Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.
Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A., Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.Phone: (786) 512-2467
Email: [email protected]

Home seller tips: What not to fix when selling a house

by Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A. 07/09/2023

peach toned picture with text about home seller tips

Before selling your home, you likely have a list of repairs to make - but how do you know what not to fix when selling a house? While most upgrades and repairs add value to your home and please potential buyers, some might not be worth the money or effort.

To help you decide, here are some tips for knowing what to fix:

Consult a real estate agent before making repairs

An experienced local real estate agent will understand the local market and be able to identify any repairs or upgrades needed to get the sale price you want. In some cases, you might be able to skip certain tasks on your repair list if other features of the home shine brighter in the market.

Don't fix & replace with trends

Removing damaged items such as light fixtures and sink faucets can easily change the appearance of a house. Replacing doors and trim can also offer an immediate facelift.

However, avoid an abundance of trendy design choices. What's trending now might be off-putting to some people. Maintain maximum potential audience approval with the use of contrasting colors and common fixtures styles that appeal to the majority.

Focus on major repairs first

Make it your goal to tackle any serious or expensive issues first. Smaller fixes can be left to the end of the process, as they won't require as much time and money. Things like major plumbing repairs, flooring replacement or HVAC work are all examples of fixes that should come before a simple paint job.

Don't do a major renovation

Although some costly renovations will increase the overall home sell-by price, it's not always worth it to start a huge project before selling a house. Check with your real estate agent and compare your home to similar properties in the area to help you determine if a major change is worth the time, money and effort.

What else should I fix?

Once you're finished with your own repair list, hire a home inspector for a professional opinion. Their detailed reports can help you identify any last-minute issues you might have missed.

Otherwise, focus on boosting your curb appeal by refreshing your landscaping, replacing your garage door or adding fresh mulch to the garden.

 peach toned infographic about home seller tips

Home repairs can impress potential buyers and earn you a higher potential sale price. However, it's important to prioritize your projects, so you don't end up spending more money than you make. 

About the Author
Author

Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A.

In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.

Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.

As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.