Things You Should and Should Not Replace Before Putting Your Home up for Sale

Selling a house is a huge and often life-changing decision. You want it to go well. Part of the process of making it work is knowing what to do before all potential buyers show up. Here are some of the things you should replace before you put your home for sale and a few that are better off left as they are right now.

Plumbing and Electrical Issues

One of the single most important things you must do before putting your home up for sale is to make sure all plumbing is in good working order. The same is true of your electrical systems. Unless you’re marketing your home as a fixer-upper, the buyer expects the sinks to work, the toilets are in good order and the shower and bath are ready for immediate use once they move in. These must be fixed as soon as possible. The same is true of your electrical systems. Obvious issues such as frayed wires and missing light fixtures must be fixed quickly. If you have an outdated circuit breaker, now is to get it replaced. You want a home inspection to reveal the home is ready for people to move in. Problems with plumbing and the dangers of outdated electrical systems can stand in your way.

Other Issues

Other issues that can be addressed include updated kitchens. If your kitchen appliances are completely out of date, spending a few thousand dollars can add a lot of value in an upper-end housing market. The same is true of your bathroom. An updated bathroom with a few brand-new fixtures will stand out to your potential buyers. It is also important to address issues such as curb appeal. Remove your outdated outdoor furniture. Dingy items on a deck and front porch are not appealing. Donate these items or throw them out.

What to Keep

One of the many things to bear in mind is that you want to ideally make a profit. That’s why it’s best to avoid doing too much to your home if not needed. You probably don’t need to replace carpeting, you can hire carpet cleaners to make it look fresh and new. Keep good-looking furnishing in each room. You don’t need a brand new trendy dining room set to bring in happy buyers. A nice sleigh bed that looks good is also fine. The same is true of other details. Appliances that look reasonably good and still work are just fine. The same is true of your lighting fixtures. As long as they work when the buyers come in, this will help you sell your home. Bedding can also be kept on hand. Throw out very worn items. The rest can be kept on hand as long as they are neatly folded.