Time is ticking, San Diego homeowners! The market’s hot, the surf’s up, and your house could be next on the selling wave. But wait—before you plant that “For Sale” sign in your front yard, let’s talk potential. The little DIY repairs and touch-ups you’ve been putting off? They could be the game-changer in your house’s value. Imagine receiving higher cash offers, closing faster, and yes, more Benjamins in your pocket. Repairing that leaky faucet, fixing that cracked driveway, or adding a fresh coat of paint isn’t just about aesthetic appeal—it’s about using the power of first impressions and the psychology of perceived value to your advantage.
Here are 3 things that homeowners in San Diego should fix before selling a home. Also included are 3 bonus tips for repairs you should not do before you sell a house on the market.
What Should You Fix Before Selling Your Home in San Diego
A San Diego house in good repair can shine brighter on the market than ones that need to be fixed up. Especially in a competitive real estate market, San Diego buyers demand pristine properties when making offers. Move-in-ready homes in San Diego are selling for an average of 17% more than their fixer-upper counterparts.
Is it worth it to do repairs to your home before selling it? San Diego buyers are willing to pay a premium for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their new home is free from hidden costs or time-consuming repairs. For owner-occupant buyers that are families with children and a dog – they want a property that they can immediately move into without any hiccups.
Turnkey homes also attract a higher number of offers, intensifying bidding wars, and driving prices upward. So, spending a weekend fixing that squeaky door or repairing that garden fence might not just boost your selling price, but could also ignite a bidding frenzy. DIY home renovations before selling are worth it if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck.
Here are several examples of items you should fix before selling your home:
1. Fix the Broken Water Heater
Let’s zero in on one key household item that you wouldn’t want to leave in disrepair when selling your home: the water heater. Nothing jolts a buyer out of their property-dreaming bliss faster than the prospect of a cold shower.
When owner-occupant buyers suddenly find out the water heater’s broken, the home loses its charm. This can be an instant deal-breaker. Fixing a broken water heater before listing your home in San Diego might seem like an inconvenience, but it’s an investment in your home’s market appeal.
In San Diego’s climate, a reliable, functional water heater is essential for both comfort and utility costs. By ensuring yours is in top-notch condition, you’re offering potential buyers not just a hot shower, but the warm and cozy feeling of a well-maintained, move-in-ready home. Plus, that small repair cost now could turn into a significant return when the offers start rolling in. Fixing (or replacing) a broken water heater is a worthwhile repair to complete before putting your San Diego home on the market.
2. Repair the Roof
A roof in disrepair doesn’t just dampen curb appeal. It also screams costly repairs and potential water damage to potential buyers, which can lessen your chances of successfully selling. Fixing a bad roof before listing your home is more than just a cosmetic upgrade.
Bad roofs can lead to leaks from heavy rainfall and damaged drywall throughout the property’s interior. Homeowners can play defense and save money down the road by completing this repair before selling a San Diego property on the market. Plus, in San Diego, where the weather can fluctuate between sunny skies and seasonal rains, a solid roof is non-negotiable.
Investing in roof repair could be the decision that elevates your house from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘must-have’ on a buyer’s list. Remember, a sturdy roof overhead could raise more than your home’s value—it could raise a whole lot of interest too!
3. Paint the Interior
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders when trying to get more (and higher) offers on your home. Freshly painted walls are more than just aesthetics. They provide your home with a clean, refreshed, and well-maintained look that attracts buyers.
If you host an open house, buyers will notice old, chipped paint immediately. This will turn buyers off from making offers on your property. It’s about setting a mood, a backdrop for potential buyers to envision their future in your home. Light, neutral tones are especially appealing, creating a sense of space and offering a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own decor.
Additionally, new paint can help mask old odors and eliminate signs of wear and tear. A simple paint job can transform your property from lived-in to move-in-ready, increasing appeal and, potentially, the selling price. In San Diego’s competitive real estate market, that fresh coat of paint could be the difference between a quick home sale and a lingering listing.
Things You Should Not Fix Before Selling Your San Diego House
Believe it or not, not every repair or upgrade yield a higher selling price. Some home improvement projects just don’t offer a good return on investment. Even if it feels ‘weird’, it’s okay to leave certain renovations for the buyer to handle according to their taste and budget. For instance, replacing a dated but functional kitchen or remodeling a well-worn bathroom might seem tempting, but these costly projects rarely recoup their full costs in a sale.
The same goes for major landscaping revamps or installing a new pool. Buyers have their unique visions for these spaces, and what you see as an improvement might not align with their preferences. Instead, focus your energy and funds on essential repairs and minor cosmetic touch-ups that enhance your home’s best features. Remember, sometimes less is more. Find the balance between selling the potential of your home and not blowing through your budget when it’s unnecessary.
1. Single-pane Windows
While it may seem like a good idea, replacing single-pane windows throughout your home in San Diego before selling isn’t always worth the investment. Window replacements can be pricey, and the immediate return on investment is typically lower than the cost. Buyers often have specific aesthetic or energy efficiency preferences and might prefer to handle such upgrades themselves.
Additionally, some homebuyers appreciate the charm and character of original windows, especially in older homes. Rather than investing heavily in new windows, consider more cost-effective touch-ups that can improve overall appeal. Let the new owners tackle the window situation as they see fit.
2. Outdated Electrical
Contrary to popular belief, it’s usually not necessary to replace all the electrical wiring in your home before selling it in San Diego. This task is extensive, costly, and often requires tearing into walls, leading to additional repairs. Unless there’s a severe and known issue affecting safety or functionality, complete rewiring isn’t likely to significantly increase your home’s value or appeal to buyers.
Most buyers expect a home’s electrical system to be safe and functional, not necessarily brand new. Instead, invest in ensuring that existing wiring meets safety standards. Allow the new homeowners to decide if they want to undertake a total rewiring project.
3. Plumbing Leak
Taking on a full plumbing replacement before listing your home on the market in San Diego is typically not a wise move. Replacing pipes throughout a property is highly disruptive, costly, and won’t necessarily increase your home’s value to a degree that justifies the expense and effort. If the plumbing is functional, don’t feel pressured to fix it.
Unless a significant and known problem affects the property’s usability, a complete overhaul is rarely the best choice. Instead, focus on fixing any noticeable leaks or issues. Disclose what you know about the plumbing issues – if any – to potential buyers.
Don’t Fix Up Your Home Before Selling it: Sell As-is
Instead of fixing damaged parts of your property before selling it, sell it as-is. Selling your home without tackling a lengthy list of repairs can have several benefits. It can save you time, stress, and money—often a significant amount, especially if the property has many aged or damaged components. By selling as-is, you’re providing an opportunity for buyers who are ready to take on a project, perhaps even looking for a ‘fixer-upper’ to make their own.
This could be particularly appealing to DIY enthusiasts or investors. Moreover, it creates transparency between you and potential buyers, leaving no surprises or disappointments regarding the home’s condition. Ultimately, you can sell your San Diego house as-is and avoid the hassle of managing and financing repairs. Don’t fix items in your house that are going to make the process drag on.