In today’s hot real estate market, one could argue that houses are practically selling themselves. Yet certain issues could turn off would-be buyers and even stop a sale in its tracks. Help ensure that you don’t fall victim to either situation by troubleshooting these problems before you place that “for sale” sign in your yard.

Banish unpleasant odors. From pet accidents to ashtrays to last night’s fried fish dinner, unpleasant odors can make buyers exit almost as fast as they enter, no matter how perfect your home otherwise meets their requirements. Be sure to clean each room thoroughly – including carpets, drapes, and upholstered furniture – and avoid introducing unpleasant odors into your home, especially prior to showings.

Make it light and bright. While dark walls and blackout curtains might make you feel cozy and comfortable, today’s buyers are looking for airy, bright spaces with tons of natural light. Repaint rooms in soft, light hues, swap out dark, heavy drapes for sheers, and pair down furniture to make each room feel more spacious. Add a simple wall mirror to bounce light around in especially dark rooms.

Maintain major systems. A leaky water heater, clanking furnace, or barely functioning air conditioning system will surely get flagged during a home inspection. Even if replacement is not financially feasible, have each mechanical system inspected and serviced prior to listing so you can more accurately arrive at an asking price.

Maximize storage space. If a potential buyer opens a kitchen cabinet door and is confronted by overflowing piles of snacks, plastic containers, chips, or what have you, they may deduce that your home lacks the amount of storage space they need. Organize closets and cabinets in advance of listing your home, thinning out items you no longer need and packing up those you seldom use but want to keep.

Repair causes of water intrusion. Don’t just paint over a water-stained ceiling hoping the issue will be out of sight, out of mind. Get to the root of the problem and make necessary repairs – then finish off the project with cosmetic treatment.

Tackle exterior maintenance issues. Missing or broken gutters, broken porch steps and railings, and roofing shingles in disrepair show lack of pride of ownership and may make buyers assume interior systems of the home also are neglected.

Bring electrical up to code. Outdated electrical wiring is not only a turn off to buyers but a potential fire hazard. Even if bringing your whole house up to date isn’t an option, you should at least bring electrical up to code – for your own safety and that of future residents.

Look before you list. Other problems can readily be observed by conducting a simple walk-through of your house – top to bottom, inside and out. Most of these you can probably tackles yourself, like replacing torn window screens, replacing weather stripping, re-caulking the tub and shower surround, tightening loose handrails, and more. These aren’t major flaws but tending to them presents your home as well cared for.

Whether you’re planning to sell or not, it’s a good idea to have your home’s electrical systems and wiring professionally inspected every year or so. Over time, for example, wires degrade, thus setting the stage for cracks and electric shock. Or, perhaps your home no longer has sufficient power to keep pace with all of today’s more sophisticated electronic gear. For a job done right by an electrician you can trust, Excel Electric is standing by, ready to lend a helping hand.