Mr. Seller - Step Away From the Screwdriver

Unless it's a small project like fixing a broker screw, minor paint touch-up, etc I don't recommend sellers do any work themselves.  Most often people aren't as handy as they think they are and get offended when someone tells them otherwise.  While not cost effective, it's always best to have a professional do the work and get it done fast.

Well said Lise,

I'm going to reblog your post for the benefit of my subscribers.

Sometimes the worst enemy is the homeowner himself not knowing when to stay out of the way.

Fixing mistakes is aften more costly then doing it right the first time. Hopefullyeverything was uncoved in the inspection.

I can definitely second this one.  Tim the Toolman needs to find something else to keep himself busy particularly when selling.

 Sage advice!

 "You know, Mr. Agent, we did all the work ourselves!" 

 Agent (tongue planted firmly in cheek): "Oh, really?"

I am this guy. Thank you for reminding me. I need to let the professionals handle it!

Hi Lise,  Sometimes it is so easy to spot work done by the seller.  You're right, it ends up costing the seller money.

Lise, this is great. I was just talking to someone this morning about this same thing.

You could use your time doing something else! Leave the repairs to the professionals!

Jane Pacheco

Lise, Having the paper trail of a professional LICENSED AND BONDED contractor is invaluable when there have been "issues" in the past.  Well put. 

Hire a professional Mr Seller, it cost a lot more to fix for the 2nd and 3rd time if not done right the 1st

Great title -- you drew me in! Good post, and yes - usually, D-I-Y = crappy work.

Lise should we blame DIY network for this or HGTV? LOL. But you are right,some things are left for the professionals to do. Just like FSBO's shouldn't try to sell their houses themselves. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend. Great post.

The more I am in this business, the more I appreciate hiring good people to do a job. From fixing a shingle right up to selling the place as a FSBO, Do it yourself often means screw it up yourself.

There are way too many Mr. Fix-Its out there for sure.  Clever title!

Our contracts here in Florida specify that the repair work must be done by a licensed contractor, not a layman or the owner. Receipts for the completed work are used as proof for the buyers.

Your post made me smile.  I've seen this so many times over the years.  Sometimes Mr. Fix-It really does a great job, taking pride in his work and the outcome.  Then there's Mr. Let's-Get-It-Over-With, who does what I like to call a delicate job.  It doesn't look half bad (some of the time), just don't touch it, or be prepared for it to come crashing down at your feet.

I wish all the contractors were professionals.  I think buyers should often consider the credit from the seller.  Then they can get it done to their satisfaction.  The seller naturally always takes the most cost effective route to solve a problem.  Not all of them, but the majority.

It is a tough situation when the homeowner honestly believes they are "improving" the property while managing certain projects themselves, or, just bringing their home up to the neighborhood standards - our purchase and sale agreement here in NE FL states clearly that any repairs requiring professional licensing are to be completed by such a licensed professional, and further, all repairs are to be made with the same type of product already in existance on the house.