Sellers: Fix the Little Things Buyers Notice

Homeowners naturally stop noticing small imperfections after living with them every day.

Buyers do not have that familiarity.

Loose handles, burned-out bulbs, dripping faucets, sticking doors and other small issues can catch their attention immediately.

Individually, none of these necessarily means much.

Together, they can create an impression that maintenance has been postponed.

Martha’s Tip

Walk through the home with a notepad and pretend you are visiting for the first time.

Write down every little item that makes you think:

“I should probably fix that.”

Then separate the list into simple DIY tasks and items that deserve a qualified professional.

Selling preparation does not mean remodeling everything.

Often, basic maintenance and attention to detail are more appropriate.

Home Preparation & Staging Checklist.