Home Sellers: Don’t Waste Money on These Pre-Sale Repairs

By The Goodman Taylor Team

We want to help you live the best life you can, one where you find your dream home, move to the perfect location, or receive a life-changing deal. We’ve done this for countless clients in the past, and we’d love to do it for you too. After all, there’s a reason why we’re one of the most trusted real estate teams in our area.

Are you ready to sell your home? Before you spend thousands on repairs, there’s something you need to know. Not every fix is worth it, and making the wrong updates could hurt your bottom line more than help it. I always work with sellers who are pressured to update everything to prepare the home. Most buyers aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for value, function, and a home that feels well cared for.

Fix what’s broken and obvious. If your air conditioner doesn’t work or your faucet leaks every time you turn it on, those are the first things to address. Functional issues like these can scare buyers off quickly. Tackle anything that clearly signals a lack of maintenance, especially if it’s something buyers will notice during a showing.

Focus on simple cosmetic updates. Minor visual flaws can leave a big impression. Things like scuffed walls, loose cabinet pulls, or old caulk in the bathroom may seem minor, but they can influence how a buyer feels about your home. Clean, simple updates that make the home feel fresh go a long way and often cost little.

You don’t need brand-new appliances to sell your home. If your stove or fridge still works and doesn’t look like it’s from the 1980s, leaving it as is is fine. Let buyers bring it up if they care. Unless it’s visibly outdated or broken, your money is better spent elsewhere.

Hold off on major repairs. If your roof shows signs of age but still holds up, don’t replace it to sell. Wait and see if it comes up during the buyer’s inspection. If it does, we can negotiate a credit toward the cost instead of doing the work ourselves. That approach often saves time and reduces unexpected expenses.

Credits can simplify the deal. Repairs can lead to more problems and delays. Offering the buyer a credit allows them to choose their own contractor, manage the process on their own terms, and give you peace of mind once the sale closes. It’s cleaner, quicker, and often more cost-effective.

If you’re thinking of selling and want to avoid unnecessary repairs while still making your home market-ready, I can help you make a clear plan that protects your time and money. Call (480) 382-8093 or email admin@thegoodmantaylorteam.com to get started.