your showerhead. 
5. Put Up a Fresh Coat of Exterior Paint
   Other than your roof, exterior paint makes the biggest splash in curb appeal. Now is the ideal time to align your exterior with the most popular colors in your neighborhood, so your home looks fresh and tidy. For an added touch of class, paint your door in a complementary color – or replace it with a sturdier one.

As you get ready for selling your home, it's important to balance your investment with expected returns in the form of a higher asking price and a faster time to closing. An experienced local real estate agent can help you take advantage of the most valuable trends.

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