Colorado Home Sellers: Should You Fix Your Home Before Selling?

Selling a home often comes with a long list of “should we fix this?” questions. Many sellers feel pressure to make repairs or renovations before listing, even when they are unsure if it’s necessary. The truth is, not every improvement matters. Making the right choices starts with understanding the difference between repairs and updates and how each affects your sale.

Let’s break down two types of improvements: repairs and updates that make the home more appealing to buyers.

Repairs vs. updates. Repairs and updates are not the same thing. Repairs fix problems with the home, while updates are changes made to make the home more appealing to the market. Buyers expect repairs to be addressed or disclosed. Updates are optional and depend on the overall strategy.

Knowing which category an item falls into helps sellers avoid spending money in the wrong places.

Pros and cons of a listing inspection. Many sellers ask if they should get a pre-listing inspection. The answer is simple: it depends. One of the main benefits is that it provides clarity; you know what issues exist before a buyer discovers them. Other advantages are:

• Sellers can avoid surprises during the transaction.
• Buyers tend to appreciate transparency, which builds trust.
• Major known issues, like roofs or mechanical systems, can be handled early, making the sale smoother.

However, there are some downsides to consider:

• Anything found during the inspection must be disclosed to buyers.
• The inspection report becomes part of the seller’s disclosure package.
• Some major items may need to be repaired before listing.

Smaller or minor issues, on the other hand, can often just be disclosed unless the seller prefers to make the repairs.

Renovations. Many sellers believe they need to renovate before selling. I often hear sellers say they need new countertops, paint, carpet, and more. This is common in older homes.

The problem is that once one update is made, everything else looks outdated. One renovation often leads to many more. Because of this, I usually advise against major renovations unless the seller plans extensive updates.

Simple, low-cost improvements that clean up the home and make it look good are usually enough.

Price the home appropriately. Instead of renovating, price the home correctly. Homes in similar condition and age tend to sell for similar prices.

If a renovated home sells for more, it is often because the owner enjoyed those updates for years. This is why I don’t recommend that most sellers complete major renovations right before selling. Pricing the home based on its condition is often the better strategy.

Knowing the difference between repairs and updates makes selling simpler. Handle major issues, skip unnecessary renovations, and price your home right. Often, simple improvements are all you need for a successful sale.

If you have questions about repairs, updates, or pricing your home, reach out at (719) 437-7311, email derekandmariana@artisangroupco.com, or visit agentsforlife.com. Let’s make your selling process simple and stress-free.