Selling a house can be a difficult endeavor, especially when your Atlanta house isn’t in perfect shape. If you’ve put off some repairs or maintenance over the years, you might be wondering how this will affect your sale. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate this process. Let’s look at what deferred maintenance is, how to sell a house with deferred maintenance to HomeVestors®, the common items homeowners tend to delay, and how it all impacts your home’s value.
What is deferred maintenance in a house?
Deferred maintenance is a fancy term for repairs and upkeep that have been delayed or postponed. Maybe you’ve been too busy, or didn’t want to spend the money, or perhaps those fixes just didn’t seem urgent at the time. Whatever the reason, selling a house that needs repairs due to deferred maintenance can be tricky.
Common items homeowners tend to put off
Certain repairs are more likely to be delayed than others. Here are some of the common ones:
- HVAC system: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is essential for keeping your home comfortable. But it’s also one of those things that can be easy to ignore—until something goes wrong.
- Foundation issues: Fixing cracks in the foundation of your Atlanta home or dealing with settling problems are often delayed because they can be expensive and challenging to fix. However, they’re also crucial to address because they can lead to bigger problems down the road.
- Roof repairs: A leaky or aging roof might not be top-of-mind, especially if you’re not seeing any immediate issues. But over time, roof damage can become a significant concern.
- Plumbing upgrades: From outdated lead pipes in older homes to semi-blocked drains, plumbing issues are often put on the back burner. However, these problems can grow large and might cause more severe problems if left unchecked.
- Hot water heater: Your water heater works hard every day, but it’s easy to forget about it until it stops working. Regular maintenance or replacement is often deferred, especially if it’s still producing hot water, albeit less efficiently.
- Dryer vents: Regular cleaning of dryer vents isn’t something most people think about much, but it’s important for safety and efficiency. Neglecting this task can lead to more significant issues, like reduced drying efficiency or even fire hazards.
What can you do about needed repairs when selling your house?
If you’re thinking about selling, it can be a good idea to tackle the most critical repairs. But where do you start?
- Prioritize safety: Begin by repairing anything that could affect the safety of the home, like foundation issues or a leaky roof. These are non-negotiables for most buyers and a lot of mortgage loan companies.
- Consider the essentials: HVAC systems, plumbing, and the hot water heater are all things buyers will look at closely. If they’re in poor shape, you might want to address these before listing your home.
- Get an inspection: A pre-sale home inspection can help you identify what needs immediate attention. This gives you a clear roadmap for any repairs you choose to make before listing your Atlanta house.
