How To Sell a Home in Need Of Repair

Just because your home is a fixer-upper, that doesn’t mean you can’t sell it for a great price. There is a huge market of family DIY-ers and developers that would love to snap up your home and give it a refresh.

5 Tips for Selling a House in Need of Repair Work

Here at Amar Mustafa - The REAL Estate Agent, I can help sell any property, no matter the condition. But if you’re worried about buy-ability, check out these tips on how to sell a home in need of repair in Hackney.

1. Make Small Updates

Are there small things you can fix that won’t make the house look so broken? Like a wonky door handle or a missing lightbulb?

If there are little, cheap things you can fix around your home, and you have the time, just do it. While these issues may seem small in comparison to the bigger deals, they can stand out in the photos.

2. Clean Up

Even though your home needs investment, a clean home is always more attractive than a messy one. Cleanliness may not matter much to a developer. But if your buyer is a DIY family that’s looking to live in your home while fixing it up, cleanliness will make the house appear more homely and liveable. Plus, a tidy home can make the repair work seem less daunting and overwhelming.

3. Be Honest

When meeting your estate agent, be honest about the repair work you know is needed. Just because your home needs investment, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get a great price. But lying about the issues or covering things up can break trust – not just between you and your agent, but with potential buyers, too.

If an estate agent is going to sell your home to the right buyer, they need to know everything. So don’t scrimp on the detail, and make sure you’re being as honest as possible.

4. Highlight The Positives

A good estate agent will automatically be able to draw on the positives. But it’s still good to share the small things they may not know. Like the fact that you get a great sunset from the master bedroom. Or that the garden is south-facing. All these things can help highlight the potential of your home.

5. Manage Expectations

If your home needs repair, it can still have great saleability. But it’s a good idea to manage your expectations, especially if your home needs a lot of investment.

Consider that your home may be valued at the lower end of the price range. Or you may get a few offers under the asking price from interested buyers. If a buyer undertakes a survey, be prepared that they may renegotiate if any major work is thrown up. This may not happen, but it’s good to manage your expectations before you enter the process.

Want More Tips From An Expert?

At Amar Mustafa - The REAL Estate Agent, I take pride in getting the best value for you. I am always looking for new homes and new challenges – and I’d love to hear from you if you’re selling your Hackney home!

Give me a call today on 020 3150 5007 or send an email at amar@therealagent.co.uk to request a valuation and sales strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a House in Need of Repair

How can I make my house look more appealing if it needs repairs?

Focus on cleaning and decluttering your home to create a positive first impression. Highlight the property's positive aspects, such as location or natural light.

Should I carry out repairs before selling my house?

The decision to make repairs depends on your budget and the extent of the work needed. Small, inexpensive fixes can improve the property's appeal, but extensive renovations might not necessarily increase the sale price proportionally.

How can I set realistic expectations when selling a house in need of repair?

Be prepared to accept a lower offer than you might for a property in excellent condition. Consider the potential costs of repairs for buyers and factor this into your pricing strategy.

Can I sell my house as is without making any repairs?

Yes, you can sell your house as is, but it may take longer to find a buyer, and you might receive lower offers. Disclosing all known issues to potential buyers is essential to avoid legal problems later.