The little things can make a big difference and in real estate, we’re no stranger to this cliché. When you’re selling, paying attention to the little signs of bigger problems can make or break a sale.

When buyers walk through your front door, it’s important that they aren’t distracted by anything that can take their attention away from what they’re life would look like unfolding in your space. If something small catches their eye, they may begin to worry about bigger problems that may come up with your property.

To nip this in the bud, pay attention to every element of your home when you are preparing to list your home for sale.

Mildew Smell

In Central Florida, we’re no stranger to hot and humid weather. Unfortunately, those conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold. If your home smells musty or like mildew, buyers may question whether there is mold growing behind the walls that may impact their quality of life and the quality of your home. A pre-listing inspection can help determine whether you have a serious problem or not and identify where the smell is coming from so you can rectify it before buyers tour your property.

Wood Rot

Moisture makes wood rot faster and while a few soft deck boards may not be an indicator of a serious problem, for a buyer who doesn’t know your home the way you do, it may make them question the structural integrity of your property. Replace any soft boards, change old wooden frames that are showing signs of wood rot, and regularly treat any wood on your property with a proper sealant to protect it from damage.

Peeling Shingles

A well-installed and maintained shingle roof can last 20-30 years. Of course, in Florida our summers are hot and humid which often reduce the lifespan of our roofs. However, peeling or rolling shingles can indicate a bigger problem, especially if the roof is less than ten years old. Roofs aren’t as simple as sticking shingles to the outside of your home. They have ventilation and insulation systems to stop your attic from becoming a sauna, growing mold, and in older homes, smoldering fires. 

Have a roofer or your home inspector check the structure and quality of your roof to make sure it’s in tip-top shape for prospective buyers looking at your home.

Sometimes the little things and aesthetic blemishes are just that, blemishes. But often they can be an indicator of much more serious concerns hiding in your house. Potential buyers who visit your home are looking for the perfect place to call home. Don’t distract them with little things that will make them think of bigger problems.

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