Make sure you fix broken windows, lights, doorknobs and any other basic maintenance on your property

46. Its the law, sir.

Fix house problems because the law requires you to. These are usually environmental in nature or hidden hazards that can cause health problems for the buyers and their children. Examples are lead paint and asbestos removal, and harmful insulation material.

47. You and I are different.

Little things that make a difference are those tasks or jobs that you've somehow delayed or never got around to doing. Remember that what may be petty to you may not be petty at all to your prospective buyer. No two people think the same way. Selling and buying a house are two different perspectives, two different people, and two different mindsets.

48. Did you inherit these doorknobs from your grandmother?

Try not to overlook old doorknobs and plates on light switches. If they look lifeless and worn, replace them to liven up the living areas. Try to go for neutral designs.

If your buyers are young, upward mobile professionals, you could go for bolder designs. Make sure that whatever you put on, the buyers can take them off easily should they decide to do so.

49. That noise is driving me nuts!

Has that leaking faucet been bothering you lately? You can be sure that minor things like leaking faucets can make buyers hesitate. Faucets that have been leaking for some time demonstrate a homeowners negligence regarding basic maintenance.

50. Is this door going to fall on me?

Does your house have doors that sag, don't close properly, squeak or have a knob missing? There are beautiful ready-made and custom-made doors in your local home centre, so why don't you pay them a visit; get an idea of what kind of doors would breathe life into your house?

51. So, how many insects do you have here?

What about broken screens that have ugly-looking holes gaping at you and your visitors? A simple thing such as broken screens can be a huge turn off so show consideration for your buyers by taking care of these minor fix-its.

52. For you or the buyer?

Some experts say that little repairs that can potentially annoy you or your buyers must get fixed. Getting small, minor jobs done will help increase your chances of selling your house. But getting big things fixed, they say, will only mean profits for the contractor and buyer, not you. This is a matter of personal opinion.

If you take integrity and professionalism to heart, you can proceed with the big repairs and cough up the expense.

53. Hold your horses!

Here's what some experts are also saying about undertaking major repairs. If its going to cost you an arm and a leg and substantially reduce the sale price of your home, think twice.

For example, your house costs R200.000.00 in the market. You're thinking of selling it for R250,000.00 to make a neat little profit of R50,000. Repairs will cost you R30,000.00 that reduces your profit by R20,000. Are the major repairs worth that measly profit?

Crunch some figures before you undertake those major renovations.

54. I wish you hadn't done that

Undertaking major renovations may come out of the goodness of your heart, but have you ever thought of looking at the other side of the coin?

What if the potential buyers don't particularly like the renovations you've done, and would have preferred to renovate the house themselves?

When an individual goes out looking to buy a house, that individual is not just buying a physical piece of property but is also thinking of making his future house an extension of his personality and his lifestyle.

So if you're thinking of renovating your house before selling to make it look more presentable, those good intentions may backfire. That's why its always good to gauge a buyers plans about your house when he/she first makes contact.

55. Bring in a contractor.

Some people actually think its a good idea to bring in a contractor to have a look at their homes after the professional inspection. Because they know their business inside out, some contractors specialize in preparing homes for sale, and can tell you what should be fixed and what should be left alone.

They can help you save precious rand. Show them all of the inspection reports. With the contractors opinion and the home inspection reports in your possession, you should be able to decide what to fix and what not to fix.