Pre-Listing Suggestions Repairs and Maintenance

Presented by:
Laura Picot Sayles, Realtor ®, GRI, C2EX
Sharon O’Connor Group
International President’s Circle
Coldwell Banker Realty
laura.sayles@CBRealty.com
954.304.3050

Pre Listing Home Fix It Checklist
What to repair, refresh, and document before you put your home on the market (with a focus on wind, water, and wear common in South Florida).
Tip: Not every improvement needs to be completed – some items may be better handled with a pricing/credit strategy. Together we can discuss what’s worth fixing based on your neighborhood, price point, and timeline.
How to use this checklist
• Start with safety, leaks, and structural concerns—buyers and inspectors flag these first.
• Next, tackle insurance-sensitive items (roof age/condition, wind resistance features, electrical panel type, permits).
• Then do the “high-ROI refresh”: paint, lighting, landscaping, and minor cosmetic repairs.
• Consider a pre-listing inspection or specialist evaluations (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical).
Top “must-fix” items before listing
1) Water intrusion, leaks, and moisture (highest priority)
• Fix any active roof leaks, ceiling stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall.
• Check and repair window/door leaks (failed caulking, cracked seals, missing weatherstripping).
• Inspect AC drain line and condensate pan; clear clogs and address overflow/staining.
• Re-grout/re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks; repair loose tiles and damaged backer board.
• Address mold/mildew properly: correct the moisture source first, then remediate and document work completed.
• Look for irrigation overspray hitting stucco/windows and adjust heads/timers.
• Ensure gutters/downspouts (if present) and grading move water away from the home.
2) Roof, wind resistance, and exterior envelope
• Repair missing/damaged shingles/tiles and any loose ridge caps; replace broken tiles.
• Have a roofer address flashing issues (valleys, vents, chimneys, skylights) and seal penetrations.
• Replace rotted fascia/soffit wood and secure loose soffit panels (common entry points for pests and wind-driven rain).
• Confirm storm protection: impact-rated windows/doors or working shutters with all panels/anchors present.
• Check garage door operation and bracing; repair damaged panels, noisy openers, or misaligned tracks.
• Touch up/repair cracked stucco and repaint exposed areas to reduce water intrusion.
3) Electrical, plumbing, and safety items
• Fix obvious electrical issues: flickering lights, warm outlets, missing cover plates, loose fixtures.
• Test and install/replace GFCI outlets where required (kitchen, baths, garage, exterior).
• Address known panel or wiring concerns flagged by prior inspections or insurance (have a licensed electrician evaluate).
• Repair plumbing leaks under sinks, at toilets, and hose bibs; replace brittle supply lines and faulty shutoff valves.
• Service/secure the water heater (leaks, corrosion, proper strapping where applicable).
• Install fresh batteries and verify smoke alarms; add CO alarms if the home has gas appliances or an attached garage.
4) HVAC and humidity control
• Service the AC: clean coils, verify temperature split, correct refrigerant issues, and document maintenance.
• Replace filters and clean/clear the condensate drain line to prevent backups.
• Check for uneven cooling and investigate duct leaks, dirty returns, or insulation gaps.
• Eliminate musty odors (often humidity-related): ensure the system dehumidifies properly and address any hidden moisture.
5) Termites, pests, and exterior openings
• Repair any wood rot (trim, soffits, door frames) and repaint/seal exposed wood.
• Consider a termite inspection; keep treatment/warranty paperwork available if you have it.
• Replace torn screens, damaged screen enclosures, and broken screen doors.
• Seal gaps at pipes, vents, and exterior penetrations; replace worn door sweeps and weatherstripping.
High-impact updates that help showings
Interior quick wins
• Patch nail holes and repaint scuffs; use a clean, consistent wall color.
• Fix sticking doors, loose handles, and squeaky hinges.
• Replace dated/broken light fixtures and ensure all bulbs match color temperature.
• Re-caulk around sinks, counters, and backsplashes for a clean finish.
• Deep-clean tile/grout; replace cracked tiles; refinish tubs if heavily worn.
• Address flooring issues: replace torn carpet, repair chipped laminate, or professionally clean.
Curb appeal and outdoor areas
• Pressure wash driveway, walkways, patio, and (where appropriate) roof tile surfaces.
• Refresh landscaping: trim palms/hedges, edge beds, remove weeds, add mulch.
• Fix exterior lighting, doorbell, mailbox/house numbers; ensure entry feels bright and welcoming.
• Repair fence/gates, loose pavers, and cracked concrete trip hazards.
• Pool homes: balance water, clean filters, repair torn screens, if applicable, and fix any pump/heater leaks.
Suggested timeline
• 1–7 days: fix leaks, electrical safety items, obvious roof/exterior damage; deep clean; declutter.
• 1–2 weeks: paint touch-ups, lighting updates, minor carpentry/handyman repairs, landscaping refresh.
• 2–4 weeks: larger repairs (roof work, HVAC replacement, stucco/exterior paint, flooring), gather paperwork, schedule photos.