What Not to Fix When Selling a House in Australia

Every homeowner wants their property to look its best when they put it on the market.  

And in the rush to make their home more appealing to potential buyers, many people jump headfirst into renovations.  

But before you pick up that hammer or call the local handyman, it’s worth considering whether some of those fixes might actually be unnecessary… or even detrimental to your sale. 

So if you’re wondering what not to fix when selling a house? Here’s a guide to what is - and isn’t - worth updating. 

Get Clear on What Needs To Be Done 

First things first. Selling your home isn't like selling your old bicycle; it's a big deal.  

So it’s smart to get an expert on your team.  

Someone who knows exactly how to make your property stand out when selling - an experienced local real estate agent. 

They have all the insights and knowledge to know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to preparing a home for sale, will be able to help you separate necessary home repairs from what’s going to be a waste of time and money, and clarify what might actually boost your property's value come sale time. 

Strive For Potential Over Perfection 

While it’s important to make sure everything is in good order and looks great, you need to strike the right balance between what actually is and isn’t worth updating before selling your house. 

Maybe your kitchen feels a bit ‘90s, and a full renovation sounds appealing. But it’s not always the answer.  

In fact, potential buyers may actually love the opportunity to update it themselves, to make it their own. 

But the annoying stuff? Fix it.  

Leaky taps, crumbling grout or toilets that have seen better days? Those are worth your attention, because buyers are most likely to notice and be put off by them. 

Well-maintained homes often fare better on the market than those that focus only on the aesthetics. 

Commit to Quality 

And the final tip? It’s a doozy. If you're going to repair something - big or small - do it properly. 

Avoid being tempted by patch jobs, quick-fixes or slap-dash renovations. Why? Buyers spot them a mile away! 

It's like wearing an expensive suit with sneakers - it just feels off. 

Believe it or not, there are also some things that will actually stop a house from selling, or at least lower it’s perceived value. 

For instance, replacing benchtops, but leaving old cupboards in place will likely backfire by drawing attention to the outdated elements and making the rest of the room feel daggy. 

So, if your budget (or time) is tight, it's often better to leave the aesthetics as they are and focus on more practical fixes.  

Remember, showing a lived-in, but well-loved home can often be a winner! 

Selling your home doesn't mean it needs to look like it’s straight out of the pages of a fancy home living magazine.  

It means showing it off in its best, most genuine light. A well-maintained home often appeals more to buyers than one that's perfect, but lacks character. 

Sure, safety stuff and big issues definitely need fixing. But everything else?  

Sometimes, it’s better to let the new owners impart their own personal touch. 

By skipping certain fixes when selling your home, you’ll not only save time and money but also allow the unique personality of your home to shine through. 

Still confused about what to spruce up and what to omit? Why not reach out to We Connect Property.  

With an experienced team that truly understand all the ins and outs of preparing a home for sale, they can provide tailored guidance and advice around what home repairs will lead to a successful property sale, and ensure the process is as smooth and profitable as possible. 

Ready to sell your home? Let's connect!

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