Selling an older house takes a little extra work, but putting in the effort can pay off. Older properties have character, but buyers need to see the potential, not the problems. That’s because buyers today want houses that feel fresh and move-in ready. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big impact. By focusing on smart, cost-effective home improvements in Atlanta, you may be able to increase your home value before selling and attract more potential buyers.
Not ready for repairs or updates? You can also sell your house "as is" for a fast, easy home sale. Here’s what you need to know about preparing an old house for sale in Atlanta.
Tip #1: Assess the condition of your Atlanta house.
Start by walking through your house and making note of anything that needs attention. A home inspection (typically $325–$400, according to Houzeo) can help uncover hidden issues like electrical problems or foundation concerns. Make a list of what absolutely needs to be fixed and what’s just cosmetic. Prioritize the necessary fixes, and budget appropriately for the cosmetic ones.
Tip #2: Make cost-effective repairs & updates.
You don’t need a total renovation to boost your property’s value. Focus on high-impact, budget-friendly improvements:
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Address minor repairs like leaky faucets, sticking doors, or cracked caulk.
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Refresh your home's look with neutral paint, modern light fixtures, and updated hardware.
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Improve flooring affordably by refinishing hardwood or replacing worn carpet in key areas.
These simple changes can help you update your house without breaking the bank.
Tip #3: Improve curb appeal.
First impressions matter. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), most sellers recoup their full investment when they improve their home's outdoor spaces. Enhancements like fresh landscaping, well-maintained walkways, and upgraded patios can make a big impact on buyers and add value to your home. To make sure your property’s exterior looks inviting, you should:
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Trim bushes, add fresh mulch, and plant flowers.
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Clean or repaint the front door.
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Pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks.
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Repair or repaint the siding if needed.
These easy fixes can make your house stand out to Atlanta home buyers.
Tip #4: Deep clean & declutter.
A clean, clutter-free house looks bigger and more inviting to potential buyers. You should pack away personal items, deep clean carpets, scrub windows, and polish appliances. It’s important for buyers to be able to picture themselves living there, not feel like they’re walking through someone else’s house. You may want to consider hiring a cleaning company to help you if it’s a big project.
Tip #5: Stage your house for buyers.
Staging helps highlight your property’s best features. You may want to:
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Arrange furniture to make rooms look spacious and functional.
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Use neutral décor to create a welcoming feel.
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Add good lighting—open curtains and use bright LED bulbs.
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If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional home stager (typically $99–$996, according to Manta).
Follow these Atlanta home staging tips to showcase your property more effectively.
Tip #6: Get a pre-listing appraisal & price it right.
Older houses often have unique features, past renovations, or hidden issues that can make pricing tricky. Identifying potential problems early is key—especially if your buyer is using a traditional loan. A local appraiser can provide an accurate market value, helping you price your property competitively without scaring off buyers by overpricing or leaving money on the table by underpricing. It’s also helpful to review comparable home sales (comps) in Atlanta to see what similar properties are selling for. Pricing your house right from the start can attract multiple offers.
Tip #7: Market your Atlanta house effectively.
Marketing an older house requires a mix of highlighting its good features while addressing potential concerns buyers might have. You also need to consider exposure. To reach the most buyers, you could:
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Hire a real estate photographer for high-quality listing photos.
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List on MLS, Zillow, Redfin, and FSBO websites.
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Promote your house on social media and online ads.
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Consider hosting an open house or virtual tour.
Good marketing is key to getting more interest in your house.
Tip #8: Prepare for inspections & negotiations.
Buyers will likely request a home inspection, and they may ask for repairs or concessions based on the results. Be prepared for potential issues to come up—but not all of them will be deal-breakers.
If the inspection uncovers problems that can’t be easily fixed before closing, you may need to offer buyer credits or adjust the asking price to keep the deal on track.
Negotiations can be tricky, especially when buyers request major repairs or price reductions. A real estate attorney or agent can help you navigate this process and reach an agreement.
Tip #9: Highlight your house’s unique charm.
Older houses often have distinct features that set them apart from newer builds. These characteristics, when highlighted correctly, can become a major selling point. Show off original features like:
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Hardwood floors
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Crown molding
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Built-in shelving
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Fireplaces
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Vintage light fixtures
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Stained glass windows
Staging these features properly can help them stand out and add charm, making your home more appealing to buyers
Tip #10: Consider selling "as is" for a faster sale.
If handling repairs and updates feels overwhelming, selling your Atlanta house "as is" might be a better option. Here’s why:
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No need for repairs or staging.
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Faster closing—often in weeks instead of months.
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No negotiating over inspection issues.
Some companies that buy houses, like We Buy Ugly Houses®, offer a simple solution if you’d like to sell a house that needs repairs in Georgia.
Sell your old Atlanta house the easy way.
Preparing your old house for sale in Atlanta doesn’t have to be stressful. Small updates can lead to a faster and more profitable sale, but if you’d rather skip the hassle, selling "as is" is a great alternative.
We buy houses in Atlanta in almost any condition, and our easy 3-step home-buying process means you can close quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks! We don’t charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay all typical closing costs.†
Thinking of selling your old Atlanta house? Contact We Buy Ugly Houses in Atlanta today for a free consultation.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
