Should I make repairs before I sell?

Question 1

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

Fix what a buyer will notice and be scared of, skip what they will never see. Safety issues, leaks, failed systems, and obvious eyesores are worth addressing; cosmetic preferences are usually not worth chasing. I will tell you what I really think: most sellers over-improve. A fresh coat of paint in a dingy room, tightened hardware, a deep clean, and addressing anything a home inspector would flag are the repairs that earn their money. The test I use is simple. Will a buyer look at this and wonder what else is wrong? Then fix it. Will they never notice? Then spend the money on your next move instead. Your agent should walk through with you and separate the must-dos from the nice-to-haves before you spend a dollar. North Shore homes skew older, so systems matter: roofs, heating, water heaters, and, for unsewered towns, septic systems. On the coast, check weather-worn trim and signs of moisture, since buyers here are attuned to salt air and storms.

Question 2

What repairs are actually worth making before selling?

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

Fix what a buyer will notice and be scared of, skip what they will never see. Safety issues, leaks, failed systems, and obvious eyesores are worth addressing; cosmetic preferences are usually not worth chasing. I will tell you what I really think: most sellers over-improve. A fresh coat of paint in a dingy room, tightened hardware, a deep clean, and addressing anything a home inspector would flag are the repairs that earn their money. The test I use is simple. Will a buyer look at this and wonder what else is wrong? Then fix it. Will they never notice? Then spend the money on your next move instead. Your agent should walk through with you and separate the must-dos from the nice-to-haves before you spend a dollar. North Shore homes skew older, so systems matter: roofs, heating, water heaters, and, for unsewered towns, septic systems. On the coast, check weather-worn trim and signs of moisture, since buyers here are attuned to salt air and storms.

Question 3

How do I know which improvements will actually help my house sell for more?

Kathleen Militello · Accepted Answer

Fix what a buyer will notice and be scared of, skip what they will never see. Safety issues, leaks, failed systems, and obvious eyesores are worth addressing; cosmetic preferences are usually not worth chasing. I will tell you what I really think: most sellers over-improve. A fresh coat of paint in a dingy room, tightened hardware, a deep clean, and addressing anything a home inspector would flag are the repairs that earn their money. The test I use is simple. Will a buyer look at this and wonder what else is wrong? Then fix it. Will they never notice? Then spend the money on your next move instead. Your agent should walk through with you and separate the must-dos from the nice-to-haves before you spend a dollar. North Shore homes skew older, so systems matter: roofs, heating, water heaters, and, for unsewered towns, septic systems. On the coast, check weather-worn trim and signs of moisture, since buyers here are attuned to salt air and storms.

Should I make repairs before I sell?

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