Hier is de Engelse vertaling van je blog, aangepast voor een internationale doelgroep en in lijn met de stijl van International Fine Living:

Well-Maintained = Better Sold

Why Maintenance and Smart Presentation Make All the Difference When Selling Your Home on Curaçao

Planning to sell your home on Curaçao soon? Then naturally, you want as many viewings as possible—and ideally, the highest selling price. The good news? You can influence those chances. A well-maintained home attracts more buyers, leading to quicker negotiations, fewer price reductions, and a stronger deal overall.

At International Fine Living, with years of real estate experience on the island, we know that today’s buyers—especially younger ones in their twenties and thirties—prefer move-in ready homes. They often don’t have the time, skills, or desire to take on major renovations themselves.

Deferred maintenance: The silent value killer

Neglecting maintenance may seem minor, but it can have serious consequences. Think of rotting window frames, roof leaks, deteriorated sealant, or mold caused by poor ventilation. Potential buyers interpret these as signs that the property hasn’t been properly cared for—damaging their trust in both the house and the seller.

The consequences:

• Longer time on the market
• Lower offers
• Reduced interest
• More room for negotiation (often in the buyer’s favor)

Worse still, damage caused by neglect may not be covered by insurance—something buyers definitely want to avoid.

What does neglected maintenance cost?

On average, homeowners spend around €11,000 on maintenance in the first five years after buying a home—about €200 per month. On Curaçao, where the tropical climate affects building materials more aggressively, these costs are often higher. Coastal homes and properties exposed to sun, rain, and salt air tend to deteriorate faster.

Don’t skimp on maintenance—especially before listing your home. A few targeted investments can significantly increase your home’s appeal and reduce stress during the selling process.

Small fixes, big impact

You don’t need to renovate to impress buyers. Small updates can make a huge difference.

Interior:

• Paint walls in neutral colors
• Replace or reseal kitchen and bathroom joints
• Swap out worn switches and handles
• Improve lighting throughout
• Remove mold and moisture stains

Exterior:

• Repaint façades and window frames
• Clean up the garden, trim trees, refresh palms
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Create a welcoming entryway

First impressions count. A buyer's judgment starts within seconds of arriving—and once formed, it’s hard to change.

28 Practical tips to prepare your home for sale

1. Start with small, visible improvements
2. Keep interiors neutral
3. Ensure neat and clean finishes
4. Remove personal items
5. Invite friends to give honest feedback
6. Fix dripping taps and squeaky doors
7. Replace broken light fixtures
8. Tidy up the garden
9. Repaint window frames and walls if needed
10. Remove mold and mildew
11. Deep clean, including windows
12. Make the home smell fresh
13. Create an inviting front entry
14. Maximize natural light
15. Show off storage space (clear the closets)
16. Secure loose outlets and switches
17. Level and clean floors
18. Repair joints and sealant
19. Use lighting to add atmosphere
20. Refresh the toilet area
21. Check electrical panels for safety
22. Prioritize tasks based on market impact
23. Invest in what’s immediately visible
24. Follow trends, but keep it simple
25. Take professional-quality photos
26. Don’t list your home until everything is ready
27. Work with an experienced local agent
28. Keep the exterior just as tidy as the interior

Selling later? Start early

Even if you’re planning to sell one or two years from now, it’s wise to start thinking about maintenance today. Major updates like replacing window frames or renovating a kitchen take time—and materials and contractors aren’t always immediately available.

Use this period to improve your living comfort and enhance the future value of your home.

Get a professional property valuation

Wondering what your home is worth right now—or what certain upgrades might be worth at resale? Request a property valuation or a formal appraisal.

At International Fine Living, we offer honest, expert advice based on in-depth knowledge of the Curaçao housing market. Check out our article on the difference between an appraisal and a valuation to decide which is right for you.

Conclusion: maintenance pays off

A well-maintained property sells faster, more easily, and for a better price. It’s tangible proof that you’ve taken care of your home—something buyers deeply value.

Whether you’re tackling minor repairs or focusing on strategic upgrades, you’re strengthening your position on the market. And with the right real estate partner who understands Curaçao inside and out, you’re one step ahead.

Want to know more or get started today? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

International Fine Living strives to provide buyers and sellers in Curaçao with the best possible information. However, our time is limited and we may not always be able to update every detail promptly. We advise you to verify any information provided with the appropriate authority or company. No rights can be derived from this content.
To other real estate agents on Curaçao: all our content is protected by copyright. It is not permitted to copy or reuse any part of this text. Feel free to link to our blog, though!