Top 10 Things to Fix Before Selling Your Home in Bellingham
Selling your home in Bellingham? Before you snap those listing photos and welcome buyers inside, there are a few must-do fixes that will help your home stand out, sell faster, and (most importantly) sell for more. Not all pre-listing updates are created equal, so we’ve ranked them by cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) to help you prioritize.
Every home is different, and during our listing appointment, we will walk through your home to determine which updates make the most sense for your specific situation. Since we work with a lot of buyers, we know exactly what they notice and what typically comes up on inspections. Our goal is to help you focus on the improvements that will bring the highest return on investment and make your home as marketable as possible.
1. Interior & Exterior Painting
Few updates offer a better return on investment than a fresh coat of paint. A neutral, modern color palette on the inside makes rooms feel larger and more inviting, while an exterior touch-up boosts curb appeal. Stick to whites, grays, and soft earth tones to appeal to the widest range of buyers.
2. Refinish Hardwood Floors
If you have hardwood floors hiding under old carpet or showing signs of wear, refinishing them is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value. Shiny, refreshed hardwood floors instantly elevate the look of a home and attract more buyers. Check out Fairhaven Floors for a bid!
3. Carpet Cleaning or Replacement
Carpet can trap odors and stains, making your home feel outdated or unkempt. If your carpet is in good condition, a professional deep cleaning will do wonders. If it’s beyond saving, replacing it with neutral, budget-friendly carpet will give your home a fresh, clean feel.
4. Freshen Up Your Landscaping
Curb appeal matters, and a little landscaping goes a long way. Trim overgrown bushes, add fresh mulch, and plant seasonal flowers to make your home feel warm and inviting. First impressions are everything!
5. Roof & Gutter Cleaning
Bellingham’s wet climate means moss and debris build up quickly on roofs and gutters. A clean roof reassures buyers that they won’t have to deal with expensive maintenance right after moving in. Clean gutters also prevent drainage issues that could become a red flag during an inspection.
6. Pressure Wash Hard Surfaces
Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and decks accumulate dirt, moss, and grime over time. Pressure washing can make these surfaces look brand new, creating a positive first impression for potential buyers as they approach your home.
7. Clean Your Windows (Inside & Out)
Natural light is a major selling point, and dirty windows make a home feel neglected. Professional window cleaning is relatively inexpensive and dramatically improves curb appeal and interior brightness.
8. Service Your Furnace
A well-maintained furnace signals to buyers that your home has been cared for, and it prevents any unpleasant surprises during a home inspection. A quick tune-up and filter change can go a long way in maintaining buyer confidence.
9. Add Earthquake Straps to Your Water Heater
Another small but important update, adding earthquake straps to your water heater is a common safety requirement. It’s a low-cost fix that ensures your home passes inspection smoothly and avoids delays in closing.
10. Replace or Add New Batteries to Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Before you even think about listing, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Not only is this an appraisal requirement, but it also reassures buyers that your home is well-maintained. Fresh batteries are a quick, inexpensive fix that can prevent last-minute issues during the sale process.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Talk!
Prepping your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tackling these strategic fixes will make your home more attractive to buyers and maximize your sale price. Need help figuring out which updates make the most sense for your home? Let’s chat, we’re here to help!