Housing prices rose sharply during 2013, but there are signs that they are starting to fall again. Many experts speculate that the housing market is starting to slow down. This can be a problem for people trying to sell real estate.

You may have a difficult time selling your house in the next few months if it isn’t in pristine condition. Here are some improvements that you will want to make before putting it on the market.

Fix the Door Right Away

The doors to your house are usually the first thing that a potential buyer will see. Carolyn Brake, a stager in Colorado, states that you are selling the experience of living in the house. She said that the doors are the first experience that a buyer has, which means that the sellers needs to make sure that they are well-kept.

You will need to fix any noticeable damage to them before putting them on the market. It is also a good idea to give your doors a fresh coat of paint. You may need to replace sagging aluminum doors, because they can be very difficult and expensive to fix.

Change Floors to Meet the Times

Older homes usually have hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are still very popular. In fact, a recent poll from real estate agents across the country found that homes with hardwood floors tend to sell about for about 10% more than those with plywood. However, buyers have also become pretty picky about the overall condition. You will want to make sure that they are properly maintained. You may even need to buy a new floor tile in Rochester NY.

Most people prefer that their wooden floors have carpets over them. Installing a new carpet is even more important if the floors are made of plywood. Try to find a carpet that has a neutral color (such as tan or light gray), because these tend to be most popular with buyers.

Tackle Roofing Problems Right Away

House buyers also pay close attention to roofs to determine how well the house is kept up. They will be particularly nervous if there any noticeable signs of damage. Here are some things that you may need to address:

• Replace any missing shingles
• Remove and replace and broken tiles
• Add new zinc sulphate or copper strips to prevent moss if you haven’t done so in the past four or five years
• Clear and caulk all of your gutters

You should talk to a roofing expert before selling your house. They can recommend the best improvements to make before trying to sell your house.

Consider Replacing Countertops

Countertops can also make a huge impression on potential buyers. You may want to consider replacing them if they are old or showing signs of wear.

Replacing countertops is particularly important if you are selling a more expensive home. Most experts recommend replacing countertops if the property is worth over $300,000. It can be a good idea to put new countertops in if you are selling a lower priced home as well, because lower income buyers may feel like they are buying a more luxurious home.

About the author: Kalen is a personal finance writer. He shares his advice as the editor of MoneyFile.net and Economic Myths and Lies.