Don’t overdo it: Here’s what not to fix when selling a house

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• A property for sale should be as attractive as possible, but it doesn't have to be upgraded in every single area to make that happen.
• In fact, many home improvement projects, especially major ones, often fail to regain their full cost when you sell the property.
• A local real estate agent can help you figure out which problems need to be fixed right away and which ones can be put off.

Investing in key repairs throughout the home.

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Perfection is a benchmark that we often set for ourselves, but it's essential to recognize that striving for perfection can be unhealthy. A British psychologist named Robert Trivers suggests that humans have an inherent inordinate desire for perfection in attempts to create a positive self-image. Neil Seligman states that it may be a way of seeking ultimate self-worth. Alternatively, life is full of challenges and difficulties that cannot always be anticipated or prevented.

Additionally, money spent on repairs and replacements could be going to waste, since potential buyers may not see the benefits of the upgrades or even recognize that any work was done at all.

Additionally, most major home renovation projects usually do not provide the same amount of money back when selling the house. "Many times a major kitchen renovation or a significant addition to a room won't give you the return on investment that you might expect," says Jade Lee Duffy, a real estate agent with Epique in San Diego, California. For instance, spending thousands of dollars on high-end kitchen tiles might have an unintended consequence: buyers might not like the tile and wouldn't want to pay for it. Similarly, extensive landscaping, expensive fixtures, and new pools typically do not offer a full dollar-for-dollar return, she says.

For guidance and suggestions on projects that make the most sense – and could potentially lead to more attractive opportunities.

"What to Focus on When You Sell"

Julie Upton, a real estate agent with Compass in the San Francisco Bay Area, advises focusing on the things that homebuyers usually pay most attention to. "Buyers look at flooring, walls, kitchens, and bathrooms," she points out. "They focus on the attractive main living areas. That's where you should begin."

than their cost.

It may also be worth considering, especially if you live in a warm climate. 'The number one repair is HVAC during any summer home sale,' says Dustin Fox, a Realtor with Pearson Smith Realty in Ashburn, Virginia. 'If your air conditioning is nearing the end of its lifespan and the thermostat can't keep up with the set temperature, buyers - and buyer's agents - will notice.'

Beyond repairs

You only have one shot to make a great impression on potential buyers, so investing in your home's exterior and the surrounding area can be a smart move. "When the exterior of a home looks great from the outside, it's visually appealing and makes buyers feel confident," says Dino DiNenna, a broker-realtor with Southern Lifestyle Properties in Hilton Head, South Carolina. "Good curb appeal can help sell your home quickly and for a higher price."

Staging a home can also make it more attractive to potential buyers. "Well-staged homes sell faster than those that are not staged," DiNenna notes. "And it can even increase a home's selling price by 20 percent or more," he adds.

6. Do a zero or near-zero dollar remodel that distracts from other issues

It's essential to know what to repair and what to ignore. Among typically insignificant concerns are:

• Typically, homebuyers don't bother with small electrical and plumbing issues, like a light switch that doesn't work or a leaky faucet that stops after a few drips. "Just disclose these issues and let the buyer worry about them," says Upton.
• “Should sellers consider the appliances' condition when setting prices, and potentially replace them if needed.”
• You want your windows to be sparkling clean but you don't think it's worth replacing them. Replacing windows can be expensive and may not be a significant selling point when putting your house on the market. "We never advise replacing windows," says Fox. "In reality, we rarely have a client jeopardize a home sale offer due to old windows."
• As long as it's still in decent condition, it usually doesn't make sense to replace wall-to-wall carpeting or outdated-looking floor tile. Potential buyers might not love them at first, but they can be easily swapped out to better match the new owner's personal style.
• Don't start any work that may not be finished before listing your home: A partially completed project will likely make a more negative impression on potential buyers than leaving it as is. "A half-finished anything looks worse than just leaving it as is," says Upton. "It also sends a signal that the seller ran out of money, so a buyer may think they can offer less because the seller may be in financial distress."

Bottom line

It's essential to maintain control over the things you can, while making your home look great at first glance is important, some fixes can be skipped and might even deter potential buyers. Before investing a lot of money in repairs and renovations, discuss the priorities with an experienced real estate expert. This way, you can allocate your dollars wisely, reducing the return on investment and increasing your home's selling price.