Selling and getting ready to list

What Exterior Repairs Should I Make Before Selling an Older Home?

By Aubre J. Stacknick, Global Real Estate Advisor, Piatt Sotheby's International Realty. Originally published on aubrestacknick.com.

Walk Around Your House Before You Renovate the Inside

Before spending money inside your home, walk across the street and look back at the property.

What do you see?

When you've lived somewhere for years, it's easy to stop noticing little areas of deferred maintenance.

A buyer sees them immediately.

Look for Peeling or Deteriorated Paint

Peeling paint doesn't simply make a home look older.

It tells a buyer that maintenance is needed.

Certain property conditions can also receive additional attention during some loan and appraisal processes, so obvious deterioration should not automatically be ignored.

Check for Wood Rot

Pay attention around:

• Windows
• Doors
• Fascia
• Soffits
• Porch components
• Exterior trim
• Decks

If water has caused deterioration, correcting the source of the moisture is generally more important than simply covering the damage cosmetically.

Look at the Roofline

From the ground, you may notice:

• Missing shingles
• Sagging gutters
• Damaged downspouts
• Staining
• Loose components

If anything looks questionable, get professional guidance rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.

Check Railings, Steps and Walkways

Buyers notice movement, cracking and instability.

A loose handrail or damaged step may be inexpensive compared with the negative impression it creates.

Pay Attention to the Front Door

Your front entrance is one of the highest-impact areas of the property.

Clean the door.

Make sure it opens easily.

Check the lock and hardware.

Clean the light fixture.

Remove cobwebs.

Improve the landscaping immediately surrounding the entrance.

These details don't require a major renovation, but they tell the buyer that the house has been cared for.

Your Home Doesn't Have to Look New

This is particularly important when selling an older property.

Buyers don't necessarily expect a decades-old home to look like new construction.

But they do differentiate between older and neglected.

Those are not the same thing.

An older home with visible pride of ownership can be extremely appealing.

FAQ

Does peeling paint matter when selling a house? Yes, it can affect buyer perception and may deserve attention depending on severity and the buyer's financing.

Should I repaint the entire exterior before selling? Not necessarily. Targeted repairs, cleaning and touch-ups may be enough depending on condition.

Does curb appeal actually matter? Yes. Buyers begin evaluating a property before entering it, so exterior presentation can influence their overall perception.

Should I replace my front door before selling? Usually not unless its condition warrants replacement. Cleaning, painting, adjusting or replacing hardware may provide enough improvement.

Need a Second Set of Eyes?

Before you start checking off every project you've postponed for years, let's determine which exterior improvements should actually make the list.

RELATED READING

Does My Older House Need Too Many Repairs to Sell? A Pittsburgh Home Seller’s Guide

What Should I Inspect Before Selling an Older Home? 5 Major Systems to Check

Should You Paint or Replace Flooring Before Selling Your House?

Do I Have to Fix Everything Before Selling My House? How to Prioritize Pre-Listing Repairs

Aubre J. Stacknick Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty Trusted Real Estate Sherpa Your Next Chapter Starts Here.