What Repairs Should I Make Before Selling?

Not every improvement pays—and overspending right before listing is a common mistake. In the High Desert, buyers reward clean, move-in ready homes with strong offers, but they also love value. Here’s my proven approach to pre-list prep:

High-ROI essentials:

• Paint: Fresh, neutral interior paint modernizes instantly.

• Floors & baseboards: Repair transitions, deep clean/carpet stretch, replace worn sections.

• Lighting & hardware: Updated fixtures and consistent finishes elevate the feel.

• Landscaping & curb appeal: Trim, mulch, clear pathways; add simple, drought-tolerant accents.

• Minor repairs: Leaky faucets, loose handles, cracked outlet covers—fix the “nickel” items that suggest neglect.

When to consider bigger moves:

• Kitchen/bath refreshes (painted cabinets, new pulls, resurfaced counters, modern mirrors).

• Exterior paint & front door statement.

• Staging or partial staging to define spaces and photograph beautifully.

When not to renovate: Don’t start a major project unless it clearly increases your price bracket or solves an appraisal/loan issue. I’ll show you buyer expectations by neighborhood—what matters in Spring Valley Lake waterfront differs from a value-driven Apple Valley 3-bed.

Safety & financing items: Smoke/CO detectors, water heater straps, GFCIs, and certain roof, pest, or septic conditions can affect buyer financing. We address these early to keep escrow smooth.

My service includes a room-by-room prep list, access to trusted local vendors, and an ROI-driven budget. If you prefer to sell “as-is,” that’s fine too—then our strategy shifts to pricing, presentation, and investor-friendly terms to maximize your net.

Want a walkthrough? I’ll give you a prioritized list within one visit—so every dollar works harder.