The real estate market is constantly moving and always changing. On one side of the spectrum, you have millions of people on the market for a home. On the other end of the spectrum, you have millions of people interested in selling their home and starting a new life elsewhere.
According to Statista, there were over 6.9 million homes sold in the United States in 2021 alone and that number is expected to increase above 7.0 million homes in 2023. That means every year, millions of people are looking to get the most bang for their buck when selling their home.
Unfortunately, not everyone will meet that expectation – in fact, a lot of people will either end up spending too much time and money on repairs or renovations (dipping into their profit margin) or end up settling for an offer that’s far below asking price (again, dipping into their profit margin).
Questions to Ask Before Fixing Something
There are several factors you need to take into consideration before you start fixing everything around the house. Keep in mind that everything you do will take time, money, energy, and effort and while it makes sense at times, it isn’t always worth your time, money, energy, and effort.
Let’s take a look at some of the basic questions you should ask yourself before fixing something prior to selling a house:
- Will not fixing the item deter someone from buying the house?
- Will fixing the item carry a higher cost than return on investment?
- Will not fixing the item significantly hurt my home’s appraisal or value?
- Will fixing the item result in my home selling quicker?
- Is this something the next homeowner will end up fixing themselves anyway?
- Will not fixing the item result in my home failing inspection?
- Is this something I should rather put in as a contingency, if needed?
Before you fix something in the house, make sure it’s going to provide a return on investment – meaning a direct rise in house value. You should also consider fixing things that might be a deal breaker to a prospective buyer, as well as things that are necessary to pass home inspection.
What Not to Fix When Selling a House
When preparing to sell a house, there are a wide range of things you should do and things you should avoid. In regards to a major renovation and home repairs, there are things that are worth your attention and things that aren’t worth your attention – unless absolutely, 100% necessary or contingent.
A lot of home buyers are confused or misinformed about what’s really worth it and what’s not. Below, we’re going to highlight six things that most people spend too much time, energy, money, and effort on before selling their house. We’re going to save money instead of spend money with this do-not-fix list!
Cosmetic Flaws
For someone that has spent years, if not decades, inside their home, those cosmetic flaws are significant because they’re noticeable. That’s not the case with home buyers touring the house. Focus your time on things that are major eye sores or clearly broken, otherwise leave it for the new homeowners. If it’s that much of a deal breaker, throw it in as a contingency – if worth it.
Exterior Property Cracks
Most homebuyers aren’t going to avoid a house that has exterior property cracks – such as the driveway or walkway. Not only is it common, but it’s not as much of an eye sore as other exterior features of the home. Instead of repaving your driveway, focus on improving the lawn, landscaping, porch furniture, exterior lighting, or anything else that improves curb appeal.
Minor Electrical Issues
When you have a major electrical issue that’s a clear safety hazard or something that won’t pass the home inspection report, you shouldn’t hesitate to fix it. With that said, you can leave most of the minor electrical issues alone – such as dead outlets, loose outlets, light switch that doesn’t work, and outdated lighting fixtures. Focus on the major issues, leave everything else alone.
Old Appliances
Spending thousands of dollars on brand new appliances is certainly an appealing option when selling a house. After all, the incoming homeowners would appreciate it, right? That’s true, but you can save more money by purchasing used appliances instead of new appliances – only when absolutely necessary, though. You’ll still increase home value, but avoid the extra cost.
Partial Room Upgrades
When most home sellers have an outdated kitchen or bathroom, they feel like it’s necessary to always renovate it – one way or another. While a full renovation goes a long way in increasing the home value, a partial upgrade doesn’t have the same effect. In fact, it could be a waste of time and money because most potential buyers will just tear it down and do a full renovation.
Flooring & Paint Colors
Much like partial upgrades to a major room, replacing the flooring in a major room isn’t always the smartest option. If you’re already renovating the entire room, then it makes sense. If not, then it’s something the new homeowner would likely want to change themselves. And in the event you change paint, it’s best to go with neutral colors because they usually change once sold.
Are You Ready to Sell Your House?
Every year, millions of people sell their home in hopes of receiving more than what they put in. For some people, they achieve their goal fast. For others, they can’t sell their home fast enough and need a way out. For those selling a house in Kansas City, we can be that fast way out.
At Sell Your House Fast Kansas City, we offer homeowners a fair and reasonable cash offer with fast and painless closing. We take the stress and anxiety out of selling a home – something we take extreme pride in. If you’re interested in selling your home fast, contact us immediately!
The home selling process doesn’t have to be long and scary. It can be everything you ever wished it would be. Together, we’ll get you the cash you need and we’ll get it to you quickly.
