Whether you're selling or planning to list your home for sale, there's probably a lot on your home sale to-do list. And while, yes, you want your house to look its best for prospective buyers, there are some less-than-obvious issues you should probably address before your listing goes up. From a leaky or aging roof to a positive radon test in the basement, here's the lowdown on some common issues that can cause a home sale to fall through. Roof

Roof issues are responsible for 39% of homeowners' insurance claims. If the roof of your for-sale home is approaching the end of its typical life span -- 20 to 25 years for shingles -- replacing it (or getting a certification that it's in great shape!) could get you to the closing table faster.

Gutters

While you may need to wait for inclement weather to realize your return on investment, a mere 30 minutes of rain gutter maintenance could prevent thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of a home.

Doors and windows

Expect buyers to open and close doors and windows. A stuck window or creaky door is a quick fix for a seller but could be a red flag to buyers who want a well-cared-for home. Replacing windows can bring a 50% to 80% return on your investment, but if they're not stuck shut, some sellers would be better served to bump this down a few notches on their must-do list.

Appliances

Most buyers recognize that they can easily buy a new fridge, but if most of your appliances look as if they belong on That '70s Show, buyers may wonder what else needs replacing. Meanwhile, if you're planning to take your refrigerator with you when you move, make sure that's mentioned in your sellers' disclosure.

HVAC

A well-maintained system can last up to 25 years, but an aged one could be a point of concern for buyers -- and costly to repair or replace on the fly for a seller who doesn't want to lose a sale.

Foundation

Cracks in walls or a foundation are often a sign of larger problems. Be prepared to fix structural problems before your house hits the market, or have a plan in place for repairs if a buyer balks after an inspection.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic, radioactive gas that's formed from the breakdown of uranium. It's found in rocks, soil, and water. To put in perspective just how dangerous radon can be, consider this: Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer -- radon is number two.

Bonus: A too-high listing price

Pricing your home too high could ultimately cause your house to miss out on the right buyer, stay on the market longer, and bring in a lower price than the market supports. Determining the best asking price for a home is one of the most important aspects of selling a home.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Trulia