In real estate, there’s an unspoken but powerful principle known as the “Rule of 200.” The idea is simple—every $200 you invest in small handyman projects can potentially increase your home’s final sales price by $2,000 or more. This isn’t about expensive remodels or large-scale renovations. Instead, it focuses on quick, targeted fixes that make a home feel cared for and move-in ready—two qualities buyers notice immediately.

These minor improvements can be done yourself or handled by a handyman for a reasonable cost. They require minimal investment but have the potential to deliver a strong return, both in sales price and in buyer perception.

Examples of High-Impact Handyman Projects
Small repairs and upgrades can make a big difference when preparing your home for sale. Common examples include:

• Replacing burned-out or outdated lightbulbs

• Repairing scuffed, chipped, or damaged baseboards

• Touching up interior paint to cover marks or discoloration

• Fixing or replacing broken flooring transitions

• Repairing squeaky or misaligned doors

• Tightening loose cabinet hardware

• Fixing minor plumbing issues like leaky faucets

• Replacing cracked or missing outlet covers

Individually, these may seem like small tasks. Together, they give buyers the impression of a home that has been consistently maintained—often translating into stronger offers and faster sales.

Why Small Repairs Matter to Buyers
Minor flaws in a home may seem insignificant, but to buyers, they can be red flags. A dripping faucet can raise concerns about potential plumbing issues. Loose flooring transitions might make them wonder about hidden structural problems. Even something as simple as worn baseboards can create a perception that the property hasn’t been cared for.

Addressing these issues before listing shows buyers that you’ve taken pride in maintaining your home. It also reduces the chance of repair requests during escrow, which can slow down the transaction or cause negotiations to get complicated.

Preventing Larger, Costlier Problems
Another benefit of the Rule of 200 is that fixing small problems early can prevent bigger, more expensive repairs later. For example, a slow leak in a faucet can lead to water damage and mold growth over time. Damaged baseboards can invite pests. A cracked flooring transition can become a tripping hazard. By addressing these issues now, you protect your home’s value and keep future maintenance costs down.

How to Apply the Rule of 200 to Your Home
Before listing, take a “buyer’s tour” of your home. Walk through each room and note anything that looks worn, broken, or outdated. View your home as if you were seeing it for the first time—because that’s exactly what potential buyers will do.

If you’re unsure which repairs will have the biggest impact, ask a trusted real estate professional to walk through with you. They can identify which projects will appeal most to buyers in your market and which improvements will deliver the highest return on investment.

The ROI on Small Fixes
The math is compelling. Investing just a few hundred dollars into targeted handyman projects can return several thousand dollars in added value to your home’s sales price. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your property’s appeal without committing to major renovations.

Selling a Home in San Diego?
We’ll help you identify which handyman projects will make the biggest impact on your sales price—saving you time, money, and stress. Contact us today to schedule your pre-listing walkthrough and maximize your home’s market appeal.