7 Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling

Whether it’s a job interview, a date, or getting ready to sell your house, you’ve heard the phrase repeated countless times — first impressions matter. You know this, and you understand that your house needs curb appeal to sell, especially in a slow market.

But in this post, we nail down the seven home fixes you must complete before selling.  We’re not talking about the big-ticket systems, like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical; we’re assuming you’ve made certain those are in working order.

Instead, we’re focusing on what buyers actually see and react to in the moment — the highly visible things that can abruptly turn them away during a showing. We’ll start with what they see first:

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1. Restore a dead or dying lawn

As a buyer approaches your home, if the front lawn appears neglected, they may start doubting how well you’ve maintained the rest of the house. Some sellers may not think of this as a “repair,” but a patchy, brown, or weed-ridden lawn sends a silent message: this house needs work. Even if everything inside is spotless, a poor lawn will immediately dampen enthusiasm before buyers even walk in.

What you can do:

• Reseed or patch problem areas: For smaller bare spots, lawn patch and repair products and videos from Home Depot or Lowe’s can give you good results.
• Consider sod for quick curb appeal: If the lawn is in rough shape and you need faster results, laying down sod can transform the look in just a day.
• Stay consistent with watering: A timed sprinkler or simple hose-end sprinkler system can help bring back color before showings.

If you’re on a tight budget, even just mowing, edging, and removing weeds will make a difference. Buyers want to imagine themselves pulling into a yard that feels fresh and welcoming, not like a project waiting for them.

»Learn more: 18 DIY Front Yard Curb Appeal Tips

2. Replace broken windows and torn screens

You may think a cracked windowpane or ripped screen is a minor item, so it won’t bother buyers too much during a walkthrough, but windows play a huge role in how people feel about a house. A broken window makes a house feel poorly cared for, and a torn screen can signal to buyers that they’ll need to start making fixes the minute they move in. As with a scruffy lawn, window issues can make them wonder what else has been overlooked.

What you can do:

• Replace damaged glass promptly: For a single cracked pane, glass repair can often be handled quickly by a local service for an average price of $283, according to Angi.
• Use DIY screen repair kits: For about $20, home improvement stores like Ace Hardware and Lowe’s sell kits with replacement mesh and tools that let you re-screen frames at home.
• Match existing windows: If you do need to replace an entire unit, choose something that fits the style of the rest of the house. Consistency in appearance matters to buyers — even if only on a subconscious level.

Keep in mind that buyers often linger near windows to check the view and natural light. If what they see is damage or dirt, it leaves a negative impression right where you want them feeling the most excited.

»Learn more: Do New Windows Increase Property Value?

3. Fix water damage, leaks, and stains

Few things scare homebuyers more than signs of water damage. A brown ceiling stain, a soft spot on drywall, or a musty odor makes people wonder if there’s a bigger problem hiding underneath. Even if the original issue has already been repaired, visible stains or damage suggest neglect and can trigger concerns about mold, plumbing, or roof issues.

What you can do:

• Address the source first: This may sound obvious, but make sure the original leak is properly fixed before repairing the cosmetic damage, and be certain the repair work is clean and looks professional.
• Replace stained drywall or ceiling tiles: Painting over a water stain without repairing it looks like a cover-up. Replace damaged sections, then repaint. Unless you have these skills, pay a pro to handle this.
• Seal and repaint with stain-blocking primer: If the area is dry and sound, a high-quality primer followed by fresh paint can restore a clean look. The goal is for buyers not to see any sign of a leak, though you may need to report major past damage in a disclosure statement.

With all the repairs on our top-seven list, your mission is to reassure buyers that they are making a smart purchase — that they are buying a well-maintained home. Top real estate agents will tell you that buyers are not just vetting the home, they are vetting the homeowners. If they detect your pride of ownership, it can remove doubts and give them confidence to make an offer.

»Learn more: How Much Work Should You Do Before Selling a House?

4. Repair damaged floors and walls (including paint)

As a seller, it’s helpful to put yourself in the shoes of your potential buyers — shoes that are walking through a home for the first time. Scratched hardwood, cracked tile, or dinged-up or faded walls can make an otherwise solid home feel worn out. Yes, these are all fixable later, but what would you want if you were buying this house?

What you can do:

• Patch and repaint walls: Fill holes from nails or minor damage, then repaint with a neutral color that brightens the space. Painting is one of the highest ROI improvements you can make.
• Refinish, clean, or repair floors: Refinish wood floors with visible scratches and clean stained carpets. According to Angi, the average cost to professionally clean carpets is $182, and the average cost to rent a carpet cleaner is $45.
• Replace damaged tile: If one or two tiles are cracked, replace them. Hire a professional or check out DIY videos from home repair experts at This Old House, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and others. 

In a recent HomeLight survey, 76% of top real estate agents nationwide said the biggest selling point for buyers in today’s market is a home in move-in ready condition. Fresh walls and floors can instantly make a property feel ready for new owners.

»Learn more: 25 High-ROI Improvements Buyers Love

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5. Fix or update kitchen appliances

The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points in a home, and old or broken appliances can quickly turn a hopeful showing into a sour impression. As noted above, buyers want to move into a home that’s ready for their lives, which includes cooking. Even if a full kitchen remodel isn’t in your budget, updating appliances that are broken or extremely dated will pay off.

What you can do:

• Repair first if possible: If a stove burner or dishwasher looks decent but isn’t working, call a repair service before assuming you need a replacement.
• Shop for affordable replacements: Look for clean, gently used appliances at local resale centers or scratch-and-dent outlets. (Be certain the scratches or dents are minor.)
• Focus on a coordinated look: Matching finishes — stainless steel, black, or white — give the kitchen a polished, intentional feel, even if the appliances are used.

For many buyers, the kitchen is the heart of a home and a key factor in deciding whether to make an offer or shop elsewhere. Don’t let a broken dishwasher or outdated range stand in the way of your home sale.

»Learn more: Should I Buy New Appliances Before Selling the House?

6. Replace cracked or yellowing grout

You may be surprised to see such a small feature on our list of seven home fixes you must complete before selling. However, dingy grout in a bathroom or kitchen will get noticed. These can make the entire space feel dirty. Cracked grout also signals possible moisture issues, which is a bright red flag for buyers.

What you can do:

• Clean first: A grout cleaner and stiff brush may be all you need if the grout is just stained. You can find helpful how-to videos on YouTube. To hire a pro, the average cleaning job can range between $284 and $676, according to Angi.
• Re-grout problem areas: For cracks or discoloration that won’t come clean, re-grouting may be necessary. On average, re-grouting a shower or tub can cost $1,500. You can also take the DIY route, but when repaired, buyers should not notice it was ever fixed.
• Seal new grout: Applying a grout sealer helps keep it looking fresh and prevents future staining. It’s fairly affordable and easy to apply.

Kitchens and bathrooms are personal spaces that buyers scrutinize. If they sparkle, it can help them feel good about your home, giving them more confidence that this will be a sound purchase. Grout may be a small detail, but dirty or cracked grout can have big consequences in a home sale.

»Learn more: How to Focus on the Right Fixes Before Selling Your House

7. Eliminate pet damage (and smell)

As much as you love your pets, most buyers don’t want to see (or smell) any evidence of them in the house. Scratched doors, chewed trim, lingering odors, or stained carpets are instant turn-offs — even if the buyers have their own pets.

What you can do:

• Repair scratched wood or trim: Sand and repaint or replace damaged sections. Depending on the level of damage, this may require a professional, but this fix can tilt the home-selling scales in your favor.
• Deep-clean carpets and upholstery: Hire a cleaning service or rent equipment to remove stains and odors. According to Angi, the average cost of a pet odor removal service is $350.
• Neutralize and remove odors: Modern enzyme-based cleaners work well for lingering smells and cost about $20 to $35. Don’t try to just cover them with air fresheners — buyers will notice.

When today’s buyers walk into your home, they expect to find a house that looks and smells clean. Don’t let them see or sniff distractions. In addition, while your pets may be cute, most top agents recommend relocating them for showings.

»Learn more: How to Get Dog Smell Out of House

Try our Homebuyer Fear Finder tool

To review other home issues that can frighten away potential buyers, check out our Buyer Fear Finder tool below:

A top agent can guide your home sale repairs

By tackling these seven highly visible home fixes, you can significantly increase your chances of a faster sale and higher proceeds. 

If you’re unsure which repairs or updates matter most in your market, a top local real estate agent can guide you on what to fix and what not to fix when selling a house.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool connects you with trusted agents in your area who know exactly what buyers are looking for. Our data-backed platform analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

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