Why You Do Repairs Before You Sell

Repairs, renovations and upgrades are a must-do before you put your house on the market. All existing systems, including windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical must be in perfect working order. You may not have to replace or upgrade every item. But you need to know that buyers in this marketplace expect that the home they purchase is in perfect working order. The benefit for you is that this buyer pays you top dollar for a home that is “toothbrush ready.” That’s a real estate expression that agents often use to signify a house that is move in condition without any further preparation. “Just bring your toothbrush.” 

4 Reasons Why Repairing Before You Sell Saves You Money 

1. Your potential buyers won’t be distracted by problems and repair items; they will focus on your home’s positive, not negative, features. 
2. Your actual cost to fix items will always be less than a buyer’s estimate. 
3. Your purchase negotiations won’t drag on and on over minor repair issues.
4. You won’t have to do a price reduction to reflect the estimated (over-inflated) cost of repairs.

Ignoring Repairs Costs You Money!

You want to make the big bucks when you sell? You want to sell quickly? Then you are just going to have to bite the bullet and do all the needed repairs. It’s important to complete all these repairs before the sale because you are going to have to do them eventually. Yes, that’s right, somehow and at some point these repairs will cost you! And if you don’t do them before sale day, you’re going to be selling your house for a lot less than what these fixes cost. And here’s the real bottom line: Fixing them now is the most cost-effective way to take care of them. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you. Simple as that. So just do them! 

Saving Money on Repairs     

The least expensive way to deal with problems and repairs is to address them before you sell. Waiting to have the buyer inspect and then ask for a credit or price reduction always results in the cost of the repair being overestimated—costing you money. It also forces the negotiations to drag out longer—costing you money. It can force you to reduce the price of your house—costing you money. But most importantly, even the littlest repair or problem will distract your buyer as they walk through your house deciding if they want to buy and how much they want to offer. It takes them out of their positive emotional experience and forces them to focus on problems…not positive aspects. Again…and big time….costing you money!

Excerpted from Michael Corbett’s Blog on trulia.