Don’t get scared off by these 8 common house problems

When house hunting, it’s hard to see past flaws. However, there are lots of minor repairs and aesthetic fixes that should never keep you from buying an otherwise perfect home. If you love the neighborhood, the style, the size, and the backyard, don’t let these eight easy fixes get in your way.

1. Damaged window screens. If the screens have small tears, simply bond the edges together with clear nail polish. If they’re completely shot, pick up a DIY window screen repair kit for fast, inexpensive replacement.
2. Ugly caulking. If the caulking around the tub, toilet or other fixtures is nasty, don’t worry. With caulk remover, a putty knife and a caulking gun, you can make your bathroom look brand new in an afternoon.
3. Holes in the wall. Holes up to the size of your palm can be easily (and cheaply!) fixed with spackle. To blend the repair, use a sanding sponge and a fresh coat of paint.
4. Old, sticky drawers. Older wooden drawers often stick and squeak, but a quick coat of household paraffin wax along the slides is all you need to fix the problem.
5. Bad wall colors. As overwhelming as a bad paint color can be, never forget it’s one of the simplest fixes. One person can repaint an entire room in a day.
6. Missing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms are inexpensive, easy to find and very easy to install on your own.
7. Outdated appliances. Replacing old appliances with new ones is an easy (if a bit expensive) process. Don’t let bad appliances turn you off from a great house, especially if it’s under budget.
8. Boring or patchy landscaping. When the yard is plain or patchy, you can easily create your own garden beds, add plants and apply lawn treatments to fix things up.

It’s easy to feel nervous about buying a house that needs work. But when the fix is quick, inexpensive, and straightforward, you shouldn’t let it scare you off from your dream house. Pull Quote: If you love the neighborhood, the style, the size, and the backyard, don’t let these easy fixes get in your way.

The post Don’t get scared off by these 8 common house problems first appeared on Century 21®.