Most important things to do to a house to sell...in order?

Question

These are the things my realtor wants us to do to the house to try to sell it sooner. I am on maternity leave and we need to use our money wisely. Can you help me out? In order, what things would YOU like to see done when looking to buy a house.

A few new lights fixtures

New doors(expensive) or paint existing

Polish cupboards (probably will do anyway)

Fix floor of deck (would be with the same stuff from before, this crappy deck 'paint')

Please let me know what you think is important or not important or what you think you would like to do yourself, depending on taste. (if you were looking to buy) Thanks soooo much!

Answer 1

New fixtures.

This will give you the most bang for your buck.

Answer 2

New doors, especially on the front of the house will have an immediate impact.  First thing you see is the outside of a house, and a nice door is welcoming.

Fix deck floor?  Is this a safety issue?  This would be pretty high on my list.

Light fixtures are a gray area for me.  I am likely going to change them out anyway, so if they work I would not touch them.

Polish cupboards?  As in adding polyurethane?  Unless they look like c**p I wouldn't bother.  Clean is more important to me as a buyer.

Answer 3

Price it below market value, and let the buyer do the improvements.

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Answer 4

I sold my house last year and I wish I had done more work before I sold it.  If you are on a fixed budget, paint where needed and make sure floors and carpet are clean.  I would not replace the doors or put up new lights, as the new owner might want a different look.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Keep the lawn cut and plant flowers. Prune shrubs and trees. Scrub down the sidewalk and driveway. De-clutter the house completely, it makes it look smaller. Same with unnecessary furniture. Use subtle airfresher. Scrub the sinks, toilet and tub before each showing.