From listing your house for selling to finally handing the property to a buyer is an elaborate process. It is better to act proactively and take care of crucial concerns so that the selling process can run smoothly and both parties can avoid last-minute surprises. Buyer backing out at the final step of the selling process is the last thing you need as a seller.

The home inspection is the final step before closing a contract, and the buyer is the one who generally gets it done with the help of a professional home inspector. Now, what repairs a seller should do, what costs should be bear by whom varies depending on a state’s law. Repairing intensive damages such as a crack in the foundation or water damage are expected from the seller. The buyers generally take care of the cosmetic changes.

However, it is not an easy decision to make. Various factors like the age of the house, the extent of damages, the kind of renovations the buyers are looking to make are involved. The ideal thing to do is have an open discussion to reach a middle ground where everyone is happy. Having said that, the seller needs to fix certain aspects of the house even before listing the house for selling. Doing this helps the property to sell, and handing over also happens fastly after the inspection.

Below listed are a few things that need to be fixed by the seller before selling the house.

Foundation

One of the main things that need to be fixed before selling your house is any crack in the foundation. Cracks in the walls, doors/windows jamming without closing, cracks in floor tiles are some signs of a crack in the foundation. A structural engineer can analyze the extent of the damage and suggest the right way to rectify it. Not repairing a faulty foundation before selling can lead to a lawsuit if any problem occurs in the future.

Water damage

Water damage generally happens when the water gets into the house structure and doesn’t have the means to dry out. It can also be because of leakage, improper ventilation, and humidity. Generally, molds and water stains are indicators of water damage. A specialist from a restoration company would be the right person to treat the water damage.

Faucet connections

Check all the faucet connections with the help of a plumber – even if you don’t suspect any damage. A dripping, rusty pipe shows wear and tear, but the buyer might think the entire piping system is substandard, so consider replacing the faulty pipes.

HVAC

The HVAC system is something that is constantly in use. Make sure to get the periodic service done. For any system which is not in use for a while (for example – not using the heater for the entire summer), hire a professional to check its functionality. The air filter in air purifiers, ducts of the air conditioning system are a few things a house inspector checks. Make sure they are in good condition before the house inspection.

Wiring

As faulty wiring is one of the major fire risks, wiring is done with utmost care in most houses. It doesn’t mean that we should neglect to look into it before selling the house. Hire an electrician to check the wiring and rectify any faulty wiring without delay.

Electronic appliances

If you are selling your house with electronic appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, it is time to check their warranty and get them serviced. If any appliance is old, it is better to replace it. However, replacing can be costlier than a service or repair. So have a word with your real estate agent or the buyer before you make some expensive changes, and it might affect the final price you have quoted for the property.

Safety aspects

It is crucial to check basic safety aspects such as doorknobs, locks, fire alarms, etc. Doorknobs and locks are something we rarely pay attention to unless it’s broken completely. It is better to check whether all the doorknobs and locks are working smoothly without any struggle. To add an aesthetic value, you can make sure all the rooms have the same doorknobs.

The placement of fire alarms should be as per the fire safety code of a particular state. If there are any missing alarms, get new ones fixed. Also, check the functionality of the existing alarms.

Cosmetic changes

Though cosmetic changes won’t come under the seller’s liability, one can consider minor cosmetic changes. One can consider giving a fresh coat of paint to remove stains or fixing small cracks/holes. Can remove unnecessary fixures like nails, stands, or posters and keep those specific areas clean. If you have a lawn or a backyard, consider mowing and trimming the plants.