Seven small home issues that can be a big deal to home buyers comes from a realtor.com article about the topic.

Many of us have little flaws in our houses that we have gotten used to and don’t even really think about anymore. But what we can live with and don’t care much about could be a big issue to a future potential buyer.

What are some of these issues? Here is the list from realtor.com with my thoughts on each area of concern.

  1. Old Electrical Panel. This can be either a small or a big issue, depending on whether the panel and its’ job is hazardous. If it is handling more than it should, or things are wired incorrectly, this could be a bigger issue to a buyer.
  2. Torn Window Screens. Yes, this one seems very small, but it depends on what the buyer wants to do. You, as the seller, may rarely open windows, but if a buyer likes fresh breezes, or likes natural light, the ripped screens can be a deterrent. It also can appear as though a seller does not take good care of the house if there are many ripped screens, as accurate or inaccurate a thought as that may be.
  3. Laundry Room Location. If the house is large and there is space to have the washer and dryer moved from the basement to either the main level or an upper level, this could be a big deal to a buyer.
  4. Door Locks that Stick. Again, this may not appear like a big fix, but it could feel like a big one – a safety issue, potentially, to a buyer.
  5. The Shower or Bathtub. Sometimes people have removed tubs from a master bathroom because they remodeled them for their needs. A buyer, though, may want a tub in there for a specific reason. Keep in mind this could be a big issue for a buyer. If you have a second bathroom, sometimes the issue is alleviated, but other times it may not. Also, if you have a bathtub that has no side walls or overhead shower, that could be an issue to a buyer.
  6. Small Closets. Here in Baltimore, this can be a regularly seen issue. Many older homes were not designed with big closets, and people feel they won’t be able to fit their things. You can help to alleviate some of the perception by clearing out what you don’t need, and possibly by having closet systems installed, which make good use of small spaces.
  7. Non-Open Kitchens. Buyers currently look for open kitchens – bright, airy, and spacious. There are many areas in Baltimore where at the time of the house being built, large kitchens weren’t important. Areas like Rodgers Forge originally had galley kitchens, but homeowners are taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room and opening it up into a large, open space with lots of cabinets and counter space.

Though it may not be reasonable or possible to fix or change items in your house, as a seller, it is good to know what buyers may find to be issues that you may not consider.

For other ideas on how to sell your Baltimore home, please contact me. I would love to help you sell your home!