Do I Need to Fix Up My House Before Selling It?

Are you planning to sell your home soon? Many sellers feel pressured to spruce up their houses for showings and open houses. However, the reality is that they only get around to doing a little, especially if the repairs take a lot of resources. It’s costly and time-consuming, and there’s that risk of not getting a good return on investment. 

By now, you’re probably torn between selling your house as-is or fixing it up – so what’s the best move? Should you fix up your home before selling it? 

The Importance of Presentation

You’ve probably been told that first impressions matter. In most cases, first impressions DO matter – especially if you’re selling a house. 

This is because the initial visual appeal of property influences most people’s buying decisions. A visually-appealing house gives an impression of a well-maintained home or a property with few potential problems or hidden issues. A poorly presented house may be challenging to sell or get low offers. 

So, should you fix your house before selling it? The short answer is yes, but fixing " everything " is not always necessary." 

Remember that deciding to fix up your house before selling should be based on careful evaluation and consideration of your circumstances. While there are clear benefits to doing so, there are also factors to consider, such as time, cost, and the overall condition of your house. 

Assessing Your House's Current Condition

Not all properties are the same. Each one has its own unique characteristics and needs. In other words, some issues in one may not be the same as the other – which is why you must thoroughly assess your property. An assessment will help you identify the current condition of your house and determine which areas need your attention. 

Start the assessment by taking a critical look at your house. Check for signs of damage on the walls, floors, and ceilings – or even simple wear and tear – and note them down. Don’t forget to check for cracks, stains, or peeling paint. Check if the doors, windows, and all fixtures are in 100% working order. 

Next, assess your house's curb appeal, and note if there are issues in the landscaping or the overall appearance of your property. The point of this is to consider how your property looks from the street and whether its appearance can entice potential buyers. 

Next, you must identify the areas in your list that require attention. Differentiate cosmetic fixes from major repairs and prioritize addressing the latter. Major repairs may include structural, plumbing, electrical, and roofing issues – or any other problem that can affect your house's overall integrity and safety. 

Cosmetic enhancements, on the other hand, take the second priority. These improvements mainly focus on the visual appeal of your home, such as painting the walls, updating the flooring, or upgrading fixtures and appliances. While cosmetic fixes may not directly impact the structural integrity of your house, they can improve the visual appeal of your property and help you command a higher selling price. 

The best way to know what is best for your situation is to have a realtor in your area walk through your home and discuss the possible “fixes” and how important each one is. 

Should You Repair Everything on Your List? 

Now that you have assessed your house's condition and identified the areas that need your attention, it’s time to decide which ones to address. While it may be tempting to fix everything, you must bear in mind the financial implications involved. Remember, with properties – it’s risky to pour money into repairs without the guarantee of a return on investment.

Instead of aiming to repair everything on your list, focus on the repairs and upgrades that will give your property the most value and appeal to potential buyers. Consider the following factors to help you make an informed decision:

• Insights from Market Analyses - Your buyers may have certain preferences that you may not know about. Research the local real estate market to help you discover what they are, and use that information to prioritize your repairs accordingly.
• Return on Investment (ROI) - Some renovations offer a higher ROI than others. So, evaluate the estimated costs of repairs against your property's potential selling price increase to help you determine if a repair is financially viable.
• Time Constraints - Some repairs may require more time than others and can eventually delay the selling process. If you’re on a tight schedule, focus on repairs that can be completed efficiently without the risk of sacrificing quality.
• Inspection Findings - If you’ve taken a pre-listing inspection, review the report and check which findings could negatively impact the sale. Focus on addressing these repairs to pass the subsequent assessments.
• Buyer’s Perception - Put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers and consider how they might perceive your property. Will the existing issues deter them from making an offer? Aim to address concerns that could potentially discourage buyers from making an offer. 

Ultimately, selling a property is about striking a balance between doing the proper repairs and putting off unnecessary enhancements. If you’d like to make the most out of your investment, it’s best to consult with a trusted real estate professional. Get their expert opinion on which repairs and improvements that will make the most significant impact on your property.

Selling a house can be a significant endeavor, but with careful planning, attention to detail, and the support of professionals, you can sell your property for the price you desire. Remember, every house is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Assess your specific circumstances, consider the condition of your home, and make informed decisions about which repairs and upgrades are worth your time and money.

Questions About Selling Your House?

We're here to provide you with expert advice and assistance throughout the selling process. Reach out to us at Shepherd Homes Group, and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have. 

Selling a house is a big decision, and we understand that you want to make the best choices for your unique situation. Contact us today, and let us guide you toward a successful sale!