What We Fix Before a Home Hits the Market: A handyman’s guide to selling your home
We are on our fourth home, and as we’ve bought and sold over the years we’ve gotten our selling preparation down to a science. Whether we’re preparing our own home to sell, or helping homeowners prepare to list their own… these are our go-to improvements, repairs and updates to make buyers confident in putting in an offer.
Before you invest in photography or staging, take a weekend (or call WellKept) to run through this checklist. Buyers notice more than you think. The way a door closes, mismatched wall texture, trim with scuffs and dings and it all adds up as they walk from room to room.
Right now, many buyers are looking for the “gotcha” moment where the home doesn’t quite match the photos. Taking care of these details ahead of time helps your home feel consistent, cared for, and worth saying yes to.
Now that we’ve moved out of aggressive interest rates, and the market has slowed down (especially here in the Treasure Valley) it’s more important than ever that your listing stands out among the rest.
Here is our Pre-Sale checklist to help buyers feel that your home has been cared for and truly WellKept.
1. Everything Works Exactly As It Should
You’ve been there. You are testing a creaky door or eyeing peeling paint on a baseboard next to the bathtub and wondering to yourself, was this home taken care of? Keep in mind that buyers are quietly testing your home the second they walk in checking for:
Doors that stick or don’t latch
Loose handles or hardware
Lights that flicker or switches that don’t respond
Faucets with low pressure or small leaks
Water damage near sinks, faucets, baths and showers
Windows open/close with ease (clean those window sills while you’re at it!)
Windows do not have rotted trim or signs of deferred maintenance or damage
Gaps around windows or doors
Under sink areas are free from water damage or signs of previous water damage
Drains (sinks/tubs/showers) drain swiftly
Closet rods and shelves are sturdy, do not sag and are properly secured into the wall
HVAC has fresh filters (bonus: add backup filters next to the unit to signal to buyers that you stay on top of filter replacements)
HVAC vents are clean and not dusty - if beyond cleaning, consider replacing
Bathroom fans work properly
Weatherstripping throughout the home is intact and damage free
Smoke/ CO2 detectors are updated and working properly
2. Walls/ Trim Feel Fresh, Not Questionable
This is one of the fastest, highest-impact updates and often can be one of the easiest fixes to make.
We always look for:
Nail holes or wall anchors left behind
Scuffed baseboards and trim
Random touch-up paint that doesn’t quite match
DIY wall retexturing that doesn’t blend
There is no ominous water damaging looming overhead in a ceiling (you know the look!)
Caulking is recent, and there are no gaps or damages around water fixtures
Trim pieces in and out of rooms (especially where flooring material changes) are secure and cohesive
3. Fixtures Feel Intentional and Cohesive
You don’t need a renovation, and in fact we wouldn’t recommend it. Oftentimes the new homeowner will want to add their own personal touches throughout the home. That said, if there are updates you can make to elevate the space we often recommend them.
Overly outdated light fixtures (choose something neutral in its place)
Builder-grade cabinet hardware (if existing hardware is damaged, inconsistent or beyond repair)
Old or damaged showerheads or faucets (Boise is notorious for hard water - so some fixtures may have hard water stains that won’t come off)
Front door or high traffic door handles
Doors leading in/out of the home that may need a fresh coat of paint if a deep clean doesn’t freshen it up
Bonus - update bulbs so they’re all consistent throughout the home (we prefer a soft/ warm bulb rather than a harsh daylight bulb)
Cabinet doors aligned properly with secure hinges
Cabinets and drawers open and close easily
4. An Entry that Builds Instant Confidence
The first 10 seconds matter more than anything else.
A clean, working front door (no sticking, no squeaks).
Fresh hardware or a tightened handle
Swept/ pressure washed walkways and a clear, sturdy path (no wiggly walkway underfoot)
Buyers decide how they feel about a home before they fully step inside.
5. Outdoor Spaces Ready to Go
Especially in Boise where we have the luxury of nearly year-round backyard living, the outdoor space can really make a difference in a home’s speed to sell. .
Sprinklers are on and working
Sprinklers are not over watering areas it doesn’t need to cover such as walkways, decks, the home (buyers often drive buy multiple times in the decision process, so you never know if they’ll catch a sprinkler that’s been watering the siding of your home instead of the grass).
Patios are clean and set (even minimally)
Gutters are clear
Downspots are operational and leading away from the home
Fences and gates are sturdy and operational
Decks do not sag or squeak
Railings are secure
6. The “Almost Done” Projects Are Actually Done
We all have these projects (it’s one reason we created WellKept). We know these projects can easily eat up your evening or weekend with trips to Lowes and late hours after a long work day. But, buyers notice when something is incomplete.
A mirror leaning instead of hung
A missing piece of trim
A TV mounted with the cords exposed
An outlet or switch plate that never made it back on
You don’t need to renovate a kitchen, or makeover the bathroom HGTV style to get your home to move on the market faster. However, with the accumulation of these updates and repairs you’ll leave buyers feeling confident that your home has been well taken care of.
Happy Listing!
The WellKept Team
