If you’re thinking of selling your California home, you may wonder if it’s worth it to put some money back into the house in order to help it sell. A good first step is to talk to a realtor. A realtor can help you to determine which repairs, if any, will provide a return on your investment when you sell your home.
As Is condition
Generally speaking, omes that are sold in “as is” condition need a lot of work. It’s a label that screams to buyers, “This property probably needs a complete makeover.” If a home cannot be easily fixed with simple things, it’s listed as such. Consequently, the prices of these homes must be low enough to allow contractors and home flippers to want to invest in them.
What Do Homebuyers Want?
Some home buyers are looking to buy a fixer-upper. A "fixer-upper" generally means less work than a home that is in poor condition like those listed “as is.” Repairs to these homes may include things like cosmetic damage: paint, replacing faucets, mirrors, and tile. These buyers do not want to tear down walls or build a new foundation. They may not even be apt to buy a home that needs things like a new roof. Many new homeowners want to put their own flair into a house to make it a home. Major repairs aren’t part of the equation. These properties are what they’re looking for.
Buyers who are looking for a fixer upper are also looking for a deal. They will take into account the cost of the repairs that need to be made. If the buyer isn’t getting that discount, they may go elsewhere and forget about the concept of buying a fixer-upper altogether.
Weigh The Costs
If you’re looking to sell your California home, you should weight the costs of fixing your home up or leaving it for the next owner to make their own. The most significant factor is if it makes sense financially. Will you get a return on your investments? Any repairs have to make sense for you as a seller to do. Your California realtor can also help you to determine the state of the market and a reasonable course of action for your property. Your realtor will compare similar properties to yours to help you understand property values and features and how any improvements to the property can help.
Make A List
If you do decide to make some improvements, you can begin with an assessment of your property. See where improvements need to be made. Make a list.
Fix leaky faucets
Replace carpeting
Replace broken windows
Install new kitchen floor
The list can go on. From there, you can decide which repairs are truly worth the time, money, and effort to fix.
About the Author
Ryan Christensen
Responsive, Responsible and Resourceful - How Real Estate Should Be. This is the foundation of our continued success: responsive service, providing accurate and timely information, and demystifying the process. 100% of my business is referral based because I listen to my clients' needs and exceed their expectations. As a full-time real estate broker, I am the best advocate for both my buyers and sellers. I am always available, regardless of the time of day.
Being a native Southern Californian is a tremendous advantage. I know the area. Time is more valuable than money, but neither can be wasted. And, I'm a fan of hard work. My clients can enjoy their home buying and/or selling experience because I provide a trusting, focused, straightforward approach. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and find joy in homeownership.
I am both a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Others choose to concentrate on one or the other. I provide a higher level of service and expertise than those who do not obtain this dual skill set, which differentiates me from other service providers. My decisions and advice are based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. I use Real Estate Sales as a tool to make sure my clients get the home that meets or exceeds their needs. As a Mortgage Broker, I search for the best loans so I can offer lower rates and pricing than my financing competition. This certainly IS in the client's best interest.