The Top 7 Pre-Listing Updates For Nashville, TN Homes

Planning on putting your home on the market soon? Before you do, it’s best to make sure there are no major cosmetic or functional flaws that could scare buyers away. 

While it’s not impossible to sell a home as-is, most modern buyers aren’t looking for projects. So, the better the curb appeal and condition of your home, the more interested buyers you can attract and the more profit you can make. 

What home improvements should you consider to get your home ready for sale? Here are 7 of the top pre-listing updates that Nashville agents and their sellers should consider to sell for top dollar. 

Garage door replacement

Replacing an old or weathered garage door is one of the simplest upgrades you can make. It’s a relatively low-cost project and can make a world of difference in improving your curb appeal and helping your home stand out—in a good way.

In addition to refreshing the look of your home’s exterior, a new garage door adds functional value and even an extra layer of home security. So, if yours is years old or just looks like it’s seen better days, this pre-listing update is a no-brainer.

Outdoor living space upgrades

The inside of your home needs to be appealing to buyers, yes. But it’s not all that matters. Your outdoor living space should be just as inviting as the front of your home, then the entryway, and the kitchen. Creating a welcoming environment usually only requires small projects like tending to your landscaping and staging a seated area. 

Fencing is a larger project that you might consider to increase your home’s value. The average cost to install fencing ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. And the returns? They vary, depending on the neighborhood, so sellers should consult with their agent before taking on updates—but according to Redfin data, homes with fenced-in backyards typically sold for 2.2% above asking price.

Decks also contributed to homes getting sold for about 1% above asking price and made Redfin’s list of the most popular features in Nashville. Is a deck worth the investment? It depends on the market and your home’s location. With add-on projects like decks and fences, we always suggest consulting with your real estate agent to determine if a deck or a fenced-in backyard will result in a profit.

Siding replacement

Curb appeal significantly affects a home’s overall appeal, and worn-down siding is sure to scare off buyers. If you take a look at the “popular” or “hot” homes on listing sites, you’ll notice that the homes getting the most views have better curb appeal or sometimes digital curb appeal.

We generally only recommend replacing your siding when it’s damaged beyond repair. In most cases, we’ll suggest paint and repairs to get listings market-ready faster and sold for a higher profit.

Interior and exterior paint

You’d be surprised what a difference a fresh coat of paint can make when you’re trying to sell your home. 

For example, new exterior paint can ensure that your home looks well-maintained and even help it stand out from others on the block. For your interior, a well-chosen color palette for the interior of your home can make it feel welcoming, give the illusion of more space, and provide a blank canvas for buyers to envision how they could make the house their own. 

For more on the benefits of painting as a pre-listing update, as well as tips on the best colors to use, check out our guide for painting a home to sell. 

Deferred maintenance

It’s always a good idea to take care of any maintenance you’ve been putting off. Again, buyers don’t want the hassle of having to make repairs; they prefer move-in-ready homes. So, as needed: 

• Repair or replace broken appliances, HVAC systems, etc. 
• Repair or replace your roof 
• Fix plumbing and electrical issues
• Do minor paint touch-ups if re-painting on a larger scale isn’t needed

You should also keep an eye out for other issues such as cracked windows, rusty hardware, or broken light fixtures. Caring for such details will help you make a great impression and avoid giving buyers the impression that you haven’t taken care of your home. 

Flooring upgrades

There are so many questions when it comes to flooring. Should you replace your carpet? Can your hardwood be refinished, or does it need to be replaced? Should you replace a cheaper, dated, less durable material like laminate with luxury vinyl tile or ceramic tile? 

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best flooring options for your home will depend on its style, price point, and other factors. Not to mention that the return on investment you can expect will depend on what material you choose, its quality, the size of your home, and so on. The only thing that’s for sure is this.

Cleaned, repaired, refinished, and new flooring will almost always serve you better than dated or visibly damaged flooring. So, if your carpet is faded, stained, or snagged, or if your hardwood floors are scratched or discolored, it’s time for an upgrade. 

Kitchen upgrades

One of the essential rooms in any house is the kitchen, and a new or updated one can be a significant selling point. In fact, like vinyl siding, new kitchens were ranked among the most valuable features in Nashville homes. So a remodel, or even just a refresh, can make your house more appealing to buyers. What would these kitchen updates require, though? 

A simple refresh might include:

• Painting cabinets.
• Installing new appliances.
• Replacing old countertops.
• Swapping out hardware and lighting for more modern options.

On the other hand, a remodel might include:

• Removing old cabinets and installing new ones 
• Installing new flooring
• Replacing countertops
• Removing walls to create an open living space

Remodels are more extensive and will cost more to take on than refreshes.

Curbio specializes in making smart, pre-listing home improvements that help agents provide better options for their clients and help sellers net more profit. We take on any home improvements necessary to get homes sold. We don’t charge any interest or fees, and we have a price-match guarantee to give you peace of mind, knowing you’re getting the best price.

Our process starts with a conversation with the real estate agent representing a property. If you’re a homeowner, ask your agent about working with Curbio today and have them get started by requesting a free, no-obligation estimate.