Sell Your Home Faster By Making These Simple Repairs
LOUISIANA REALTORS • October 18, 2017
Selling your home
is very similar to a job interview. The more successful your first impression is, the more beneficial the outcome can be in the end. And just like you wouldn’t show up late in a wrinkled suit to a job interview, and you wouldn’t want potential buyers to see your house in any state of disrepair. The good news is that there are several simple repairs and preparations
that you can make before your home hits the market. Here are 5 great tips that can help your home sell faster.
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1.) Tighten up: The little things can mean big dollars. Make sure that all of the hardware on your cabinets is tightened. Use a little WD-40 on your door hinges to prevent squeaking. Door knobs and handles should also be tightened, making them easy to open. Also replace older or burnt out light bulbs. This can add some fresh light and prevent the unfortunate event of light switch not responding.
2.) Add a coat: Freshening up the interior and exterior of your home can easily be done with a fresh coat of paint. Walls, trim, and ceilings should be painted with soft, neutral colors. Gray, beige, and other soft colors won’t offend the eye, and make it easier for potential buyers to imagine their own style.
3.) Look up: While replacing a roof can be an expensive endeavor, making small repairs can pay huge dividends. Replace missing shingles, clean out the gutters, and clear out any debris that has accumulated. It will present a well maintained roof and add to the curb appeal of your home.
4.) Wood you rather?: A quick pressure washing session can take years of wear and tear off of your fence, gates, and deck. Louisiana’s wet summers and hot sun can take a toll on these elements of your home, but pressure washing and treating the wood can make them look like new.
5.) Keep your plumbing humming: Toilets, faucets, and plumbing hardware need to be both operating properly and current. Replacing hardware and knobs in the kitchen and bathrooms can be an inexpensive and effective way to update your fixtures. It’s also important to make sure that faucets don’t drip and toilets don’t run. Doing a little routine maintenance can go a long way when showing your home.
Depending on the age and condition of your home, these are only a few tips that can enhance your selling potential. Entrusting the sale of your home to a REALTOR®
is another important step. With resources and experience you can leverage the direct insight of your REALTOR to know exactly where to focus your effort.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
Open letter from Nykia Wright, CEO of the National Association of REALTORS®
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