Thinking about selling your home? Now is a great time to do that.
Many people and real estate agents consider winter a not-so-ideal time for selling homes. They believe spring to be the perfect time to put their property up for sale. That is because people are often busy during the holidays.
But selling your home in winter can be advantageous. According to Investopedia, the competition is low, and you only have to deal with serious buyers.
Before you pop that ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard or list your home in a real estate marketplace, there are certain issues you must fix. Tackling them now will help you attract buyers, get the best price, and close the deal without a hitch.
That said, here are a few key issues you must address before putting your house on the market.
#1 Plumbing Problems
You might think a dripping faucet, a tiny pipe leak, or a mysterious stain on the ceiling is no big deal. But trust us, buyers will notice—and they will immediately wonder if a bigger plumbing disaster is lurking.
Do a quick walk-through of your home and check every faucet, showerhead, toilet, under-sink pipe, and even outdoor spigot.
Don’t forget ceilings and walls—watch out for signs of water damage. According to Bob Vila, stains on the ceilings and walls are one of the first signs of water damage. Peeling or flaking paint, soft or warping drywall, or musty smells are other signs indicating there is a leak.
Plumbing issues signal potential bigger problems, and no one wants to inherit a house with water woes. Minor problems like a running tap are usually quick fixes, so grab a wrench. But if the issue is a major one, call in a plumber.
#2 Malfunctioning HVAC Systems
Does your air conditioning barely cool, or is your heater groaning like it’s more than two decades old?
Heating and cooling systems are big-ticket items, so buyers will scrutinize them. If your HVAC doesn’t work properly or hasn’t been serviced in years, it could cost you.
If the system is beyond repair, consider upgrading. Installing a new HVAC system will cost you between $5,000 and $12,500, says Bankrate.
Though substantial, it’s an investment that pays off. A new HVAC can boost your home’s value by 5% to 7% with an ROI of about 30%.
#3 Roof Damage
A damaged roof is one of those issues you just can’t ignore when selling your home. It protects everything underneath it.
If buyers spot problems like missing shingles, cracks, sagging spots, or leaks, they will immediately assume expensive repairs or a full replacement. That’s a deal-breaker for most.
Even minor roof issues can make buyers nervous. A few missing shingles? They will wonder about water damage. A little sagging? They will worry about structural problems.
Get your roof inspected before listing your home, especially if you live in areas where ice and heavy snowfall are common, like Knoxville, Tennessee.
Winter can be particularly harsh on roofs, says Cover Pro Roofing. Heavy snow buildup on the roof, it further elaborates, can lead to structural damage.
Early this year, WATE 6 On Your Side reported that a winter storm caused a spike in roof damage. Many residents experienced leaks that seemed minor but hinted at bigger issues.
If your home was affected, don’t wait to take action. A reputable Knoxville roof repair company can assess the damage and restore your roof. That will make sure you are ready to sell your home without hiccups.
A heads up: not every roof repair company offers top-notch service. Before you hire any, read customer reviews. That will help you know whether it is reliable or not.
#4 Pest Infestation
No one wants to move into a home that is inhabited by pests.
According to YouGov, flies, spiders, and ants are the top pests Americans notice in their homes. Gnats and mosquitoes are also common.
Whether it’s termites, mice, ants, or something worse, a pest infestation can deter buyers. It’s not just about the creepy-crawly factor—pests can cause serious damage to your home and even pose health risks.
For example, termites silently chew through wood, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Mice and rats? They can gnaw on wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires and leave behind droppings that spread disease.
Before you list your home, look for telltale signs like droppings, chewed wood, or mysterious holes in walls or floors. If you spot anything, call in a pest control professional immediately. Don’t try to DIY a big problem. It’s worth paying for expert help to ensure the issue is fully resolved.
Buyers want a home that feels move-in ready. If your place feels like a project, they will either lowball their offer or walk away entirely. You can make your home way more appealing—and potentially boost its value—by tackling these issues before you put it up for sale. A little effort now can save you a ton of stress later.
