5 Alaska Homeowner Problems and How to Fix Them

As a home seller, it’s important to note that hiding flaws from buyers is simply not an option. If your Alaskan home is in need of repair, it’s better to remedy the problem entirely than to hatch a plan for a quick fix that could send buyers running for the door.

Fairbanks and Anchorage area home sellers will find their transaction runs much more smoothly if they fix the problem versus finding a way to cover it up for the time being.

If you’re planning to sell your home in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, or the surrounding communities this year, you’ll want to take a look at the following five problems that can arise for homeowners and how to fix them.

Problem: Stained Ceiling
How to Fix: Instead of painting over a stained ceiling, from a leak or other water damage, first make sure you don’t have an active leak. Painting over a leak can cover up the problem for now, but the stain could reappear in a matter of weeks.

Problem: Old Window Frames
How to Fix: Paint can do a lot to make an Alaskan home look brand new again, but you need to know when it’s time to replace elements prior to selling. For instance, old, rotting wood windows can be painted over, but one quick touch and a buyer, or inspector, will know they need to go.

Problem: HVAC Discrepencies
How to Fix: Have you ever toured a home in the Fairbanks or Anchorage Alaska area and found that one room is either colder or warmer than the others? Maybe you even see a window AC unit somewhere, but the home has Central Air? This raises a red flag to buyers.

If this is true of your home too, it’s best to make sure the furnace filter, fan, ductwork, and grills are all clean. If you have radiators, make sure they’re unobstructed. An inspector will also be able to identify any potential problems with an infrared camera if you are stuck on the temperature differences between rooms.

Problem: Mildew Smell
How to Fix: Unfortunately, even strong candle scents can’t always hide smells of mildew in a damp room. If your home has a smell in a damp space, like a basement or laundry room, you’ll want to take the time to identify the problem instead of reaching for room spray.

Oftentimes, this means there is moisture getting into the home that can cause mold and mildew. Find where the water is coming in and remedy the issue there.

Problem: Drafty Windows
How to Fix: Instead of opting for plastic wrap around windows, it’s better to seal the gaps with caulk or even caulk in rope form which can be molded to fit your windows. These options will form an air tight seal and keep drafts out, without the red flag of plastic wrapping around each window.

If you’re ready to sell your Alaskan home in Fairbanks, Eagle River, Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, or North Pole this year, do not hesitate to reach out to Madden Real Estate!

We even have a Guanteed Home Sale Program— If we don't sell your home, we'll buy it!

The Madden Real Estate Team
Madden Real Estate with Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
(907) 452-3000
Info@MaddenRealEstate.com
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