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Should You Sell Your Home 'As Is' or Fix It Up before Selling

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Hearthside

Whether your home is a few years or many decades old, its physical condition is going to be a significant factor in the sales process. Below are a few questions that can help you to determine whether you should sell your home 'as is' or fix it up before placing it up for sale.

Have You Had a Home Inspection?

A great first step is before selling your home is to book an inspection by a licensed home inspector. This will provide you with a full list of minor and major issues with your home. If your only issues are small, minor ones then it is worth your time to patch them up before you sell. However, if you are facing costly repairs such as a roof replacement or foundation repair, you will have some thinking to do.

Can You Afford Renovation and Repair Costs?

Speaking of costly repairs, can you afford to invest the funds necessary to fix up your house? Depending on the inspection results, you may be on the hook for thousands of dollars in renovation costs. If you do not have the money, then you may be forced to sell as is.

Keep in mind that there are loans and other financial products designed to help homeowners like you with home renovations. Be sure to check in with your bank or mortgage lender to see if you qualify.

How Fast Do You Need to Sell?

Another question you will need to answer is: how fast do you need to get the home sold? If you are in a rush because you have to move or switch jobs, then you may need to sell the house as is. However, if time is on your side, then it might be worth waiting until your renovations or repairs are complete.

What Does Your Agent Recommend?

Finally, what course of action does your real estate agent recommend taking? If the repairs needed are minor, or the market is hot enough that buyers might overlook any issues, then your agent might suggest selling as is. Conversely, if the market is moving slowly, then it might be worth investing the time needed to fix things up.

When you are ready to sell your home in Bucks County, Contact me  Martin Millner.  I can answer any questions about selling or buying real estate in Bucks County that you may have, or please feel free to call me at 215-519-1399 for more information.

 

 

 

David Wright
Benchmark Realty, LLC - Brentwood, TN
Real Estate Refined

Martin you have covered some very good points here. I feel most people do benefit from make updates and changes before listing a home. Some exceptions I have observed are those properties where the owners are not financially or physically able to go through huge upgrades and renovations. Examples are those homes that have been neglected for decades and become flip candidates or the family has resided there for deca des and the renovation bill is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Estates also fit this category. In addition if the home is so outdated it might benefit the sellers to just sell as is and let the new buyers bring their own design and style to the home. 

Jan 31, 2018 02:42 PM
Erika Rae Albert, Austin Real Estate Expert
E-Rae Realty - Austin, TX
Exceeding Expectations in Every Transaction

A lot of homeowners thing "why should I replace the flooring"..."i have no idea what the new buyer will want".  They think it's a better idea to just let the buyer do it themselves, maybe even offer a flooring allowance.  Unfortunately, when the buyer sees your wall to wall shag carpet, they won't even notice the rest of the house.  If it's in the budget, its usually preferable to just do the repair first, you'll sell for higher in the long run.  

Jan 31, 2018 03:26 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I think you always want to put your best foot forward. I encourage my sellers to fix as much as they deem possible w/o breaking the bank. Also install new carpet & refresh rooms in neutral colors that need it.

Jan 31, 2018 04:13 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Some fixing may be needed but it may not be worth doing all of the repairs.

 

sometimes it is better to sell as it is

Jan 31, 2018 05:43 PM
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

I always encourage fresh paint, and at least new carpet if the old is in bad shape and if the sellers can afford it. Freshen up the landscaping, and clean clean clean. 

Jan 31, 2018 06:43 PM