Fix what scares buyers and insurers, polish what is cheap, and skip the big remodel. Most major renovations do not earn back what they cost in a typical sale, and they cost you weeks.
Short answer: fix what scares buyers and insurers, polish what is cheap, and skip the big remodel. Most major renovations do not earn back what they cost in a typical sale, and they cost you weeks.
Do these first
Safety and insurability items. Active leaks, roof problems, electrical hazards, and failed systems. In Florida, a buyer who cannot get insurance cannot close.
Anything an inspector will flag in the first ten minutes. Broken windows, rotted trim, appliances or A/C that do not work.
Do these if the budget allows (cheap, high impact)
Deep clean and declutter
Fresh neutral paint
Lighting and hardware updates
Landscaping, pressure washing, and curb appeal
Small repairs: doors, faucets, outlets
Skip these in most cases
Full kitchen or bathroom remodels
Room additions
Anything that needs permits and time you do not have
Before you spend a dollar
Get two contractor quotes on the real repairs.
Compare the work to a price credit. What would a buyer take off the price for the same problem? Sometimes the credit costs less than the work.
Pull permits for work that requires them. Unpermitted work creates problems at the sale.
Ask what the house nets as is versus repaired.
A simple test
Take the repair cost. Will the sale price go up by more than that, and will the work finish before the market moves? If you cannot say yes to both, sell as is or offer a credit. If the house needs more than you want to take on, a cash offer is another path.
What to do this week
Walk the house like a buyer and list everything you would notice. Send the list with your address, and I will tell you what is worth fixing and what is not.
General education, not legal, tax or investment advice. Discuss your circumstances with a licensed Florida attorney or tax professional. Yoganand Ganeshram PA, licensed Florida real estate agent with eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Originally published on Equity Edge Orlando. Reviewed for this Substack edition.