When you’re selling your house, you want to get the best possible price for it. But sometimes, making repairs or renovations can end up costing you more than you’ll make back in the sale.

So what should you avoid fixing before putting your house on the market?

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What Not to Fix when Selling a House

It’s important to know what can be safely ignored and what needs to be addressed before putting your house on the market.

Some common items that don’t need to be fixed before selling include:

minor cosmetic damage, such as scratches or dings in the walls
cracked floor tiles
leaking faucets
chipped paint

Some other things you shouldn’t worry about fixing before selling your house include:

any damage that can be easily fixed with a little bit of elbow grease, like cleaning up stains or scrubbing the walls
structural damage, unless it’s severe and would affect the safety of the home
anything that would require a permit to fix, like electrical or plumbing work
any issues that are specific to your house and wouldn’t be a concern for most buyers, such as a wonky doorbell or an odd layout
Carpet or flooring
Partial upgrades to bathrooms or kitchens
Minor HVAC, electrical, or plumbing issues
Windows and window accessories
Old appliances
Driveway or walkway cracks
Normal wear and tear

Remember, the goal is to sell your house quickly and for the best possible price. So don’t spend money on unnecessary repairs or renovations that won’t add value to your home. Focus on making any necessary repairs and leave the rest for the new owners to deal with.

What is Necessary to Fix When Selling a House

While there are some things that you don’t need to fix before selling your house, there are other items that should be addressed to get the best possible price. These include:

major structural damage, such as a leaking roof or cracked foundation
electrical or plumbing issues
infestation problems, such as termites or rodents
any safety hazards, like broken stairs

These types of repairs can be expensive, but they will likely add value to your home and help it sell more quickly.

Common Repairs issues that arise during the sale of a house

the buyer requests a home inspection, which reveals hidden damage that needs to be fixed
the buyer is not satisfied with the condition of the home and requests a price reduction
the buyer backs out of the sale due to concerns about the condition of the property

How to Avoid Having to Make Repairs After a Contract is Signed

In some cases, these issues can be avoided by having your house inspected before listing it for sale. This will allow you to address any problems that are found and avoid any surprises during the negotiation process.

There are a few things you can do to avoid having to make repairs after the sale of your house:

have your house inspected before listing it for sale
disclose any known damage or defects in your disclosure statement

be upfront about any potential problems with the property

By being honest about the condition of your house, you can avoid any issues that might arise during the sale.

Tips to Ensure Your House is in Good Condition Before Listing for Sale

Here are some tips for making sure your house is in good condition before listing it for sale:

repair any visible damage, such as cracked floor tiles or chipped paint
fix any electrical or plumbing issues
address any infestation problems
make sure the house is clean and clutter-free

By taking care of these things before listing your house, you can help ensure a smooth and successful sale.