When you’re ready to sell your house, you might be wondering if it’s worth putting money into fixing it up first. After all, those repairs can be expensive, and you might not get a return on your investment. Here’s a closer look at when it makes sense to fix up your home before selling and when you might be better off leaving things as-is.
The first thing you need to consider is what kind of repairs you need to make.Not only will buyers be turned off by big problems like these, but they’ll also likely use them as bargaining chips to get a lower price. If there are major issues with your home, such as a faulty roof or HVAC system, then those definitely need to be addressed before putting your house on the market.
Table of Contents
•Should You Fix Up Your House Before Selling
➥Pros of Fixing Up Your Home Before Selling
➥Cons of Fixing Up Your Home Before Selling
•What To Fix Before Selling House
•What Not To Fix When Selling A House
•Inexpensive Home Improvements To Increase Value
➥Why Should You Sell Your House To Colorado Cash Buyers
Should You Fix Up Your House Before Selling?
Fixing up your home before selling can be a smart move, but it depends on the situation. Repairs can be expensive, and you might not get a return on your investment. You need to consider what kind of repairs you need to make.
But if you’re selling in a buyer’s market, it might not be worth making any repairs at all since buyers will be more interested in getting a good deal than they are in having a perfect home. In this case, it might be better to sell your house as-is and let the buyer make any necessary repairs after closing.
Pros of Fixing Up Your Home Before Selling
If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, it may be worth your while to fix it up a bit first. Here are a few reasons why:
- You’ll Get a Higher Sale Price. If you make smart improvements to your home—like upgrading the kitchen or redoing the bathroom—you can significantly increase its sale price. In fact, even small changes like painting the walls or shampooing the carpets can make a big difference. The bottom line is that a well-maintained home will sell for more than a run-down one.
- It’ll Sell Faster. Another advantage of fixing up your home before selling is that it’ll probably sell faster, too. Buyers are always looking for move-in-ready homes that they don’t have to do any work on. So if you take care of repairs and cosmetic upgrades before putting your home on the market, you’re more likely to find a buyer quickly.
- You Won’t Have to Make Last-Minute Fixes. If you wait to fix things until after an offer comes in, you may be forced to make hasty decisions about repairs—and that could end up costing you more money in the long run. It’s better to identify and address any potential problems upfront so that everything is taken care of before buyers start touring your home.
Cons of Fixing Up Your Home Before Selling
There are also some drawbacks to fixing up your home before selling. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’ll Cost Money. Obviously, making improvements to your home will cost money—and there’s no guarantee that you’ll see a return on investment when you sell. So if you’re planning on selling soon and don’t have much extra cash on hand, it may not be worth investing in repairs and renovations.
- Upgrades could go to waste if the buyer ends up changing them anyway. For example, if you install new countertops in the kitchen but the buyers end up gutting the space and starting from scratch, those countertops will have been a wasted expense.
- You Might Not Have Enough Time. Another downside of fixing up your house before selling is that it could take longer than you expect—and if you’re trying to sell quickly, that’s not ideal. Even simple projects like painting can sometimes take longer than anticipated, so it’s important to factor in a buffer when making repairs.
What To Fix Before Selling House?
The most important thing to remember when making repairs is they should be made with the intention of increasing the sale price. If a repair isn’t going to do that, then it’s probably not worth making. With that in mind, here are some specific upgrades and repairs you may want to consider:
- painting
- repairing
- gutters
- downspouts
- fixing leaks
- addressing roof damage
- repairing or replacing flooring
- upgrading light fixtures
- making minor kitchen
- bathroom repairs
What Not To Fix When Selling A House?
Not every repair is going to be worth your time or money. Here are a few things you may want to skip:
- upgrading appliances
- expanding the home by adding a pool
- making major structural changes
- finishing an unfinished basement
Inexpensive Home Improvements To Increase Value
While some home repairs are more expensive than others, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to increase your home’s value. Here are a few things you can do:
- paint the walls
- clean the carpets
- clean the windows
- clear out clutter
- add fresh flowers or plants
- update light fixtures
- install new cabinet hardware
Fixing up your home before selling has its pros and cons, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your situation. If you’re selling soon and don’t have much money to invest, you might be better off selling as-is. But if you’re hoping to get top dollar for your home, making some repairs and upgrades could be worth your while.
Why Should You Sell Your House To Colorado Cash Buyers?
When it comes to selling your house, you want to get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time. And while there are a lot of different ways to sell your home, working with Colorado Cash Buyers is one of the quickest, easiest, and most stress-free options.
One of the biggest benefits of selling to us is that you won’t have to spend any money on repairs or renovations. We’ll buy your house as-is, no matter what condition it’s in. Trying to sell your home through a traditional real estate agent can be a lengthy process—it can often take months (or even longer) to find a buyer. But when you sell to us, we can close on your home in as little as 7-28 days. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get started.