Have you Googled, “I need to sell my house fast in Southern California. What should I do?” You’ll likely find hundreds of articles like “Fix This Before You Sell!” or “10 Must-Do Repairs Before Selling Your SoCal Home.”
While these articles are helpful, they can be overwhelming. And sometimes there’s conflicting advice. One real estate website says to fix the roof before selling it, while another warns you against beginning a significant roof repair before the sale.
This post simplifies the process with the must-do home fixes. While this list is not exhaustive, it’s an excellent place to start with the top five needed repairs. Once you finish off the items on this list, you can hire a good real estate agent to perform a home walkthrough and get their expert opinion.
And, if you would rather skip the repairs and sell your home as-is, we can still help. Reach out to Cash 4 Homes, the top-rated cash home buyer in Southern California, and request a free cash offer today. We do a quick visual inspection of your property at your convenience and provide a guaranteed quote. If you like our price, you can sell your home as-is without making any repairs.
Returning to our list, here’s what you must fix before selling.
5 Fixes to Do Before Selling Your Southern California Home
1. Plumbing, Electrical, and Structural Repairs
These three departments are the core foundation of your home, and any faults in your electrical, plumbing, or structural work need to be rectified. You can hire a structural engineer or a pre-listing home inspector to help you identify any significant structural damage.
Regarding electrical systems, ensure that everything is up to code. For example, if you have a faulty fire alarm, make sure to get it replaced. Bad plumbing could lead to significant structural damage due to water leaks and seepage. Call in the professionals if you notice any signs of leakage.
2. HVAC Systems
A well-maintained heating and cooling system is an excellent way to attract potential buyers and increase the resale value of your SoCal home. However, it can be costly to fix. So, before making any changes, call a technician to assess the damage and provide an estimated repair quote. An expert can help you decide whether to proceed with the repair or sell your home as-is.
3. Home Exteriors
You may know the saying, “the first impression is the best impression.” Your yard and outdoor areas are the first things that potential buyers notice. You don’t want to scare buyers before they enter your home. Ensure the yard is well-maintained, weed-free, and neatly manicured. You can even add a couple of flowers to add a dash of color. Repaint your exterior to give your home a fresh appearance.
4. Interior Paint
Like the exterior, the home’s interior may also need a fresh coat of paint. If your home has old dark paints, try redoing it in neutral, light colors that appeal to most buyers. Repainting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade your home and make it look new and appealing to potential buyers.
5. Kitchens and Bathrooms
Even if you don’t renovate the home entirely, you cannot skip upgrading the kitchen and bathroom. Update old countertops and appliances with more modern and efficient ones. For cupboards and cabinets, a simple coat of paint does the job. When it comes to the bathrooms, ensure that it’s clean without any odors.
A home is an investment. Regular maintenance and periodic cleaning can keep it in excellent condition and increase the returns on your investment when it’s time to list it on the market.