Should I Make Repairs Before Selling?

The Short Answer

It depends on your situation. Not every repair makes financial sense, and sometimes selling as-is is the better choice.

Factors to Consider

Your Timeline

If you need to sell quickly, major repairs may not be practical. Focus on quick fixes that can be done in a few days rather than renovations that take weeks.

The Current Market

In a seller's market with low inventory, buyers may be willing to overlook cosmetic issues. In a buyer's market, you're competing with move-in ready homes.

The Numbers

Will the repair cost less than the price reduction you'd face selling as-is? This is the key question. A $5,000 roof repair might prevent a $15,000 price reduction - that's a good investment. A $20,000 kitchen remodel might only return $10,000 - not worth it.

Repairs That Usually Pay Off

• Fresh paint in neutral colors
• Fixing obvious maintenance issues (leaky faucets, broken fixtures)
• Professional cleaning and decluttering
• Landscaping cleanup
• Fixing safety hazards

Repairs That Often Don't Pay Off

• Major kitchen or bathroom remodels (unless current ones are severely outdated)
• Swimming pool additions
• High-end landscaping
• Converting spaces (garage to living space)
• Trendy or personalized upgrades

The As-Is Option

Selling as-is means you're not making repairs before listing. This works well when:

• You're in a hurry
• Repairs would be extensive and costly
• The buyer pool includes investors or flippers
• You'd rather price lower than deal with projects

What I Recommend

Before deciding, let's look at your specific home and situation. I'll give you my honest assessment of what makes sense - repairs, as-is sale, or somewhere in between.