Selling Your House in 2023

If you’re planning to sell your house, it can be tempting to spend money on repairs and upgrades to make it more appealing to potential buyers. However, not every repair is worth the investment, and some fixes can actually deter buyers. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what not to fix when selling a house in 2023, as well as some repairs that are worth making.

What Not to Fix When Selling a House

1. Normal Wear and Tear: Buyers won’t notice all the small cosmetic flaws and issues around your house during a showing, so don’t waste money on fixing them.
2. Windows and Window Accessories: Broken blinds, curtains, or window screens are not deal-breakers for most buyers. Removing them can actually bring in more natural light and make the space look larger.
3. Minor HVAC, Electrical, or Plumbing Issues: Unless there are glaring safety issues, don’t worry about bringing electrical and mechanical components “up to code.” A resale transaction does not require a home to be updated to current code standards.
4. Partial Upgrades to Bathrooms or Kitchens: Costly partial upgrades that add little to no value and end up being a net negative are not worth it. Instead, focus on thoroughly cleaning and de-cluttering as much as possible.
5. Carpet or Flooring: Flooring type is a personal taste that can change from one buyer to the next. Unless the carpet has a terrible odor from pets or has severe stains, it’s
   not worth the investment to replace it. However, a buyer credit is always an appealing incentive.

What to Fix When Selling a House

1. Light Landscaping to Increase Curb Appeal: Cost-effective yard work that adds curb appeal, such as pulling weeds, mowing, laying fresh mulch, and planting flowers, can go a long way to improve your home’s appearance.
2. Neutral Paint: Consider investing in neutral colored paint, such as off-white or light grey. This can be a small investment that can increase your home’s value and decrease the amount of time your house is on the market.
3. Anything Glaringly Broken: Anything that negatively affects the ability to live comfortably in your home, such as broken HVAC systems, water heaters, or doors, must be fixed or upgraded.
4. Outdated Light Fixtures and Fans: Replacing outdated fixtures with modern, stylish options can attract potential buyers and increase your home’s value.
5. Curtains and Curtain Rods: A nice looking curtain rod and light neutral curtains can help cover up older windows that have no blinds or screens. These small changes can attract potential buyers.

When deciding what repairs to make before selling your house, ask yourself the following questions:

• Will this deter a buyer from making an offer on my house?
• Could this cost me more to fix than I’ll get back at closing?
• Will this cause my house to sell for less than other comparable sales in the neighborhood?
• Will this cause my house to sit on the market longer than it should (costing me more money in carrying costs)?
• Would the end product be something a buyer would likely still change anyway?

In conclusion, treating your home like an investment and prioritizing repairs and upgrades that will add value and appeal to potential buyers is the key to a successful home sale in 2023. By knowing what not to fix and what repairs are worth making, you can save money and attract more potential buyers to your home.