3 ways to sell a home that needs repairs

f you’re facing the challenge of selling a home that needs repairs, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in this tricky situation, especially when time is of the essence. Whether due to financial constraints, family circumstances, or other pressures, deciding the best course of action can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore three effective strategies for selling a home that needs repairs: completing full repairs, completing minimal repairs to make the home marketable, and selling the home as-is to a cash buyer. Notably, the last option offers a quick and straightforward path for those looking to sell without the hassle of renovations.

1) Complete a Full Repair of the Home
When you opt for completing a full repair of the home, you’re looking at undertaking significant renovations. This might include fixing structural issues, updating old plumbing or electrical systems, and giving the home a cosmetic makeover.

Pros

• Enhanced Market Value: Fully repairing your home can significantly increase its value, making it attractive to a broader audience of buyers.
• Broader Appeal: A home in excellent condition appeals to buyers who are not interested in handling repairs themselves.

Cons

• High Costs: The investment required for extensive renovations can be substantial.
• Potential for Loss: There is always a risk that the costs of renovation may not be fully recouped in the sale price.
• Time: A full repair of a home can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the condition of the home.

Before diving into full repairs, assess the potential return on investment. Look at similar homes in your area—what they sold for and their condition. This will help you determine whether the potential increase in sale price justifies the investment.

2) Complete Just Enough Repairs to Make
the Home Desirable
Alternatively, completing just enough repairs involves fixing what is critically necessary to make selling a home that needs repairs more appealing, without going overboard. This means prioritizing repairs that offer the most significant return on investment.

Pros

• Cost-Efficiency: This approach focuses on spending less while still making significant improvements.
• Improved Functionality and Appeal: Addressing major issues like leaks or electrical hazards can make the home safer and more attractive to potential buyers.

Cons

• Balancing Act: It can be challenging to decide which repairs are essential and which can be omitted.
• Unexpected Costs: Even minor repairs can uncover more significant issues, leading to unplanned expenses.

Focus on key areas such as the roof, HVAC systems, and structural integrity. These are crucial for buyers and can prevent your home from being a hard pass. Also, setting a clear budget for these repairs can help manage expenses and prioritize tasks.

3) Sell the Home As-Is to a Cash Buyer
The third option is selling the home as-is to a cash buyer. This method involves selling your property in its current state without any renovations or repairs, typically to an investor or a company that buys homes for cash.

Pros

• Quick Sale: This is by far the quickest method when selling a home that needs repairs. Transactions can often be completed in days.
• No Repairs Needed: Selling as-is means there’s no need to worry about the cost or effort of making repairs.
• Immediate Cash Offer: Cash buyers usually offer immediate payouts, which is ideal if you need to sell quickly due to financial or personal circumstances.

Cons

• Lower Sale Price: The trade-off for convenience is that you might receive less than the market value of your home if it were in better condition.

Identify reputable cash buyers by checking reviews and past client testimonials. Expect to receive offers that are below market value, but consider the savings from avoiding repair costs and the quick sale process.
180 Homes Makes Selling Your House Easy
When selling a home that needs repairs, you have several options, each with its own set of advantages. Completing full repairs can maximize the sale price, making minimal repairs can balance cost and appeal, and selling as-is offers the quickest, least complicated process. If quick and straightforward is what you’re after, selling to a cash buyer might be well worth considering.

At 180 Homes, we don’t mandate a home inspection or appraisal to make our cash-as-is offer. For a smooth and stress-free property transaction, turn to 180 Homes. Learn more about 180 Homes’ simple as-is cash offers today!