When it comes to getting your home ready to sell there are quite a few things you need to do to get it market ready. Most buyers are willing to do simple repairs such as paint the walls, put in new carpeting or replace light fixtures but they typically don’t want to rebuild a foundation, move walls, or invest in a new roof.

Having to buy a new roof will deter many home buyers. The cost and work involved in tearing off the sheathing, repairing rafters and other costs are more worry than many home buyers will want to deal with. For most buyers, a move-in ready home is the most attractive buy. If you don’t make repairs, you will limit the number of potential buyers to your home.

Here are 10 minimum improvements to make before selling your home:

*Patch all holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.

*Fix all broken appliances and HVAC systems.

*Repair leaky faucets.

*Replace worn carpeting.

*Repaint dark or marred walls with neutral paint (not white).

*Replace broken windows.

*Repair or replace the roof.

*Change out dated light fixtures / ceiling fans.

*Replace old linens / window coverings.

*Fix code violations.

Fixer-upper buyers will discount the price of the home to allow for the repairs and, for the inconvenience, a bit more. Say, a home is worth $100,000 fixed up, but it needs a new roof. A new roof might cost $10,000. A buyer most likely will not offer $90,000 for this home. Otherwise, they could buy an identical home with a new roof for $100,000 and not have the hassle. What does this tell you, invest in a new roof and command a higher price. The other thing to keep in mind is that buyers know asphalt really only has a shelf life of 10-15 years. When they see a metal roof they know it will last, even in severe weather! Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a trusted leader in the industry and would love to show you why metal will be the last roof you’ll ever need.