Don’t Fix These 5 Things When Selling a House

Real estate shows have made it seem like the norm to need to give your house a major makeover before selling, but that isn’t actually the case. In the real world, there are some renovations that do help you sell your house, and there are some fixes that don’t actually make a big difference when selling your home. In general, you probably believe that the beautiful, newly renovated houses are bringing in better prices - That’s not entirely true. You can technically “over-improve” a home and put more money into it than you can get out. Those fixes potentially even set you back a pretty penny without boosting the value of your home. So not every makeover should actually be done. 

But what should you not fix when selling a house? This blog will help you know when to draw the line on upgrades. Read on to learn about 5 things to skip fixing when selling a house. 

What to Consider When Deciding What Not to Fix

First of all, knowing what to fix and what not to fix can be tricky. Not all of us are experts on home renovations. That’s why we have a couple of tips for what to consider when you’re trying to decide what not to fix in your house before selling. 

Consult a Real Estate Agent

If you’re not an expert in real estate, it’s probably best to consult someone who is. A real estate agent can give great guidance about what you should be fixing and where you might just be sinking cash with little to no return. Agents are also experts in your area and know what’s working for people in your neighborhood, so they can help you prioritize certain repairs. Looking for an agent to help you get started? Click here to find the best real estate agent for you with BidMyListing. 

Will You Get an ROI? 

The big question with repairs is if you’ll get a return on your investment (ROI). In general, kitchen fixes get you the most return on your investment. But you should be careful to not spend too much. Spend no more than 10% of your house’s value on kitchen repairs. So as you debate making a repair, try to figure out if you’ll get an ROI. Again, a real estate agent can be a great resource to determine where you could get a return, as the value of your home will come into play. 

What Not to Fix When Selling a House - 2022

Without further ado, here is our advice of what not to fix when selling a house. These are 5 areas you should probably skip when looking at home repairs. 

Outdated Parts of a Room

Maybe your house was built in the 70s. Maybe it’s just looking old. But either way, you should probably skip switching out outdated parts of a room. The 1980s cabinets should probably stay, and if the new owners don’t like them, they can fix it. It’s tempting to want to update your house to sell, but it’s usually not your best use of money. The buyer can determine what they want to do with the room instead. Updating just portions of an outdated room also puts you at risk of making the parts you didn’t fix look even worse. Brand new cabinets in your old kitchen might make the tile look worse than it did before. 

If you really feel like you have to update portions, these are a few ideas: 

• Swapping out hardware, faucets or showerheads

• A new mirror for bathrooms

• Upgraded doors 

• New tile or grout 

But if your house is really dated, we recommend skipping any upgrades. 

Old Appliances

Appliances do have an effect on the overall feel and look of the kitchen, but they’re not the make or break point. A lot of buyers actually end up bringing their own appliances when they move anyway, so spending money on appliances might ultimately be a waste of your resources. So the basic rule of thumb is only replace your appliances if they’re a major eyesore. And if you do have to do that, don’t buy new. Find used appliances that are a step up from your old ones, but that aren’t very much money. 

Minor Electrical Issues

In general, you should have a home inspection from an electrician who can tell you if you have major electrical problems in your home. Those should be fixed. But not every electrical issue does need to be fixed to sell your home. An uncovered or wonky electrical outlet? That can be skipped. Light switches that don’t turn anything on? Go ahead and pass on repairing that. Even light switches that are inconvenient spots (like behind a door) don’t need to be replaced. Skip the little things when it comes to the electric system.  

Cosmetic Flaws

Some cosmetic flaws are a super easy fix, and you might as well go ahead and do it. A fresh coat of paint in a bedroom is a great example. But not every cosmetic fix is in your best interest of time and money. For example, your countertops might not be particularly stunning, but you shouldn’t replace them. Countertop replacements are expensive, and ultimately, they’re not necessary. When you get caught up in fixing cosmetic flaws, you run the risk of accidentally causing damage or sinking more money into a project than it’s worth. Your house doesn’t need a full makeover to sell! 

Exterior Property Cracks

Your exterior does have an effect on your sales. You might find it beneficial to tame your unruly hedges or pluck the weeds in your yard. Those quick fixes can help your yard make a great impression without costing you money or taking too much time. But there’s one area of your exterior that you should probably ignore: hairline cracks. It’s really common for cracks to form on the walkways or stairs or driveways, but you don’t need to fix them to sell. Don’t sweat these cracks. Most buyers won’t mind them (after all, they’re probably on every property they’ve seen), and fixing them can be pricey. 

The Bottom Line

The overall idea is that the house doesn't need to be perfect to sell, and you shouldn’t waste time on things people may want to put their own spin on anyway. A functional home with a good foundation is good enough to sell without any makeover. But ultimately, it’s helpful to have an expert real estate agent who can help you determine the exact right moves for your unique home. 

Looking for the right agent? BidMyListing is here to help! With BidMyListing, real estate agents bid on your listing for the opportunity to sell your house, so you get to choose a realtor who’s excited about your home and that you’re excited to work with. Interview multiple real estate agents who come to you! Save time without sacrificing quality. Get started with finding the right real estate agent right here. 

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