You're getting ready to sell your house — exciting! But before you start deep-cleaning or painting every room, you're probably asking yourself:

"What should I actually fix before putting my home on the market?"

It's a great question — and one that Katie Roberts, a full-time Realtor in Centerville, hears frequently.

Here's the truth: you don't need to renovate your entire home to sell it. But a few strategic updates can significantly impact both your selling speed and final price.

Here's Katie's go-to list of what to fix (and what to skip) before you list.

Focus on First Impressions: Curb Appeal Still Matters

Buyers form opinions before they ever walk inside. That's why small exterior improvements make such a big impact.

• Trim hedges and clean up landscaping
• Power wash siding and walkways
• Touch up chipped paint on shutters, doors, or trim
• Replace worn-out welcome mats, broken lights, or dated house numbers

A fresh coat of paint on a scuffed or faded front door can instantly refresh your home's entire appearance.

Fix Anything That's Broken or Unsafe

Walk through your house with fresh eyes — or better yet, have Katie do a walk-through with you. Addressing obvious issues now helps prevent inspection problems later.

Here's what to prioritize:

• Leaky faucets or running toilets
• Light fixtures that don't work
• Cracks in drywall or ceiling stains (especially if they indicate leaks)
• Loose handrails, stairs, or door handles
• Worn-out weather stripping around windows and doors

These small repairs show buyers the home has been well maintained — which builds trust.

Give Your Walls a Little Love

While you don't need to repaint everything, neutral, clean walls help buyers focus on the space — not your personal style.

• Patch any holes or nail pops
• Touch up scuffs and fingerprints
• Consider repainting bold or dark walls with light, neutral tones

Katie often recommends these budget-friendly paint updates that instantly brighten spaces and make rooms feel larger.

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Clean and Simplify

These two areas significantly impact resale value. While full remodels aren't necessary, some low-cost improvements can make a substantial difference.

• Fix cabinet doors or drawers that stick
• Replace outdated or worn hardware
• Recaulk tubs, showers, and sinks
• Make sure fans and lights work properly
• Keep counters clear — less is more

Katie's tip? "Clean and neutral sells. Buyers want to imagine their life in the space — not yours."

What You Don't Need to Worry About

Not everything needs fixing before listing. In fact, over-updating can waste time and money.

You can often skip:

• Replacing carpet (unless it's stained or smells)
• Upgrading appliances if they work well
• Finishing basements or major renovations
• Replacing older windows (unless they're broken or leaking)

Every home is different — which is why Katie tailors her pre-listing recommendations to your specific goals, budget, and timeline.

Not Sure Where to Start? Let's Walk Through It Together.

If you're thinking about selling but feeling overwhelmed by the to-do list, you don't have to figure it out alone.

Katie Roberts offers personalized walk-through consultations to help you determine what's worth fixing, what buyers value most, and how to prepare your home for a quick, smooth sale — without overspending.

Reach out today to schedule a visit and get a clear plan for making your home market-ready. You've got this — and Katie's got your back.