To Repair or Not To Repair...

Hooray, you've decided to list your home with a licensed Realtor! As you start to get your home ready, you may notice a few things in your home that may need to be fixed, and your Realtor may have mentioned some things that they would recommend to improve the marketability and price of your home.

As you start to do the math, you may stop and ask yourself, "Why and I going to spend money fixing up a house that I'm not longer going to own or live in?" The answer is not always as simple as 'Because you want to sell it and get the highest price for it!', so when should you do the repairs?

First, take into consideration the overall condition of the home. Obviously, the better the condition of your home, the higher the asking price may be. Fixing drywall issues, such as holes from door handles, or making sure all the caulking in the bathroom is still good are little things that can make a big difference to someone looking to purchase your home. Some people may not be bothered by minor issues, but some could take it to mean that if you didn't keep up with the small things, you really didn't care about the "big" things, and pass on making an offer.

Worried about tackling some of the larger and more expensive fixes? Unfortunately, those need some of the biggest attention. Most, if not all buyers will have a home inspection done prior to closing. Often the results of the home inspection make or break a deal, and many times the type of financing the buyer may use is contingent on the home being "move in ready" with no repairs needed. Therefore, if your home is in need of a new roof, updated plumping, or has some electrical issues, it may limit the number of buyers able to purchase your home without the repairs being made.

So what things would you consider an "optional" repair? General landscaping can make your home stand out, but there's no need to completely redo your flowerbeds or yard. Trimming trees and bushes, weeding flowerbeds, and adding some fresh mulch are quick and easy ways to update the outside without breaking the bank. Pressure washing the outside of your home and your driveway are also good ways to "freshen up" your curb appeal.

Paint colors and flooring are another subjective "fix". It's been shown that neural colors are favored by buyers (We've all seen those shows where someone just cant get past the wall color). Make sure all carpets are vacuumed and smell fresh. As long as the rooms are clean, decorated tastefully, that wine red wall shouldn't be a deterrent for buyers.

Overall, repairs are always completely up to you. Remember that your Realtor is your guide and partner, and should always have some great suggestions and advice for you when it comes to marketing your home and your goals.

Morgan Wiggins

Realtor

Plant City Realty, Inc

(813) 763-1280 cell

(813) 764-0840 office

Morgan@plantcityrealty.com