Many homeowners can’t sell or lose money when selling their homes because they do not understand the importance of maintenance before placing them on the market. On the other hand, most buyers actively search for where they are going to have to spend money than the list price in order to make the house suitable for their needs. These buyers often believe basic readiness is the homeowners’ responsibility and demand a discounted price.

This is not a discussion of color or staging. This is a discussion of function. Drains need to run well, leaks need to be repaired with damage restored and light switches need to work. Sometimes roofs even need to be replaced. However, fixing everything that needs to be fixed is often not the solution either because homeowners can spend more on maintenance than they will receive in return when selling.

Realtors are the best source of advice for which maintenance expenses will help sellers get the most money for their properties. They are the market experts. Contact your realtor today to see what you can do to increase your home’s value before you put it on the market.