If you're considering selling your home, you've probably figured out that you need to make some repairs and improvements to make sure you get the most for your property. You probably know all about having a clean home when showing it off and staging it so that it looks attractive to potential buyers, but what about the repairs? Do you have to sink a fortune into fixing and renovating everything? Not really. Some repairs have a better return on investment than others, so let's look at what those are.

A Fresh Coat of Paint Does Wonders

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the best things you can do before putting it on the market. It won't cost you a fortune and a good paint job can cover many sins, such as watermarks or smoke stains.

However, be careful when picking out the colors. Don't choose anything too wild because not everyone will share your tastes. Your best option is to go with light, neutral tones. Most people like neutral colors and it will also give them the feeling that they can redo the property in the colors of their choice without too much hassle. Light colors also make rooms look more spacious.

If your walls are covered in wallpaper, you really need to take it down. Wallpaper makes a home look dated and can scare potential buyers off when they contemplate the monumental job awaiting them in removing it.

Also, consider sprucing up the outside of the property with a fresh coat of paint. It will improve curb appeal and you can easily do it yourself with an aluminium scaffold and some good quality paint. If you aren't confident in your DIY abilities, though, get a contractor to make sure the job is done properly.

Fix Up the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home; the place the family gathers to prepare food, drink a cup of tea, or just talk about their day. So, it's considered one of the most important rooms in a house, which is why it should look warm and inviting.

If you need to fix any of the cupboards or drawers, now is the time to do it. Change hinges, tracking, and knobs if required. Consider replacing cabinet doors if they are beyond repair. Make sure all the faucets are working properly and if your sink has seen better days, replace it with a new one. Fix damaged laminate on counter-tops and replace the whole thing if necessary.

Of course, you could rip out all the old cabinets and do a complete renovation of the kitchen, but speak to a realtor in your area before you do. Find out if a complete kitchen remodel will significantly impact the value of your property because the last thing you want is to spend a fortune only to find out you won't even recoup your investment.

Make Sure the Bathroom Sparkles

Bathrooms are as important as kitchens to potential buyers. A bathroom is constantly exposed to humidity and water, which means it can look much worse than the rest of your home. So, you not only need to clean the tiles properly but also the grout. Bleach it if you have to, as long as the result is a sparkling bathroom.

If you have old, dated light fixtures, consider replacing them with modern versions to give your bathroom a fresh look. Make sure to get fixtures with lots of bright bulbs. The more light in your bathroom, the more potential buyers will like it.

While the toilet is probably not something you'll talk about with potential buyers, you can be certain they will be studying it up close. The last thing anyone wants is a reminder of the previous owners, so make sure that toilet sparkles. If it's cracked, stained, and has unidentifiable grime on it, then replace the whole thing. More info can be found at http://www.allurebathrooms.com.au/

Improve Curb Appeal

It doesn't matter if the inside of your property is like a palace with beautiful fixtures, stunning floors, and a beautiful kitchen. If the outside looks like it's never been cared for, potential buyers won't even come through the door.

So, you need to make sure you do everything you can to improve curb appeal, including repairing driveways and sidewalks, fixing up fences, checking door knobs and locks, and sprucing up your front yard with some flowers.

If the roof needs any repairs, you should take care of them as quickly as possible to protect the property from the elements. Also, make sure to clear away any moss or lichen because potential buyers might see it as a sign of neglect.

Conduct Any Repairs Required to Pass the Building Inspection 

It's likely that your home will be subjected to a building inspection before the sale is finalized, and if it doesn't pass, there's a good chance the sale will fall through. Instead of risking this, check over the electrical and plumbing systems so you can deal with any problems before the inspection. Also, speak to your realtor to find out if any other repairs need to be carried out for the property to pass the inspection.

And don't worry, because any upgrades you make to the property can be used as a selling point by your realtor. In some cases, they might even increase the value, especially if you make any energy-efficient improvements.

These minor repairs and upgrades can do a lot to put your property at the head of the sales race. Not only will your home sell faster, but you're more likely to get close to your asking price.