How Much Should I Fix Before Selling My Ewa Beach Home?

Quick Answer: Fix the easy things that are inexpensive and obvious. Minor repairs that a handyman can handle will often make sense too. But before spending serious money on a roof, water damage, air conditioning or another major problem, talk with your Realtor and decide how that repair fits into the selling strategy.

When homeowners start preparing to sell, they suddenly notice everything. A loose cabinet handle. Stained grout. Chipped paint. A door that sticks. An old appliance. You can quickly convince yourself that the entire house needs to be renovated before anyone will buy it.

Usually, it doesn't. Simple DIY repairs and reasonably priced handyman work can remove distractions and help the home feel cared for. A long collection of little broken things can make a buyer wonder what else has not been maintained.

Major problems are different. Water damage, roof problems, significant air-conditioning issues and other major defects deserve a strategy before you automatically repair them. Known material conditions may need to be disclosed, and an unresolved problem may also be identified during a buyer's inspection and become part of the negotiations.

Sometimes repairing a major item before listing makes sense. Sometimes the home's price should reflect its condition. In other situations, the issue may be addressed during the transaction. The important thing is not to spend thousands of dollars simply because you assume every problem has to be fixed before the For Sale sign goes up.

The goal isn't to hand the buyer a perfect house. It's to spend your repair dollars where they actually help you sell the house.

If you are preparing to sell in Ewa Beach, MaryJo McGillicuddy, Realtor Associate and Military Relocation Professional (MRP), can walk through the home with you and help separate the things worth addressing from the things that may not justify the expense before listing. Call or text MaryJo at (808) 724-4629.