Before you list!

Before you put your home on the market, you'll need to take care of the various repairs you've been putting off as buyers factor these fix-ups into the purchase price and often overestimate the costs involved. They may also believe that other areas of the home have been neglected which can raise unnecessary red flags. Here are some repair jobs that are well worth doing:

1. Flooring - Buyers almost always prefer hardwood floors so it pays to remove carpet and refinish them if you have hardwood under your carpet. If this isn't the case and your carpet is tired and worn you may want to consider repacing it or offering the buyers a "Flooring Allowance" in their purchase so they can chose the flooring and have it done just prior to moving in. 
   
2. Kitchens & Bathrooms - Updating kitchens and bathrooms is one of the best ways to add value to a home. Buyers are put off by dirty grout so apply new caulking to freshen up the entire room. Lights and fixtures are also inexpensive and fairly easy to replace.
   
3. A Fresh Coat of Paint - Painting is one of the easiest ways to update your home. Choose a neutral shade and fill in cracks before repainting. Don't forget about the ceilings and make sure you also repair and paint your baseboards as they'll look dirty and beaten up when compared to your freshly painted walls.
   
4. Dripping Faucets - It may seem like a minor annoyance to you but to a potential buyer, a dripping tap can signal expensive plumbing repairs! Chances are, it'll only need a new rubber washer that costs less than a dollar so get down to your local hardware store and get it fixed.
   
5. Kitchen Cabinets - Many buyers decide whether your home is for them based on the feel of the kitchen. Repainting cabinets and adding new hardware can make a world of difference. If your counter has seen better days, a new counter top will update the entire kitchen without costing an arm and a leg.
   
6. The Roof - “It needs a new roof” is a phrase that'll send shivers down a buyer's spine. If your roof needs replacing, it's better to do it now as buyers can get so turned off by the cost and hassle of getting a new roof that it can often be a deal breaker.

Buying a home is an emotional experience so it's very important to create an incredible first impression that'll make buyers want to own your home the moment they set foot in it. You want your home to appear well looked after so take care of the jobs that seem minor like a small rip or stain on your carpet. Taking the time to do repairs to a home you'll soon be moving out of may seem like a hassle now, but it'll be well worth it in the end.