How To Sell A House That Needs Work

Do you need to sell a house that needs work? You don’t have to feel stuck or fearful of all the impending expenses! We have put together some great tips to help you sell your home… even if it needs some work!

Many people hang on to a house that needs work because they don’t have the time or money to fix it. This inevitably costs more money in the long run, not to mention the stress and hassles that come from a run-down house.

There are many people out there who will buy your house for a great price, freeing you from the property and the burden of making repairs. The strategy of selling is a bit different, and with our tips, we can help you sell your house quickly and for a great price!

How To Sell A House That Needs Work

Fix What You Can

There are many things that can be repaired relatively inexpensively while still making a strong impact. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Repairing holes in the walls, cleaning the carpets and adding new fixtures are all great ways to fix up the house without breaking the bank. We also recommend repairing the roof and cleaning up the yard. Curb appeal has a major impact on a potential buyer’s perception of the home. If their initial impression is of a neat and tidy yard, they will have a more open mind when viewing the rest of your home!

Get Your House In Front Of Serious Cash Buyers & Investors

You can do this by networking in investment and real estate groups. Get the word out about your home and help people to see the potential value. Run the numbers yourself and let people see what it will cost to repair vs. the value of the home when it is complete. Being able to communicate the value of your house to potential buyers is very important when selling a fixer-upper.

Play Up What’s Good

Even if the house has areas that require major improvements, there is bound to be something about it that is appealing! Maybe it’s in a great location or features custom, built-in cabinetry. Focus on the positive and the potential of the property once it has been fixed.

Be Upfront

While you want to play up the good features you also need to be 100% honest about what is wrong with the house. By disclosing everything you know, you can address it head-on as opposed to after the inspection has been done. You don’t want to set yourself up for a lawsuit by concealing a potentially deal-breaking fact about the property. Plus, it’s the right thing to do.

Call For Offers And Wait

One strategy many people use is to call for offers and wait. Let it be known that you are widely advertising the property, and will be taking any and all offers into consideration. Set a specific date as to when an offer will be accepted. This will create a sense of urgency and will potentially pit multiple investors against one another in a battle for your home.

Help People Use Their Imagination

No matter what shape the property is in, you can do some things to set the mood. Is it a nice day? Make sure the windows are open to let the breeze come through. Stage the home to the best of your ability and clean up as much as possible. You can even find free interior design or room planning software to show what the potential of the room with a few renovations. Help your potential buyers see what could be!

Lou Gimbutis

Lou Gimbutis, owner of Property Solutions, LLC, the Greater Charlotte Area’s premier Cash Homebuyer, has been buying and selling houses full-time since 2004, first in Michigan, then after moving to NC in 2007.  He serves as Director of Education for the Metrolina Real Estate Investors Association.