During
your home tour identify the things that are broken, cracked, stuck or
just plain don't work anymore. These can include: leaky faucets, holes
in window screens, stuck or broken windows, lights that don't work,
doors that squeak or don't close properly, missing or broken cupboard
handles, cracks in the walls and ceilings, and dozens of other "little
things" you've been meaning to do for years. Now is the time.
Certain
items, such as roof or basement leaks, must be repaired, along with any
water damage. Electrical or heating system problems must be fixed. Some
repairs, however, may not be necessary. Will that hairline crack in the
driveway really make or break the sale? How about a chipped floor tile
in the entryway? Some buyers will have their own ideas about how to deal
with these problems. You may find it easier to adjust your selling
price to reflect the cost of these repairs, rather than pay for them
yourself.