In Central Illinois, I get this question a lot! When you have made the decision to list your home and begin unlocking the new doors of your dreams, the excitement is palpable. But sometimes the amount of decisions you are met with can also feel a little overwhelming. These decisions, both big and small, greet you at every turn, and can make the real estate world seem just a little tricky to navigate.
One of the things you will need to consider is whether you should just list your home to sell as-is or invest the time, energy, and money on repairs before listing it. Today, I would like to give you some guidance to help you navigate this decision and ultimately make the best choice for your situation.
When to make repairs: if you have the time and money, making small cosmetic repairs (think repainting baseboards, replacing door handles, and upgrading light fixtures) can really help maximize profit. However, if there are any major repairs needed (such as an entire roof replacement), it’s good to get another opinion on them, as they can consume quite a bit of time and money. Smaller cosmetic upgrades can really make an impact on the overall impression of the home to a buyer and are well worth the investment in the long run. I’m a big believer in this and my seller’s hear this from me often!
When to sell as is: If you are listing your home in a seller’s market, you may be able to sell as-is for a good price, although I will always recommend making your home the best it can be before selling. The current state of the market in central Illinois leans more towards a seller’s market, although this differs from town to town. You should know, however, that in Illinois you are required to fill out a property disclosure form where any known needed repairs or issues must be listed.
I highly recommend getting a pre-listing inspection and consulting with a realtor (my team and I are happy to help!) to compare and contrast your home’s value as-is vs. the repaired price. This can provide the valuable information you need to know how to step forward in listing your home. Whatever path you choose to take, I am cheering you on as you “unlock new doors” for you and your family!
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