10 Things You Should Fix Before You Ever List Your House

Before you stick that “For Sale” sign in the yard, take a hard look at your place. Buyers notice the little stuff, and if they see problems, they start wondering what else is wrong. Fixing a few key things now can save you from price drops or deals falling through later. Here’s what to tackle before listing.​

Patch Up the Roof

Missing shingles or sagging spots are red flags for buyers. Even if there’s no active leak, they’ll assume the worst. Get a roofer to inspect and repair any issues. A solid roof reassures buyers and keeps your deal on track.​

Don’t forget to clean out the gutters while you’re at it. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, which is another turnoff. A little maintenance goes a long way in showing your home’s been cared for.​

Fix Plumbing Leaks

Dripping faucets and slow drains might seem minor, but they suggest neglect. Buyers worry about hidden water damage and mold. Tighten connections, replace worn washers, and clear any clogs. Ensure all fixtures work smoothly.​

If you have older pipes, consider having a plumber inspect them. Addressing potential issues upfront can prevent surprises during the buyer’s inspection. It’s better to handle it now than negotiate repairs later.​

Update Electrical Issues

Loose outlets, flickering lights, or outdated panels can scare off buyers. Hire an electrician to fix any problems and ensure everything’s up to code. Safety concerns can derail a sale faster than you think.​

Also, replace any missing or broken switch plates and ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs. These small touches show attention to detail and make a good impression.

Service the HVAC System

If your heating and cooling system is loud, dirty, or unreliable, buyers will notice. Get it cleaned and serviced before listing. Replace filters and make sure the thermostat is working right.

If your unit’s old but still working fine, a fresh tune-up shows it’s been maintained. Leave the receipt on the counter for showings—it reassures buyers you’ve handled the basics and helps avoid inspection-day surprises.

Touch Up Paint and Patch Walls

Scuffed baseboards, nail holes, or outdated colors can make your home feel worn. Go room by room and touch up the paint where it counts—especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.

Stick with neutral colors. It’s not about making it trendy, it’s about making it clean. A couple gallons of paint and a weekend can change how a buyer feels the moment they walk in.

Replace Broken or Foggy Windows

If you’ve got cracked panes or foggy double-paned glass, it’s time to fix them. Buyers see that and immediately think about the cost of replacements or drafts.

You don’t have to replace every window, just handle the obvious issues. Clean the rest inside and out—clear glass makes a place feel brighter and better cared for.

Fix Sticky Doors and Drawers

Cabinet doors that don’t close or drawers that stick aren’t huge problems—but they’re noticeable. Buyers start thinking, “What else isn’t working?” and that’s not the feeling you want.

Go through every room and test each door, drawer, and cabinet. Adjust hinges, replace worn tracks, and tighten loose hardware. These fixes are small, but they show your home is in good shape.

Repair Damaged Flooring

Loose tiles, frayed carpet, or warped floorboards catch a buyer’s eye for all the wrong reasons. If the floor doesn’t look solid, it raises questions about what’s underneath.

Patch what you can and replace anything that’s beyond saving. Even small repairs make a big difference in how finished and move-in-ready your home feels.

Refresh Landscaping

Overgrown bushes and patchy grass make it look like the house hasn’t been cared for. Trim everything back, edge the walkways, and throw down a fresh layer of mulch in the beds.

It’s not about winning yard of the month. It’s about making the place feel neat and welcoming. The outside sets the tone before buyers even step through the door.

Fix Anything That’s Clearly Broken

Loose railings, missing trim, cracked tile—whatever it is, fix it. Buyers notice, and once they start a mental list, it gets harder to sell the place for full price.

Walk through your home like you’re the buyer. If something’s broken, fix it before the showings start. You want buyers thinking about how they’d live there—not how much work they’ll have to do.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.