Preparing Your Home For Sale - Don't Forget the Bathroom!

You're getting ready to sell your home - and there's so much to do! You want to get it in tip-top shape so it will look its best when it hits the market. Most people focus on the kitchen, flooring and paint. But don't forget the bathroom! There are many little things that might look like big ugly things to a buyer. Don't let these items turn buyers off and make you leave money on the table. Here are 5 things to address.

1. Keep It Clean! Beware of small things in your bathroom that can have an outsized impact and repel would-be buyers. Old cracked soap (or no soap at all) can leave a buyer wondering if you are caring for other parts of your home and if you're interested in general cleanliness.

2. Old Is Not Necessarily Charming! An outdated bathroom is one of the main things that turn off buyers. When buyers see fixtures from another era, they worry that the plumbing is also ancient. Another thing that turns off buyers is broken fixtures. If there’s a chip in the sink or a dent in the tub, that’s a visual reminder that someone else shaved or bathed there. No one wants this reminder!

3. Mystery Stains And Other "Yuck" Stuff! Are there unidentified stains on bathroom surfaces? Are they water stains, coffee spills, or ancient toothpaste drool? Is there a fuzzy toilet-seat cover and carpeting on the floor? Not knowing what stains are or why fuzzy accessories are still in place is a definite turn-off!

4. Obvious - and Poor Quality - DIY. DIYers might proudly display their handiwork in the bathroom but “creative” plumbing solutions and repairs are nothing to be proud of, and something to be wary about. When repairs are made to a bathroom piecemeal, using random materials, it makes a buyer think that the homeowner cheaped out. And if corners are cut here, could the homeowner’s careless DIY effort be hiding something more serious?

5. Lack of Ventilation. Mold in a bathroom is not only gross, but it can even be a health issue. The lack of a vent or window can allow moisture to invade the space, resulting in dark patches on the ceiling and potential health problems. Although it may not be black mold (the worst type), no one wants to worry about whether it is or not, and have to deal with the costs associated with testing and remediating. 

What Should You Do?

When preparing your home to sell, try to remove all signs that someone else has lived there. Make sure the bathroom is clean and fresh looking - and smelling! Consider updating fixtures and old tile with more modern and stylish options. Ensure all windows have blinds or curtains to offer privacy. Do whatever you can to help buyers feel more comfortable with the space, so they can envision themselves living happily in your home!