What Not To Fix or Update Before Listing Your House
If you’re preparing to put your house up for sale, you likely have several things on your to-do list. From cleaning every room from top to bottom to staging your house, there are several steps involved in the process, including making a few updates to get the home ready to sell. While certain changes are worthwhile (think: a fresh coat of paint to brighten up every room), others end up being costly and unnecessary. To help save time and money, we tapped real estate experts to share what not to fix when selling your home.(1)
Things Not To Fix When Selling Your Home
Normal Wear and Tear
Minor cosmetic flaws, such as stains, dents, or scratches on the floor, are common in every home. You might be tempted to cover these flaws to attract qualified buyers, but you need not worry about them. This is because a prospective buyer might not fancy the new look, making your entire investment a waste. Instead, focus on crucial fixes that make your house structurally strong.
Minor Plumbing and Electrical Issues
Most sellers assume you must bring electrical and plumbing components up to code when listing a home. However, it is only important to fix major issues that pose safety hazards. These exposed wires, damaged plugs, or overflowing toilets. However, you should ignore nonworking switches and loose outlet plugs. Also, if your HVAC unit or water heater is old but fully functional, leave them as they are. After all, qualified buyers might prefer to install faucets and fixtures that suit them best.
Windows and Window Accessories
Replacing windows and window accessories to make your house more beautiful is tempting, but it is unnecessary. You can take down the blinds instead of spending hundreds of bucks buying new ones. Removing the blinds might be an advantage because the space gets more natural light and looks larger. You can also remove old curtains and broken window screens and thoroughly clean your windows. As long as the windows are fully functional, they can stay as-is. Purchasing new windows can be costly and is not something you must do.
Partial Room Upgrades
It is best not to start an upgrade if you do not have sufficient money and time to finish it. This is because partial upgrades only point out how badly the rest of your house needs renovating. You should list your home while it is up to the same level so that prospective buyers can visualize the upgrades that would work best for them.

Partial upgrades mainly apply to the bathroom and kitchen. You’ll end up spending your money on these rooms, but they may only add little to no value. Therefore, it is best to thoroughly clean and de-clutter these spaces to give the buyer a blank slate to work with.
Old Appliances
You might feel like getting brand new appliances will help sell my house fast Newnan because they look great. However, they are expensive and may be different from what the buyers want. Therefore, you do not have to remodel your appliances before selling your home. Most homebuyers prefer choosing appliances that suit their household needs.
Carpet and Flooring
Everyone has a personal taste and style, mainly on carpet and flooring. So, do not spend hundreds of dollars replacing the carpeting because the new homeowner might rip it out and install what suits them best. Hiring a reputable steam cleaning company for your flooring will save you some dollars compared to investing in a new set.
Driveway Cracks
Aesthetic appeal plays a key role when selling your house. In this case, you’ll want the outside of your home to make an outstanding impression, but you shouldn’t fix all the cracks on the driveways. Instead, pay more attention to the lawn and landscaping to ensure they stand out.
Old Building Code Issues
When selling to a cash home buyer Newnan, you do not have to replace or upgrade outdated shelving or furniture. You should leave them to allow the new owner to choose what to do with them. And if they make the space too dark, you can remove them before listing the house.
Personalizing the Space
Never go overboard with personal effects when putting your house up for sale. Not everyone shares similar beliefs, so family portraits, college certificates, and other achievements might turn off qualified buyers. You should get rid of personal items to avoid missing the best bids.
Choosing What To Fix When Listing Your House
Nobody wants to make huge mistakes when selling a house. That’s why you must consult with a professional real estate agent before fixing anything and listing your home. An agent will inspect your home and advice on where you could make money on repairs and upgrades. They can offer valuable insights into the current market to ensure you get high returns from your sale. When selling to a cash home buyer Newnan you only need to leave the home as is, saving you time and money.
In Summary
When listing your home, you want to highlight its potential to attract qualified buyers. You might put in much effort and invest thousands of dollars in bringing your home to perfection, but it might not be worth it. It is best to make reasonable improvements that make your home presentable for potential buyers and increase the chances of them giving a good offer. The above tips can help you make well-informed decisions if you are planning to stage your house on the market. Also, feel free to schedule a consultation with Ardemis Properties LLC if you want to sell my house fast Newnan.
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