Going over the key reasons it’s worth it to fix your home before selling.
When preparing to sell your home, one of the critical decisions you’ll face is whether or not to invest in repairs. The answer is a resounding yes. But the more significant question is: What repairs should you focus on? This article will guide you through the reasoning behind making repairs and provide a step-by-step approach to preparing your home for sale.
In today’s real estate market, most buyers prefer a move-in-ready home rather than a fixer-upper. A house with a minimal to-do list is far more appealing, as it saves time, money, and effort for the buyer. Therefore, addressing known issues can significantly impact the desirability of your property.
One of the best strategies for determining what repairs are necessary is to get a pre-inspection of your property. A pre-inspection is akin to a report card for your home. By hiring a home inspector, typically costing between $300 and $500 depending on the home’s age and size, you can receive a detailed report—often around 60 pages—covering everything from the crawlspace to the attic, windows, and appliances. This report will effectively grade your home’s condition, allowing you to assess whether you’ve got an A, B, C, or worse. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions on whether to address specific issues or leave the home as-is.
If you decide not to undertake any repairs and instead opt to sell your home “as-is,” providing the pre-inspection report to potential buyers is crucial. This full disclosure ensures that buyers know exactly what they’re getting into, thereby preventing surprises and potential deal-breaking negotiations later on. Without this upfront transparency, if a buyer conducts their inspection after you’ve accepted an offer, they might request repairs or concessions, leading to a renegotiation or even a failed deal. By providing the pre-inspection report beforehand, buyers are aware of the home’s condition, making the transaction smoother.
“Home inspections are often nerve-wracking for sellers, but they don’t have to be if you do repairs before listing.”
Should you decide to address the issues identified in the pre-inspection, you can then call the home inspector back for a follow-up assessment, usually for an additional $100. The inspector will update the report to reflect the repairs made, effectively giving your home a cleaner bill of health. This step can be invaluable in appealing to buyers who want a hassle-free, move-in-ready home.
It’s important to remember that many buyers today may not have basic handyman skills. They might not know the difference between a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver, and that’s perfectly fine. However, it means that these buyers are often looking for a home that feels ready to live in, not a project they need to tackle. The more you can do to present your home as a comfortable, turnkey option, the better your chances of securing a top-dollar offer.
Making necessary repairs before listing your home is not just advisable; it’s essential. A well-maintained, move-in-ready home is far more attractive to buyers and can help you secure a higher selling price. So, should you do repairs? Absolutely.
As always, call or email me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!