When you’re getting your house ready to sell, it’s easy to stress over every little detail. The truth is, a fresh set of eyes will always reveal flaws; luckily, homebuyers are willing to ignore some of the details.
Buyers often more focused on big-picture potential than tiny imperfections, so don't chase perfection and stir up a stressful experience.
Instead, focus on what really matters and understand which things can slide. With a little thoughtful planning, you'll be able to spend less time and money preparing for the selling process—and still get strong offers in most housing markets.
Outdated Tech Isn't a Dealbreaker
Smart home features are popular, but not having them in the current market won’t necessarily hurt your sale. “In older homes, the absence of smart technology may not be a dealbreaker for buyers, as these features can often be added over time,” shares Joel Worthington, president, Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company.
“Upgrades like smart outlets and switches, EV charging stations, and energy monitoring systems offer opportunities to modernize the space and potentially boost the home's value down the line.”
Instead of investing in tech upgrades before listing, focus on wow-ing potential buyers with visible improvements that boost appeal and make the space feel clean and inviting.
Garage Door Not Perfect? Not a Big Deal
A garage door that works and looks okay is usually good enough. “Garage doors aren't often top-of-mind for prospective buyers during showings, as long as they appear functional and complement the home's exterior,” notes Michael Brickner, President, Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company. “Unless there are obvious signs of damage or difficulty operating, they tend to be low on the priority list."
He adds, "That said, outdated or uninsulated garage doors can affect energy efficiency, security, and even noise levels. We recommend a thorough inspection of the door pre-purchase by a qualified professional to ensure there are no safety concerns, especially with the springs, sensors, and opener system.”
If your garage door is safe and works well, you can probably skip replacing it. Clean off the scuff marks, check for any safety issues, then go ahead and start the home-selling process.
Small Cosmetic Flaws Are Easily Overlooked
Buyers might notice a bad paint job or old doorknobs—but they rarely make or break a sale. “Slightly outdated cabinet hardware, scuffed baseboards, or older faucets are often overlooked if the overall space is clean, functional, and staged well,” shares Ron Shimek, President, Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company.
Of course, as a seller, this is a great time to make an impact. “To wow the buyers, update these items prior to putting home on the market.”
If you have the time and budget, small upgrades like new hardware or a fresh coat of paint can help your home feel more polished and boost the purchase price.
Buyers Don’t Panic Over Older HVAC Units
Finding a home with a new HVAC systems can feel like a huge win; however, most buyers are realistic. “Older but working HVAC units can be an item that potential homeowners can have less of a concern about because of the lifespan of HVAC units,” explains Brad Roberson, President, Aire Serv, a Neighborly company.
“As long as the unit has been well-maintained, they may feel they can get several years out [it] before a replacement is necessary. And they can factor that cost into the overall purchase of the home when looking to buy.”
If your system runs well and has been serviced regularly, it’s probably not worth replacing just to appeal to a qualified buyer.
Dryer Vents? Most Buyers Never Think About Them
Some parts of a home don’t draw much attention at all.
“Dryer vents are one of the most commonly overlooked features during the homebuying process,” highlights Kevin Busch, President, Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company. “As long as the laundry area looks clean and functional, most buyers don’t think to ask about vent condition, routing, or whether it's up to code; however, poor dryer venting can pose serious safety risks and reduce appliance efficiency."
He adds, "It’s a good idea for buyers to ask when the vent was last cleaned—neglected vents are a leading cause of dryer fires and can also signal a lack of overall maintenance in the home.”
You don’t have to overhaul your laundry setup; just make sure it looks neat and functions safely.
Focus on First Impressions
Find the sweet spot. Instead of sweating over every repair before listing your house for sale, use your time and money on updates that will catch a buyer’s eye right away.
Here are a few low-cost ways to get your house ready that go a long way:
- Declutter every room—even closets. No pool of buyers is pleased to see your excess items.
- Clean like a professional would. And yes, hiring professional cleaners is a great idea.
- Fresh paint... in neutral tones. Many buyers like to see a blank slate, and neutral paint helps that.
- Let in as much natural light as possible
- Fix anything that’s visibly broken
- Address any leaky faucets
- Add simple touches like fresh flowers or clean towels
- Put away your family photos and personal items. Just like clutter, they don't need to see these unnecessary items.
- Clean up your outdoor space. Mow the lawn, weed flower beds, and tidy up landscaping for curb appeal.
- Stage key areas like the living room and primary bedroom
Are There Things Buyers Won’t Overlook?
Yes, especially if you're not in a hot market. While some flaws are fine, others will raise red flags.
Major foundation issues, roof leaks, electrical problems, or signs of water damage tend to scare buyers off—or invite lowball offers. These issues hint at deeper problems that could be expensive or risky. Again, in slower markets, buyers will be more apt to pay attention to these major issues.
If you’re preparing to sell your home and know about any big issues, it’s usually best to either fix them or be upfront. As your real estate agent would tell you, serious defects can cost you more later in negotiations or inspections.
