Should You Fix It Before You Sell… Or Not Bother?
I have been having the same conversation with several homeowners lately.
They start pointing out everything they think is wrong with their house. The countertops. The light fixtures. The bathroom feels a little dated.
Then they ask the big question.
“Bonita, what do I need to fix before I sell?”
Here is the honest answer. Not everything.
If selling is even on your radar this year, knowing where to spend money and where to save it can make a huge difference.
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What Buyers Actually Care About
Most buyers are not walking through homes looking for perfection. They are looking for a home that feels well cared for and easy to move into.
They are paying attention to:
- Clean and well-maintained spaces
- Bright rooms with good lighting
- Kitchens and bathrooms that feel fresh, not necessarily brand new
- Big ticket items like the roof, HVAC, and windows
Buyers today often expect to personalize a home over time. What they do not want is a long list of problems on day one.
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Small Updates That Usually Pay Off
These are the kinds of improvements that tend to make a home feel lighter, newer, and more inviting without overspending.
- Fresh neutral paint
- Updated light fixtures
- Deep cleaning, especially kitchens and bathrooms
- Decluttering countertops, shelves, and closets
- Simple curb appeal touch-ups like mulch, trimming, and a clean front entry
These changes are relatively affordable and can have a big impact on how buyers feel when they walk through the door.
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Updates That Often Do NOT Pay Off
This is where I sometimes have to gently talk sellers off the ledge.
You usually do not need to:
- Fully remodel a kitchen right before listing
- Tear out a solid but slightly dated bathroom
- Add high-end custom upgrades that reflect very personal taste
- Take on major projects you will not get to enjoy
Most buyers would rather choose their own finishes later than pay extra for something that is not exactly their style.
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The Real Goal
The goal is not to make your home perfect.
The goal is to make buyers feel this:
“This home is clean, cared for, and I could move in without a long to-do list.”
That feeling sells homes more than luxury finishes ever will.
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A Quick Note From Me
If selling is even a maybe for you this year, I am always happy to walk through your home and help you decide what is truly worth doing and what you can confidently leave alone.
Sometimes the best advice I give saves people thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
You do not have to guess. That is what I am here for.
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