Making Repairs to your Home to Enjoy or to List?

Not completing routine maintenance and repairs creates red flags for buyers (who always seem to estimate the remedial cost at two to three times actual cost) - I communicate this to sellers (both verbally and in writing) and the ones who listen have a much easier time during the home inspection process, period.  When given a list of "improvements" by a seller, I carefully divide them into two columns - regular maintenance and upgrades - that way they are not under the illusion that every day maintenance items are adding value to their home. 

Good points Joan, here in Manhattan New York, the simple repairs or patches can be done with the management maintenance staff/crew if the building is full service. It is one of the perks having the condo living. 

Joan,  I don't know how many times I have heard sellers say that they wished they had fixed up their homes while they were living there instead of just to get it sold. 

Joan: Like Belinda, I have heard countless times from sellers who wish they had made the fixes/upgrades so they could enjoy them...I always tell them they need to remember that when they move into their new house.

Joan, nice post. I have also heard countless times that sellers wished they would have done the repairs earlier. I like the idea of two lists and will start doing that.

I think most seller's just get use to the way they live so they don't have a compelling enough reason to make those changes to their home even if they would experience a better quality of life after doing them.

You are so right. I hear this all the time... "I sure wish we had done this a long time ago....."

People always put things off until they hafta do it; it's human nature.

Joan,property not be repaired because of hectic schedules - children activities, doctor appointments, and work.  There may be financial issues where the owner cannot afford to pay for the repair costs.

Joan,

This is great advise and I couldn't agree with you more! 

Joan - you're right on the money with this post - it is so important for potential sellers to understand how routine maintenance differs from upgrades (and that once you do upgrades, you might want to stick around and enjoy them!)