Getting ready to sell your home can feel a bit overwhelming. When you look around a house you have lived in for years, it is easy to see every single scratch, dent, and outdated room. You might find yourself thinking, “Do I need to fix everything before I put a for-sale sign in the yard?”
The short answer is: absolutely not!
Knowing what to fix and what to leave alone is the secret to a successful, low-stress sale. Here in Southwest Washington and the Portland Metro area, Nathan Cano and our team at Cano Real Estate have a long track record of helping sellers get top dollar. We know exactly what local buyers are looking for right now. More importantly, we know how to save you from spending money on repairs that will not pay off.
Here is our guide to the fixes you need to make, and the ones you can safely skip.
What are the most important things to fix before selling a house?
When it comes to getting your house ready, we always tell our clients to focus on the basics. Buyers want to walk into a home that feels fresh, clean, and well-cared for. These high-return fixes are simple but make a huge difference:
- A Deep Clean and Declutter: This is the most profitable “fix” you can do. Clear off the countertops, pack away extra furniture, and scrub the house from top to bottom.
- Fresh, Neutral Paint: A fresh coat of white or light gray paint instantly makes a home feel brighter and newer.
- The Little Bothersome Things: Fix the leaky kitchen faucet, oil the squeaky doors, and replace any burned-out lightbulbs. If a buyer sees small things broken, they might wonder what big things are broken, too.
If you need a hand getting these things done, we have a trusted list of local painters, cleaners, and handy workers that we gladly share with our clients.
Does curb appeal actually matter?
Yes! The outside of your home is the very first thing buyers see, both in online photos and when they pull into the driveway. You do not need to hire a professional landscaper, but putting a little sweat equity into the yard pays off big time.
- Pressure Wash: Borrow or rent a pressure washer to clean the driveway, walkways, and the siding. It washes away years of Pacific Northwest moss and dirt, making the whole property look crisp.
- Yard Cleanup: Mow the lawn, pull the weeds in the flower beds, and trim back any overgrown bushes so buyers can clearly see the windows and the front of the house.
- A Welcoming Entry: Sweep off the front porch, clear away cobwebs, and maybe set out a fresh welcome mat or a pot of bright flowers. This shows buyers the home is loved and maintained.
Should I replace my carpet before selling?
This is one of the most common questions sellers ask us, and the answer is: it depends on the market and the condition of the floors.
If your carpet is just a little worn from daily life, a professional carpet cleaning might be all you need. However, if there are large stains, tears, or strong pet odors, replacing the carpet could help your house sell much faster.
You do not have to guess on this one. Our team is happy to walk through your home and give you an honest opinion. We will tell you if cleaning is enough or if a new, inexpensive carpet is the smart move.
Do I need to remodel my kitchen before selling?
The answer here is almost always no. You should skip major renovations right before you sell.
It is a common myth that you need a brand-new kitchen or bathroom to sell a house. The truth is, major remodels cost a lot of time and money, and you rarely get all of that money back when you sell. Plus, the new buyer might not even like the cabinets or countertops you picked out! They usually prefer to buy the house as-is and do the remodeling themselves later.
Instead of a full remodel, we usually suggest simple, low-cost touch-ups. Deep cleaning the tile grout, adding fresh white caulking around the sink, or polishing up the existing cabinets can make a tired room feel much fresher without breaking the bank.
Skip the Guesswork and Ask the Experts
Every house is unique, which means every “fix-it” list should be unique, too. You do not have to figure it out on your own or spend money you don’t need to.
Before you pick up a hammer or hire a contractor, let us take a look. Nathan and our team offer free, no-obligation walkthroughs for future sellers. We will walk through your house with you, room by room, and create a custom list of exactly what you should fix and what you should leave alone.
Are you thinking about selling this year? Contact us at Cano Real Estate today and let our local expertise save you time, money, and stress!