What Not to Fix When Selling a House

As real estate market are looking strong to sell houses, selling a house can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. From repairs and inspections to marketing and pricing, there are a lot of things to consider. However, not all repairs are necessary when selling a house. In fact, some repairs can be counterproductive and end up costing you more money in the long run. In short these what not to fix when selling a house:

1. Paint colors and floor coverings
2. Plumbing, foundation, and roof issues
3. Entire room renovations
4. Kitchen appliance upgrades

In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 things you should avoid fixing when selling a house. We’ll explain why these repairs aren’t worth the effort and show you how to maximize the value of your home without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time home seller or a seasoned professional, this article is sure to help you get the most out of your home sale. 

What Are the Top 5 Things You Should Not Fix When Selling a House?

When selling a house home, you want to make it as appealing as possible to as many potential buyers as possible. While you should certainly make repairs that are necessary for safety purposes, there are a few things that aren’t worth the effort or cost.

Here are the top five things you shouldn’t fix when selling your house.

1. Paint colors and floor coverings. Cosmetic items are a personal repair. While you might want to replace all your carpet with hard floors because you feel that it would sell better, you are missing out on the buyers who want the bedrooms and the playroom to have carpets. Paint colors are very personal as well. You don’t need to repaint your entire house before selling. In today’s real estate market, buyers understand how easy and inexpensive it is to change paint colors and that is not a deal breaker.

2. Plumbing, foundation, and roof issues. While these repairs are crucial and should be addressed as soon as possible, they can also be costly and time-consuming. Depending on the extent of the damage, these types of repairs can take several days, if not weeks, to complete. A major repair can be a great point for negotiations and move the sale along faster.

3. Entire room renovations. While upgrades can be helpful, they aren’t always necessary. However, if these upgrades aren’t necessary, they’re likely a waste of money. For example, if most buyers are looking for a contemporary style, but you’re interested in a traditional look, it might not be a good idea to upgrade to a contemporary style. In this case, it’s best to keep things as they are. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all upgrades are considered “major”. While a kitchen and bathroom remodel are obvious examples, smaller upgrades like replacing light fixtures, adding shelves, or repainting walls can go a long way.

4. Kitchen appliance upgrades. One thing to remember about appliances is that everyone has their own preferences. If your appliances work and are not a complete eyesore, it is best to just let them sell with the house. Of course, if your refrigerator is held together with zip ties or your stove has one working burner, that is a different story. Working, matching appliances, even if they are old, are fine to not replace. Any energy savings that are advertised with new appliances won’t matter to you as you are moving out of the house.

5. Windows and window coverings. Do not replace them. Just take down the dated drapes, bold colors, or grimy blinds. Don’t worry about putting up something else, just keep it clean and open. Buyers will appreciate the natural light more than they will a silk curtain that isn’t their style.

If you decide to make one or more repairs before selling your home, it’s important to go into the process knowing what you want. Negotiating repairs and inspections is a skill every homeowner should have. It helps you get what you need done and maximizes the value of your investment.

A few tips for negotiating repairs and inspections:

-Keep an Open Mind - It’s easy to get caught up in your own ideas and plans. However, there may be a better or more efficient way to do things. Keep an open mind when discussing repairs with contractors. Their expertise may lead to better results.

-Know What You Need - Before you start talking with contractors, make a list of everything that needs to be done. That way, you can go into the process knowing exactly what you need.

-Know Your Budget - Make sure you know your budget before negotiating repairs or inspecting your home. That way, you can avoid getting caught up in discussions about cost.

-Be Polite but Firm - Being polite but firm will help you get what you want.

In conclusion

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at what not to fix when selling a house, it’s time to put this advice to use. You can do this by asking yourself a couple of important questions before you make repairs. First, does this repair add any value to the house? If not, it’s best to leave it alone. Second, how long will this repair take? If it’s going to take longer than a couple weeks to complete, it may be better to leave it alone. Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all