Simple Repairs to Improve Your Home Before Putting it on the Market

LOUISIANA REALTORS • August 30, 2017
When it comes to getting in shape there are several methods that are tried and true. Watching what you eat, running, and lifting weights will all change how you look and feel. The same is true for getting your house in shape. Now if you are heading out on vacation, to a class reunion, or getting ready for a 5K, you may implement some or all of these practices for yourself; and if you are considering selling your home, there are some simple and effective ways to get it ready as well. 

Selling your home quickly and for your asking price doesn’t happen without a little bit of work before that sign goes in the yard. Ensuring you make the best first impression possible is essential, and with these tips you can have any prospective buyer know that they are looking at a well maintained home.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can be a cost effective way to add instant curb appeal. Choose neutral colors like white or beige to appeal to potential buyers and provide a clean and updated look.

De-Clutter

By cleaning out and clearing up each room in your house, you’ll be able to make it look more spacious. Finding things you don’t use anymore or that may be in disrepair is a great way to open up every room. It also gives you a jump start on your future move.

Address the Kitchen

The kitchen is widely considered the most important part of the home. It is a place where many families spend the most of their time. There are several ways to update and upgrade this essential room, allowing buyers to imagine themselves in it. Do the cabinet doors and drawers work properly? Are the hardware fixtures dated? These are all easy updates and repairs that can make a world of difference.

Landscape

Just like a fresh coat of paint brightens up your house, spending a little time in the yard can really improve your curb appeal. Fresh sod, a mowed lawn, and colorful flowers can all add up to a great first impression. Trimming trees and bushes and adding some potted plants are great ways to welcome prospective buyers.

Putting your home on the market is a big decision. Using the guidance of a REALTOR® and preparing your house before it goes up for sale can make for a much smoother process.   
CONTACT US
Real estate professional completing a professional development course.
By Louisiana REALTORS® November 6, 2025
Strengthen your position in Louisiana's real estate market with the GRI Designation.
By Louisiana REALTORS® October 31, 2025
NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide about contract contingencies and clauses that buyers and sellers may encounter in a real estate transaction. The guide defines common contingencies and clauses and helps consumers understand what happens if the terms aren’t fulfilled. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Real Estate Contract Contingencies Understanding Condo Ownership How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud 5 Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance? What Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty? Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for the next consumer guide, which focuses on working with a remodeling contractor.
By Louisiana REALTORS® October 30, 2025
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Show More