Tips for Selling a House That Needs Repairs
Putting your house on the market in Central Florida without doing any upgrades is a bit intimidating. It can be nerve-wracking to list your home when it’s in a state of disrepair with a neglected yard or a roof that needs replacing. But not everyone has time or money to renovate a fixer-upper.
Selling a home in need of work at a reasonable price isn’t impossible, and it doesn’t require substantial investments. You can use some of these simple tips on selling a house that needs repairs to make your property more appealing to buyers.
1. Take Care of the Yard and Remove Clutter
A 2019 study found that curb appeal contributes to 7% of a house’s value when it is sold. Therefore, it makes sense to focus on landscaping to create a positive first impression with buyers and realtors. You certainly don’t have to spend a lot of money on landscaping; just mowing and edging the lawn, trimming the shrubs, and planting a few flowers may be enough. Removing clutter from your yard can also improve curb appeal.
2. Focus on Some Major Repairs
When selling a house in poor condition, focus on some major repairs since most buyers put a large percentage of their cash into the down payment and can’t afford immediate maintenance after closing. Taking care of these major improvements will allow you to ask for a higher price that covers the upgrade costs and attracts a broader range of purchasers. Some major repairs you can do to increase home value include:
- Install a new water heater
- Repair pipes or septic systems
- Update the HVAC system
- Replace kitchen appliances
- Update bathroom fixtures
3. Small Changes Can Have a Great Impact
If you don’t have the time or money for major repair projects, it’s worth the effort and money to make minor updates around the home. A few quick touch-ups can help make a positive impression on potential buyers who come to view the property. Some upgrades you can make in a pinch include:
- Refreshing your home’s interior with a coat of neutral paint
- Removing stains from bathtubs and toilets
- Changing light fixtures & bulbs to improve lightning throughout the house
- Getting a professional carpet cleaning
Even if your home is not brand new, it must be clean. Dirt, stains, and clutter can turn off potential buyers more quickly that more significant issues like worn flooring or outdated counters.
4. Bring Attention to the Home’s Features
How you stage the home affects how buyers perceive it. When you’re selling a house that needs repairs, consider how you can draw attention away from the property’s flaws.
Talk about your home’s best features, like a spacious master bedroom, additional garage storage, or a walk-in pantry. According to the National Association of Home Buyers, about 83% of home buyers place a walk-in pantry on their buying wish list, making it worth mentioning on a listing.
Buyers can always replace the home’s countertops and other aesthetic elements. But, they are more likely to take the plunge if its location and layout appeal to them. Consider highlighting positive neighborhood features such as local recreational activities, malls, and school districts.
5. Offer the House for Sale “As Is”
Properties advertised as being sold “as-is,” meaning there are no warranties, repairs, or any other assurances conveyed by the listing. If you have a desirable lot size, location, or floor plan, your property may still appeal to buyers even if it requires significant repairs.
Homebuyers who are strapped for cash, distressed home buyers, or individuals looking to flip homes for future rentals are all potential buyers for a home listed “as-is.” A buyer may still ask for an inspection of the home, but a real estate agent can set the expectations of no significant repairs.
6. Engage the Services of A Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents offer a full range of services, including listing your home, staging it, taking photos, and negotiating with the buyer. An agent can recommend what minor repairs will make your home more marketable, and they can make suggestions for staging the property to highlight the home’s best features.
However, keep in mind that a real estate agent takes a cut of the final sale price as commission. This may not be ideal if you’re already accepting an offer that’s lower than you’d like.
7. Sell a House that Needs Repairs to a Cash Home Buyer
Cash home buyers in Central Florida can offer you several advantages over traditional buyers. Homebuyers who acquire properties with cash payments are often willing to buy distressed homes and offer quicker transaction times because they don’t require approval from a third-party lender.
Contacting cash home buyers in Central Florida like Meli is as easy as calling and describing your circumstances and the condition of your home. If interested, we schedule a time to walk through your home and assess its value. You’ll then receive a firm cash offer that you can accept or reject.
When Meli buys your home, we handle the paperwork and pay you in full. We typically close in just 30 days, which is ideal for individuals dealing with a distressed property they need to get off their hands quickly. A cash buyer gives you the best price for your house without all the hassle of traditional listings, showings, and negotiations.
Get in Touch with Meli Homes
While many homes on the market require some level of repair, some require extensive maintenance that can’t be ignored. If you don’t have the financial means to make necessary repairs to your home, consider implementing some of these tips for marketing the property, or contact a cash home buyer in Florida so you can off-load your property as-is without the hassle of listing it.
If you’re selling a house that needs repairs in Orlando, Tampa, Kissimmee, or the surrounding areas, Meli can help. Give us a call at (407) 338-4183 to schedule your walk-through and receive an offer.
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