Spring is "high season" for home sales. So if you're thinking about selling your home any time soon, you'll want to make sure that it's in good overall condition.
A home in good condition will appeal to a broad group of potential buyers. That's because most people are simply too busy and/or don't have the skills it takes to fix up a home to make it livable. Many buyers like to put their own touches on their new home, but not necessarily handle the major repairs.
Most homeowners are willing to do small cosmetic tasks to make their homes more attractive and appealing. The fix-up can become an issue in a home sale when it involves substantial repairs, such as replacing the roof, fixing major plumbing or electrical problems, etc.
Another thing to consider when selling: a buyer will frequently make a lower offer on a home that needs repair. What's more, the appraiser may require that the repair be made before closing as a condition of financing the home. When a seller makes repairs to close the sale of the home, he or she essentially pays for the repair twice--once in actuality and again in a lower offer.
Homes that command top dollar and sell quickly are the homes in the best condition. So it's usually smart to do repairs before you list your home.
OWNER'S TIP: Buyers often require a property inspection as a condition of the sale. Inspections are an especially smart idea if do-it-yourselfers made repairs. Houses advertised as "fixers" usually sell for 24% less than other houses.
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