Before Selling Your Home, What Repairs Should You Do?

Today’s buyers want a home that is turnkey and move-in ready. This is especially true for buyers looking to purchase a home in a retirement or lifestyle community where price, age and location of the home are important considerations. Pinellas County has around 300 manufactured home communities, according to MHVillage.com, so there is a lot of competition for Americana Cove.

This competition does not take into account condos, townhomes or site-built homes either as buyers are looking at all types of housing. With so much competition, what can residents do to help sell their homes in a strong buyer’s market? Here’s what our experience has been, according to Broker Marty Pozgay.

A home’s critical systems are the most important items for buyers:

1. HVAC (air/heat) systems are non-negotiable for Florida. The HVAC system has to be in good working condition. The typical lifespan of an A/C unit is 10 years according to numerous A/C repair companies. Of course, if the home has only been used as a part-time residence, then the unit may last longer, but that should be explained to buyers.

2. Condition of Roof. Generally, in Florida a roof will last 20 years. “If a seller’s roof is approaching that age, then buyers will take note,” said Pozgay.

3. Foundation and carport. Buyers scrutinize the skirting, tie downs, driveway and the carport itself. Explains Pozgay: “Buyers are scrutinizing whether the skirting is in need of repair or blocks are neatly stacked and whether there is wire mesh to keep animals out. This is part of curb appeal and is a consideration for buyers.”

4. Water heater and plumbing. Energy-efficient on-demand water heaters are popular with buyers along with new plumbing and new fixtures in bathrooms and kitchen.

5. Electrical panel and new wiring. “Having original electrical panels can make it difficult to obtain insurance. Buyers look at this and calculate it into the price they will pay for a home,” notes Pozgay.

Bottomline: Buyers will be obtaining a home inspection, which costs between $450 to $600 depending on how many reports they will obtain. A full house report is filled with pictures and description about every aspect of the home so most repair issues will be noted within the report. “Any major repair that is needed is an excuse for a buyer to obtain a lower price for a home,” said Pozgay. “This is why critical systems become the most important repairs or replacements for sellers to do.”