Should You Make Repairs Before Listing Your Home?

Published On: June 10, 2025|Categories: Real Estate|

One of the most common questions sellers ask is whether they should make repairs before putting their home on the market. If you’re planning to sell your house in Jasper, Evansville, or anywhere in Dubois County, the answer depends on your goals, the current condition of your home, and what the local market looks like.

This guide explains the following:

Why some repairs can boost your home’s value
Which fixes are most important to buyers
When to skip repairs and sell as-is
How your REALTOR® can help you decide
Smart ways to prioritize your repair list

Here’s a closer look at each.

Why Some Repairs Can Boost Your Home’s Value

Most buyers want a move-in-ready home. Even small issues—like a leaky faucet or cracked tile—can give buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been maintained.

Making a few key repairs before listing your home can:

Help your home show better
Reduce buyer concerns during showings
Prevent deal-breaking issues during the inspection
Potentially increase your final sale price
Speed up the time it takes to sell

In competitive areas like Huntingburg and Ferdinand, clean and well-maintained homes tend to sell faster and attract more serious offers.

Which Fixes Are Most Important to Buyers

Not all repairs are equal. Some are cosmetic and optional, while others could impact a buyer’s ability to get financing or feel confident making an offer.

High-priority repairs include:

Leaking pipes or plumbing issues
Electrical problems, like outlets or switches that don’t work
Roofing issues or signs of leaks
HVAC systems that don’t function properly
Broken windows or doors
Pest problems or water damage
Foundation cracks or noticeable settling

These issues will likely come up during the home inspection—and if you haven’t addressed them, buyers may ask for a price reduction, request repairs as part of negotiations, or walk away completely.

Optional or lower-priority updates might include:

New flooring or carpet
Cabinet or hardware updates
Fresh paint in neutral colors
Updated light fixtures
Landscaping cleanup

These aren’t required, but they can help your home feel more inviting and modern—especially in listings across Santa Claus or Newburgh, where curb appeal matters just as much as condition.

When to Skip Repairs and Sell As-Is

Sometimes, making repairs just doesn’t make sense—especially if:

You need to sell quickly
You don’t have the time, money, or energy to manage renovations
The home needs major work and is priced accordingly
You’re marketing to investors or flippers who expect a project

Selling “as-is” means you’re not making any repairs before closing. You’ll still be required to disclose known issues, but you won’t be responsible for fixing them.

Your REALTOR can help you weigh the pros and cons of selling as-is and guide you toward the best pricing strategy based on the home’s condition.

How Your REALTOR Can Help You Decide

A good REALTOR will walk through your home with fresh eyes and help you identify which repairs are worth doing—and which ones won’t move the needle.

They’ll also help you:

Understand what buyers in your market expect
Estimate the return on investment for specific updates
Connect with local contractors if repairs are needed
Set a price that reflects your home’s condition

In some cases, your REALTOR may recommend a pre-listing inspection to catch issues early and avoid surprises later on.

You can also check IN.gov for tools and information on homeownership, permits, or codes that might affect your repairs.

Smart Ways to Prioritize Your Repair List

If you’re trying to decide which projects to tackle, use these tips to make the most of your time and money:

Fix safety and functional issues first. These can derail a sale or delay closing.
Handle anything a buyer’s inspector would flag. These items often come up in negotiations anyway.
Refresh the space with inexpensive updates. Paint, lighting, and landscaping can make a big visual impact.
Focus on first impressions. Buyers make decisions quickly—make sure your home looks its best inside and out.
Ask your REALTOR for input. They know what’s normal in your area and what buyers are looking for.

FAQ About Repairs Before Selling a Home

Check out these commonly asked questions about making repairs before listing. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.

Do I Have to Fix Everything Before Selling?

No. You should fix what matters most—especially things that impact safety or function. Cosmetic fixes are optional, but they can help your home show better.

What If I Can’t Afford to Make Repairs?

You can still sell your home as-is, or talk to your REALTOR about options like offering repair credits to the buyer instead of fixing things yourself.

Will a Buyer Still Do an Inspection If I Make Repairs?

Yes. Most buyers will still order a home inspection. Making repairs ahead of time just helps reduce the chances of surprises or delays.

Can Repairs Increase My Home’s Appraised Value?

In some cases, yes—especially if the updates improve your home’s condition compared to others in the area. Your REALTOR can advise you on what’s worth doing.

Should I Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?

It depends. A pre-listing inspection can help you identify issues upfront so you can decide whether to fix them, disclose them, or adjust your price.

Making the right repairs before listing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With expert guidance from your REALTOR and a clear plan, you can decide what’s worth fixing, skip what isn’t, and move forward confidently—no matter where you’re selling in Dubois County or beyond.

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