As you prepare to sell your home, strategic home repair decisions are crucial for attracting buyers and maximizing your sale price in the current market. While extensive upgrades can be tempting, focusing on necessary home repairs, especially those impacting safety and functionality, can prevent your property from lingering on the market or becoming a deterrent for potential buyers.

The last thing anyone wants is a surprise major repair derailing a sale after the home buying process is underway. So, what key repairs should be on your checklist?

Understanding home repairs vs. upgrades

It’s vital to distinguish between necessary home repair tasks and optional upgrades. While some upgrades might offer an edge, they may not be essential. Repairs, however, address existing problems or potential inspection red flags. Critical areas like plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, siding, and the foundation demand thorough inspection and repair before listing.

While fresh paint or new light fixtures offer upgrades that refresh a space, they generally don’t qualify as ‘must-do’ repairs unless the current condition is poor. Agents today often advise sellers to prioritize repairs that address buyer concerns about a home’s core integrity and safety.

Key home repair priorities before listing:

  1. Electrical System Integrity: Faulty or outdated electrical wiring isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a significant safety hazard, often a top concern for buyers. Addressing issues like faulty breakers, exposed wires, or an outdated electrical panel is a critical home repair. While a full rewire can cost upwards of $10,000 for an average home, many necessary electrical repairs are less expensive and essential for safety and code compliance.
  2. Foundation and Structural Issues: A sound foundation is non-negotiable. Poor drainage or soil issues can lead to foundation problems, which are costly and major red flags. Even small cracks can signify larger issues. Signs like visible foundation cracks, sticky windows or doors, slanted floors, or interior wall cracks warrant immediate professional assessment. Addressing these structural concerns before listing is paramount, as unresolved foundation issues can halt a sale instantly or lead to drastically reduced offers.
  3. HVAC Functionality: A malfunctioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a common deal-breaker. If your HVAC is problematic, specialized home repair is needed. While a new system is a significant expense, repairing an existing unit can often be a more cost-effective solution. Ensure bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans are clear and operational; sometimes, a simple cleaning can resolve inspection issues.
  4. Addressing Water Damage and Plumbing: Any signs of past or present water damage from plumbing issues must be addressed. This includes fixing the source of the leak and repairing any resultant damage. Unresolved plumbing problems or visible water stains can lead to concerns about mold and hidden damage, significantly impacting buyer interest and potentially violating local codes. While a minor cosmetic issue with a water heater might be overlooked, significant leaks or damage are not.
  5. Roof Condition: While not explicitly in the original text, a roof in disrepair is a major deterrent. Missing shingles, active leaks, or a roof nearing the end of its lifespan will be flagged by inspectors and concern buyers. Depending on the severity, a home repair (like replacing shingles) or a full replacement might be necessary.

What not to fix? Prioritizing your home repairs

A common question is, “At what point is a house not worth fixing?” or “What not to fix when selling a house?” Generally, avoid major cosmetic overhauls that won’t see a return on investment, especially if they are highly taste-specific. Don’t undertake extensive renovations unless the property’s condition is severely hampering its saleability for a reasonable price. Selling “as is” might mean a lower price, but it can save you the cost and hassle of repairs if you’re not prepared for them.

Consult your local real estate agent

Before undertaking any significant home repair work, consult with your real estate agent. They understand market demands and can advise on which repairs will offer the best return. A pre-listing inspection can provide a clear roadmap of necessary fixes, helping you pass official inspections smoothly and secure your asking price. Addressing major repairs, especially concerning electrical, foundation, HVAC, and water issues, is a smart investment for a quicker, more profitable sale.

Showcase your well-maintained home with Virtuance

Once your essential home repair projects are complete, ensure these investments shine. Present your property with Virtuance professional real estate photography and virtual tours. High-quality visuals will capture your home’s best features and the care you’ve invested. Additionally, you’ll attract more serious buyers and helping to secure a faster, more profitable sale. This allows your real estate agent to effectively market your meticulously prepared home and maximize its appeal.

Ready to sell your newly improved home? Schedule a shoot with Virtuance to market with high-quality, real estate visual solutions that are proven to wow buyers.

FAQ

Necessary home repairs address existing problems or safety issues, while upgrades are optional enhancements to boost appeal that may not be essential for the sale.

Critical pre-listing repairs typically involve ensuring the integrity and functionality of the electrical system, foundation, HVAC, plumbing (addressing any water damage), and roof.

Generally, you should avoid major cosmetic overhauls that won’t offer a significant return on investment, especially if they are highly taste-specific.

Consulting your real estate agent helps you prioritize repairs that offer the best return and meet current market demands for a quicker, more profitable sale.

Professional photography effectively showcases your completed repairs and the home’s overall quality, attracting more serious buyers and potentially leading to a faster sale.