Should I Make Repairs to My Home or Sell It As-Is?

Should I Make Repairs to My Home or Sell It As-Is?

April 1st, 2022

When considering selling your home, the choice between performing repairs or opting for an as-is sale can have a significant impact on various aspects of the sale, from the list price to the pool of prospective buyers. Understanding the nuances of each approach can help you make an informed decision that maximizes your return on investment in the real estate market.

Selling Your Home As-Is

Definition: An as-is sale means that the property will be sold in its current condition, with potential buyers acknowledging that no additional repairs will be made.

Legal Responsibilities: It's imperative to disclose all known defects to potential buyers and provide an accurate inspection report. Failure to do so can lead to legal consequences.

Pros:

  • Speed: An as-is sale can expedite the selling process, attracting cash buyers who are often willing to accept a quick sale.
  • Reduced Costs: You avoid the immediate out-of-pocket expenses associated with the cost of repairs.

Cons:

  • Lower Sale Price: Potential buyers will factor the cost of repairs into their offers, typically resulting in a lower as-is home sale price.
  • Limited Buyer Interest: Some buyers are hesitant to take on the uncertainties of an as-is property, especially if significant structural issues are involved.

Choosing to Make Repairs Before Selling

Minor Repairs: Addressing minor issues—such as giving the walls a fresh coat of paint or fixing leaky faucets—can enhance the home's aesthetic appeal without substantial investment on expensive repairs.

Major Repairs: Major issues, like significant structural repairs, can be costly but ignoring them may deter a large segment of prospective buyers. Conducting a comparative market analysis with the help of a real estate agent can help determine whether the potential increase in list price justifies the repair costs.

Pros:

  • Increased Sale Price: Effective repairs can significantly increase the home's market value, potentially offering a high return on investment.
  • Attract More Buyers: A home in better condition appeals to a wider pool of buyers and real estate investors, including those not interested in handling major renovations.

Cons:

  • Upfront Investment: The costs of repairs might be substantial, and there is always the risk that these costs will not be fully recuperated through the sale price.
  • Delay in Listing: The time required to complete cosmetic repairs can delay putting your home on the market, which could be a disadvantage in a rapidly changing market.

The Role of a Real Estate Agent

A knowledgeable real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating these decisions. They can provide a comparative market analysis to estimate the potential sale price adjustments after repairs, advise on the most beneficial improvements, assess the current market conditions, and help attract the right pool of buyers—whether you decide to sell as-is or invest in making repairs.

Do Your Research with the Help of a Real Estate Expert

Deciding whether to repair your home or perform an as-is home sale in its current condition involves weighing the costs of repairs against potential sale price improvements and considering how quickly you need to sell versus the quality and quantity of offers you wish to attract. With careful consideration and expert advice, you can choose the path that best aligns with your selling goals and financial situation.

The best thing you can do is to consult a real estate expert. Once you are ready to list your property on the housing market, the Sutton Team at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate is here for you. Billy and Lacey Sutton are Realtors serving Chestertown, MD, and the Upper Eastern Shore that can help sell your home at a fair price. Contact us and get the process rolling today!

Billy Sutton

Billy Sutton is a dynamic real estate professional at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate in Chestertown, Maryland. With a deep-seated understanding of the local market, Billy has carved a niche in Kent and Queen Anne's counties, known for his exceptional negotiating skills, innovative marketing strategies, and problem-solving abilities. His expertise spans a wide range of properties, including residential homes, waterfront properties, and farmlands. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Billy brings a unique perspective to the agricultural real estate market. Outside of his professional life, he is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys outdoor activities. His deep roots in the community and commitment to his clients make him a reliable and trusted advisor in the real estate sector.

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People Said

Billy Sutton was great to work with on the purchase of our poultry farm. He provides a wealth of knowledge and we were completely blown away with how resourceful he was. Anytime an issue came up or we were worried about something, he had an answer. He is direct, kept us updated, and made it an enjoyable purchase.


Eddie P.April 27th, 2020

Billy contacted me one day and said he had found my way into the poultry business. I had never used a realtor before so this was all new to me. He was very helpful with every question I had. He made sure I was stress free every step of the way, always made sure I had everything done that needed to be so that we were always a step ahead, and always informed me of things to be done that I didn't know about. I would highly recommend using Bill Sutton as your realtor.


Dylan P.April 22nd, 2020

A very trustworthy and professional agent. I would definitely recommend him.


Brett D.March 9th, 2020

Billy was a fantastic realtor. Being a first time home buyer I was a little stressed and nervous, however, Billy made it stress free and was always wiling to come whenever I needed to show me a house, or answer a phone call to explain something to me. I would definitely recommend Billy to anyone that is buying a house, first time, or fifth time!


Patrick C.March 6th, 2020

It was great working with Billy, He is very dedicated to his clients and will go out of his way to satisfy your needs. So if your looking for a hard working realtor Billy is your guy!!!!!


David W.November 1st, 2019

If i could give 10 stars I would. Billy was a perfect fit for us. He is a true professional and was very understanding of our concerns. Billy was a great listener. He was with us the entire way. You can call him anytime with question and you will get a very prompt answer. We will definitely use Billy in the future with any real estate needs that might arise. You cannot go wrong with Billy.


Dave K.October 26th, 2019

I've heard horror stories over the years in regards to realtors, I guess those people didn't have the right realtor because Billy Sutton did an amazing job, I was looking at houses 2 1/2 hours apart and one way or another he would always show up full of energy and full of knowledge. It's been two years and we still communicate with one another and I recommend him 100%


Jorge V.October 9th, 2019

Billy was a pleasure to work with. He's knowledgeable, hard working, and sold my home quickly for a great price. I highly recommend!


Andrew M.October 2nd, 2019

Billy is a very knowledgeable real estate agent. If you have a home to sell, give him a call.


Patricia S.October 1st, 2019

Billy is incredibly knowledgeable in real estate and talked me through every step of the home buying process for my first home. I went into the process well informed and confident in my decision to buy, and would recommend Billy to anybody looking to purchase a home.


Nick M.September 29th, 2019

Lacey is an amazing person she listens to what you want in your dream home and takes the time to find the home that is perfect for you and your family. I totally recommend her to anyone.


Tanya C.April 17th, 2020

Lacey was a amazing realtor she worked tirelessly to find us a house that our family would love and she knocked it out of the park. Thank you so much for the hard work you put in.


Larry G.March 6th, 2020

I couldn't of asked for a better person helping us with our home! She's highly professional and made sure we found our dream home. Lacey always made time for us as clients and worked so hard to make everything go as smoothly as possible.


Stephanie D.March 5th, 2020

Lacey is amazing! She is so patient, understanding, honest and fair! She is everything you would want in a realtor but rarely find. The home buying and selling is a whole process that can be overwhelming and almost impossible if you don't have the right person on your side. She is so caring and pays attention to details you couldn't ask for anyone better to be there with you as you make such an important decision.


Cassi P.September 25th, 2019

I have known Lacey for over 15 years. She is one of the most detail oriented and hardworking people I know. I have watched her help people and over again!! I would recommend her to anyone!


Amanda B.September 25th, 2019

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Whether you’re selling or buying a home for the first time or the tenth time, we’re here to help the process go as smoothly and quickly as possible. Just let us know your Chestertown real estate goals and we’ll make them happen.

We’d be happy to discuss your estate for sale and answer any questions you may have about buying or selling homes in Maryland. Drop us a line or fill out the contact form today – we look forward to getting to know you!