Must-Fix Things Before You Sell: 7 Repairs That Can Make or Break Your Staten Island Home Sale

by Hal Blake

Want to Sell Fast and for Top Dollar? Fix These 7 Things First

At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, we help Staten Island home sellers avoid costly surprises and ensure they walk away with the most money possible. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make? Listing a property before handling critical repairs.

If your home isn’t showing well—or worse, has deal-breaking defects—you’ll either lose potential buyers or be forced to take a lower offer. Here are 7 must-fix items to address before putting your home on the market.

1. Roof Damage or Leaks

Buyers get nervous when they see water stains, missing shingles, or evidence of leaks. A compromised roof often raises red flags during inspections and can lead to financing issues. If your roof is aging or leaking, repair or replace it before listing.

2. HVAC Issues

Heating and cooling systems are major ticket items. A buyer walking into a humid or freezing home will instantly assume high repair costs. If your system is outdated, noisy, or ineffective, a service tune-up—or even a replacement—may pay for itself in your final sale price.

3. Plumbing Problems

Leaky faucets, slow drains, or low water pressure are red flags. Even minor plumbing issues suggest poor maintenance. Repair all visible leaks, check under sinks, and ensure toilets flush and faucets run properly.

4. Cracked Walls or Foundation Concerns

Even small wall cracks can scare buyers—especially if they think it's a structural issue. Address foundation cracks or shifting early with a licensed contractor. Cosmetic drywall cracks should be patched and painted.

5. Damaged Flooring or Old Carpets

Worn-out carpets, cracked tiles, and scratched hardwood floors send the message that the home hasn’t been cared for. Replacing outdated flooring with something neutral and durable often has a high ROI and makes the home more move-in ready.

6. Outdated or Broken Appliances

Buyers expect kitchens with functional, relatively modern appliances. Broken or dated dishwashers, stoves, or refrigerators will lower perceived value. If full replacement isn’t in the cards, make sure all appliances are cleaned, working, and presentable.

7. Curb Appeal Problems

First impressions matter. Overgrown landscaping, cracked walkways, peeling paint, or a front door that sticks can create doubt before a buyer even steps inside. A clean yard, fresh mulch, new house numbers, and a painted front door can go a long way.

BONUS TIP: Let Us Inspect Before the Buyer Does

Before you pour money into updates or worry about what to fix, schedule a Free Pre-Sale Home Audit with our team. We’ll help you decide:

What repairs are worth it
What to skip
How to position your home for the highest possible price

🏆 Your Home Sold Guaranteed—Or We’ll Pay the Difference

When you work with Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, you don’t just get expert repair guidance—you get peace of mind:

✅ We guarantee to sell your home for 100% of your agreed market value—or we pay the difference
✅ You’ll receive 3+ cash offers, including at least one at full market value
✅ We’ll even front the cost of repairs in some cases and get reimbursed at closing

Ready to See What Your Home Could Sell For—As-Is or After Repairs?

📞 Call 718-608-4892

💻 Book a call @ yourhomesoldguaranteedrealtyadvisorsllc-thehalblaketeam.com

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Multiple cash offers on your home in minutes with at least one at

100% of market value.

Call 718-608-4892 to receive your multiple cash offers today.

Your Home Sold Guaranteed or We'll Buy It!*