Sometimes sellers need to offload their home as-is; when you have a fixer-upper on your hands that you need to sell, do it in a way that nets you the best dollar
amount possible while avoiding lingering on the market.
1. Thoroughly assess the situation
- Do a full inventory of what needs to be done before the house could be considered sales-worthy. (You won’t do all this work yourself, but you should be able to answer buyer questions at least)
- Price those repairs
2. Do your research before deciding to sell as-is
- Would it be worth making the repairs yourself?
- Could you tap into a refinancing program?
- What about a home equity loan or line of credit?
3. Work with an experienced agent
- Selling a fixer-upper is not a good time to work with a brand-new agent
- Find someone familiar with the challenges involved and a realistic, reasonable plan
- Get referrals from friends, neighbors, general contractors
4. Consider the pool of possible buyers
- You might find some buyers specifically seeking a house they can remodel
- Investors and contractors might also be possibilities
5. Highlight the location's benefits
- Is it in a stellar school district?
- Is it located near an interesting or prominent landmark?
- Is it within walking distance of a sports field or arena?
- Is it close to a natural resource or trailhead?
6. Promote the home's standout features
- Original flooring in great condition
- A larger-than-usual lot
- A gorgeous garden or backyard
- A quaint original kitchen
- Anything that sets your home apart in a good way
7. Polish goes a long way
- There’s a lot you can do to make your place appear presentable and attractive
- Get rid of any piles of trash broken appliances, cars
- Clean the windows and walls
- Eliminate cobwebs
- Scrub the floors
- Polish all appliances
- Remove drain clogs
8. Make as many small fixes as possible
- Repair leaky pipes
- Paint over water stains
- Replace torn screens
- Fix broken drawers and shelves
- Fix broken windows
9. Enhance curb appeal
- Water and mow the lawn
- Plant flowers
- Hang wind chimes and put out some rocking chairs
- Purchase solar lights for path or driveway
- Trim shrubs or trees
- Fertilize grass
10. Price competitively - THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!
- Get an experienced agent’s opinion
- Investors and buyers will want to get a deal for an as-is home
- Figure out what you can realistically expect
11. Be upfront about necessary work
- There will probably be an inspection
- Be honest if the buyer asks you a question
- Consider hiring an inspector before you list so there are fewer surprises
Deep Cleaning Tips for Sellers
