What Not to Fix When Selling a House
Selling your house can feel like a tall task, especially when it comes to deciding what to fix and what not to fix when selling a house. But what if we looked at things a little differently? Rather than striving for absolute perfection, it might be better to highlight the potential of your property.
This approach not only simplifies the process, but also saves time and money. By focusing on what truly matters and leaving room for imagination, you can present a canvas for buyers to envision their dreams. Join us as we explore the idea of showcasing your home's character and promise.
Talking to Agent
Real estate agent consulting potential clients
Tapping into the knowledge of a local real estate agent can do wonders when selling your house. Why? They’re able to advise you on a wide range of topics, including:
What to fix and what not to fix when selling a house
Market conditions and buyer preferences
How to attract prospective buyers without spending too much on home repairs
As you get started on the journey of selling your home, treat it as a profitable investment. This means staying away from fixes that won’t add value or speed up the sale process. Getting insight from an experienced real estate professional is important as you weigh repair decisions that align with your goals of maximizing profit and minimizing unnecessary spending.
A real estate agent can offer invaluable assistance by conducting a thorough comparative market analysis and providing a comprehensive list of what not to fix when selling a house. So before getting too far down the road of selling your home, consider consulting with a local agent. Their expertise will steer you toward a successful home sale, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Consider Curb Appeal
Make no mistake, first impressions matter! Get on a potential buyer’s good side by making their first visit to your home a memorable one. Enhancing curb appeal can be as simple as sprucing up the landscaping or applying a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of the house. These improvements not only boost the attractiveness of your property, but can also help your house sell quickly.
Easy and cheap fixes like mowing the lawn, planting budget-friendly plants or painting the exterior of the house can make a world of difference. A local agent will come in handy here as they’ll be able to provide some examples of what other homeowners in the area have done to improve the curb appeal of their homes.
Worried about those driveway cracks? As they say, don’t sweat the small stuff. They’re not as important as ensuring your curb appeal is top-notch. Focus on the big picture and make the exterior of your house as inviting as possible.
Avoid Major Renovations
Homeowner preparing to paint his kitchen
Though major renovations might seem like a great way to increase the value of your house, the unfortunate reality is they can often fall short of providing you with a desired return. Big projects like expanding your garage or installing new windows can drain your wallet and take up a lot of time, possibly without boosting your profits as much as you hoped.
Instead of diving headfirst into such renovations, opt for smaller upgrades. These can give your house a fresh look and make it more attractive to potential buyers, contributing to a quick and successful home sale.
Kitchen and Bathroom Refresh
The kitchen and bathroom are arguably two of the most important rooms in any house. But you don’t have to break the bank for full-fledged renovations. Instead, consider partial upgrades like painting cabinets, changing hardware or painting tiles. These small improvements can help you make more money from the sale without a hefty investment.
Before you start stressing about gutting your kitchen or bathrooms, know that small changes can pack a punch. You don't always need a major overhaul to impress potential buyers. Simple tweaks can breathe new life into these crucial areas. Think about it — a splash of color, modern fixtures or decluttering can transform the vibe without breaking the bank.
So, take a breath and consider the power of small adjustments. They might just be the key to capturing buyers' attention and sealing the deal on your home sale.
Choosing the Right Colors
A house serves as a blank canvas for potential buyers. Showcase the opportunities new owners have by opting for neutral colors. Basic options like white or gray can attract potential buyers and avoid deterring those who are not fans of bold hues.
Not sure what colors to go for? Here are some good options for your house’s interior:
Shades of white
Beige
Taupe
Grays
In the end it’s about showing off the potential of the house, not your personal style. So when in doubt, go neutral!
Get Serious About Safety
Repair of faulty electrical wiring
While it’s okay to leave some things alone when selling your house, significant safety and functionality issues can’t go unaddressed. Major electrical problems need to be fixed as they can affect the sale price or even scare off buyers. Some examples include:
Old wiring
Exposed wires
Outdated electrical service panel
Dangling light fixtures that could pose a safety hazard
And it’s not just electrical problems. Broken HVAC systems, water heaters, doors and other similar items that affect the functionality of the house need attention. Consider taking care of the following:
Major leaks
Infestations
Sewage issues
Broken windows
It’s essential to consider what to fix and what not to fix when selling a house. Before listing it on the market think about what might attract a prospective buyer. Keep in mind that buyers are in search of a comfortable home. So, while it’s okay to leave some cosmetic flaws alone, anything that poses a safety risk or impedes functionality should be fixed.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Couple touring their potential new home
When preparing your house for sale, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But here’s a breath of fresh air — you don’t have to fix every little thing! Minor cosmetic flaws like small cracks, scuffs and stains are generally okay to leave as they are.
Sellers should concentrate on more significant issues that could impact the sale rather than fretting over these minor issues. Buyers expect some degree of normal wear and tear in a home, so don’t let these issues stress you out.
But what about window treatments and fixtures? Well, unless they’re in terrible condition, there’s no need to replace them. If you have old curtains or torn window screens, just take them down, give the window frames and glass a good clean, and let the natural light do the talking.
Remember, buyers are often looking at the overall potential of your home, not nitpicking every tiny flaw. Prioritize your efforts where they'll make the most impact and save yourself unnecessary stress over minor details that likely won't make or break a sale.
What to do With Appliances?
When it comes to appliances, the rule of thumb is pretty simple — if they're still working or just showing normal wear and tear, there's no need to rush out and replace them. Sure, gleaming new appliances might catch the eye in listing photos, but they're not always a deal-breaker for buyers.
Most buyers have their own ideas about the appliances they want, based on their lifestyle and preferences. Unless your appliances are on their last legs, it's best to leave the decision to replace them up to the new homeowners.
And if you do decide to upgrade, don’t try to break the bank. Opt for practical, mid-range appliances that get the job done without going over your budget. After all, potential buyers might prefer to choose their own appliances that match their personal style, rather than inheriting top-of-the-line models they might not even use. It’s all about deciding what not to fix when selling a house. Save your money for upgrades that will truly make a difference in the eyes of buyers.
Building Code Issues
Inspector discussing building codes
Good news, there's another worry you can cross off your list as you consider what not to fix when selling a house — grandfathered-in building code issues. These are basically aspects of your home that were compliant with building codes when it was constructed, but no longer have to meet the current standards.
What does this mean for you as a seller? Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you're not obligated to update these codes before selling. Your time, money and effort can be better spent elsewhere in the selling process.
Most real estate agents will advise you that it's not worth the hassle to bring your house up to current standards if the issues are grandfathered in. Even if a home inspection brings these issues to light, you can rest assured that they won't derail your sale.
These items will be noted in the inspection report, but they're unlikely to scare off potential buyers. After all, they knew what they were getting into when they fell in love with your charming older home. Focus instead on presenting your home in its best light, knowing that these grandfathered-in issues are just a minor bump in the road to a successful sale.
Show What’s Possible
When you sell your house, you’re not just selling a structure — you’re selling a potential home for the buyers. That’s why you need to focus on showcasing its potential rather than striving for perfection.
An experienced real estate agent can help you identify the areas where your house shines the most and highlight these in your listing. They can also guide you on how to make small improvements that can significantly increase the perceived value of your house.
Keep in mind, it’s not about making your house look flawless. It’s about demonstrating to prospective buyers how they can make it their perfect home. The goal is to show potential buyers what’s possible once they move in to your home.
Wrapping Up
Selling a house doesn’t have to be an exhausting journey filled with endless repairs and upgrades. It’s about knowing what to fix, what not to fix when selling a house and ultimately shining a light on the potential of your property.
At the end of the day no home on the market is perfect. There’s going to be changes and adjustments buyers need to make no matter which house they choose. Make smart decisions with the help of an experienced real estate professional, enhance your house’s curb appeal, opt for partial upgrades and address significant safety and functionality issues. Leave those minor cosmetic flaws and grandfathered-in building code issues alone and replace appliances only if they’re broken. After all, you’re selling what your home could be, not necessarily what it is right now.
If you need some advice as you get started on your real estate journey, feel free to call me at 773-415-4500 or visit my contact page. With over 30 years of experience working with sellers all across the Chicagoland area, I’m confident I can help make the selling process a little more manageable.
Questions From My Clients
What should I remove from my house before selling it?
Get rid of clutter, clear off countertops, box up extra decorations, thin out furniture and don't forget about cleaning up after pets. This will make rooms appear bigger and allow potential buyers to imagine their own furniture in the living areas.