“Should I fix it or sell as-is?” Home Sellers ask me that question all the time, and after over a decade in the business, here’s the most practical way to decide: fix what buyers see, skip what they don’t—unless it’s a safety issue.
Buyers form emotional attachments the moment they walk through the door. That first impression matters more than you think. Clean, neutral paint. Functioning light fixtures. Fresh flooring. Trimmed landscaping. These are low-cost, high-impact updates that create a sense of care and move-in readiness. When a home feels loved, buyers respond with stronger offers.
Now, let’s talk about what not to do. Major renovations like redoing your kitchen or bathroom *right before selling* almost never give you a positive return. Yes, buyers love updated spaces. But you don’t need to fully gut and remodel to meet those expectations. Simple refreshes often do the trick, and full-scale renos can actually lose you money because not only are they expensive, but they almost ALWAYS end up costing you more. Moreover, study after study shows most major renovations only bring back 70c for every $1 spent.
Same goes for things buyers can’t see or don’t understand- and so they rarely pay off.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Call me! I offer a quick, no-pressure walk-through where I’ll point out exactly what matters and what you can skip. I’ll save you time and keep you from overspending, or even worse, losing money!
I’m Tanja Odzak, Realtor with eXp Realty. I help people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay! With over $90 Million in homes sold and a decade of experience, I know how to help you win in any market. Call me today and let’s get you going!
