Should You Make Home Repairs Before Selling?

By Jason Starr

With over 30 years of combined experience, we understand the finer nuances of selling your home. We know where the seller's largest loss of revenue is when selling and the 4 reasons why a home doesn't sell. Want to learn? Contact us knowing you'll receive no pressure and total confidentiality.

One of the most common questions sellers ask is whether they should do maintenance or upgrades before listing their home. The answer ultimately depends on your situation. If you need to sell quickly and do not have time for repairs, selling as-is may be the best option.

Should you consider cosmetic changes? Many agents recommend painting cabinets, replacing carpets, or making other cosmetic changes. While these updates can improve the home’s appearance, buyers often have their preferences. No matter what color you choose for cabinets or carpets, a buyer may want something different. Based on my experience, selling the home as-is can save you from spending money without knowing if you will see a return on that investment.

If you do make improvements, will they increase the sale price? Probably. Will you get back every dollar you spend? That is uncertain. It all depends on how quickly you need to sell and what makes the most sense for your situation.

The best step is pre-inspection. When it comes to actual maintenance, that is a different story. Cosmetic changes are one thing, but structural or mechanical issues are another. The best step you can take before selling is to get a pre-inspection. This helps identify potential concerns before buyers do. In many cases, we cover the cost of pre-inspections as a value-added service. With a pre-inspection, you will know what a licensed inspector has found, and you can decide whether to make repairs, get estimates, or sell the home as-is.

If you choose not to make repairs, full disclosure is key. Providing the inspection report to potential buyers helps them make an informed offer based on the home’s condition. This transparency can prevent surprises during negotiations and make the selling process smoother.

I do not usually recommend investing in cosmetic upgrades before selling, but major maintenance items like roofs and windows are worth considering. In most cases, selling as-is and letting the buyer handle updates is the best move. The market will determine the home’s value, and buyers will decide what changes they want to make. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call me at 603-293-7227 or send me an email to StarrRealtyNH@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.