Do-It-Yourself or Hire A Pro?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty Texas #642819

 

Yesterday my neighbor took a needle-nose plier to her dryer. Today she is having a new dryer delivered. 

 

Hearing her story made me realize I have shown quite a few homes lately that suffer from DIY fever - bad repairs done badly.

 

Sure there are plenty of great YouTube videos on how to install a new toilet, build a fence or retile a bathroom, but wouldn't you rather make sure the job is done correctly the first time? How many times have you tried to fix something only to discover you made the situation worse?

 

Unprofessional and untrained fixes can adversely affect your home's value. If you are considering selling this home in the future, you could be creating a very costly situation indeed, especially if they are safety concerns like plumbing, electrical, roof or foundation related.

 

A prospective buyer probably won't appreciate the pipe held up by a can and wrapped in gauze. A jerry-rigged fix shows the next potential owner that you failed to take proper care of your home. Worst of all, it raises questions about what else might be a problem with the house. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. 

 

I often suggest a pre-listing inspection so a homeowner can see the property objectively. Yes, you must legally disclose anything you find but a pre-listing inspection can also give you peace of mind and the opportunity to fix whatever comes up before you go on the market.

 

If you are thinking about buying or selling in the Texas Hill Country give me a call and we can discuss your needs. In the end, you'll benefit when you leave it to a pro. 

 

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Comments (8)

James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR
Exceptional Agents, Outstanding Results

Unless it is changing a light bulb (had issues with that in the past) or changing out an air filter I call a professional. 

Feb 03, 2017 04:55 AM
Carla Black
eXp Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
REALTOR, GRI

I hate when I'm changing a light bulb and it breaks in the socket!! That's when I turn to YouTube and a potato. 

Feb 03, 2017 05:00 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Carla Black I call a pro for everything.... unless my son can handle an assembly of a product.... 

Feb 03, 2017 05:07 AM
Carla Black

Good morning, Barbara!! It really is the best way to go!! Thanks for the comment. 

Feb 03, 2017 05:32 AM
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

Far too many are "penny wise and pound foolish" with fixes. Good article!

Feb 03, 2017 05:47 AM
Carla Black

Thank you, Nathan!! I find that with many things these days!!

Feb 03, 2017 06:00 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Carla. You can pay me now or pay me later comes to mind. Fix it or the buyer will deduct it! Enjoy your day!

Feb 03, 2017 05:54 AM
Carla Black

Exactly! Thanks, Wayne! Happy Friday. 

Feb 03, 2017 06:01 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

A pre-inspection is a good way to address problems before they become real issues in the negotiating of the sale of your home.

Feb 03, 2017 02:08 PM
Carla Black

Thanks, Donna!!

Feb 03, 2017 06:00 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Carla,

I agree with you, a pre-inspection is what will make life much easier during the selling process.  A

Feb 03, 2017 03:32 PM
Carla Black

I appreciate that!

Feb 03, 2017 06:00 PM
Jim Crawford
Maximum One Executive REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Jim Crawford Atlanta Best Listing Agents & REALTOR

Thank you for sharing such professional real estate advice for home sellers.  This is exactly the type of information they need to make informed decisions.

Feb 04, 2017 04:55 PM
Carla Black

Thank you so much, Jim! 

Feb 06, 2017 08:38 AM

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