When Should a Home Seller Make Repairs?

 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Residential Real Estate

When you have lived in your house for a number of years, you are used to all of its quirks. You have stopped noticing that the light switch in the bathroom is a little tricky and there is a cracked tile in the kitchen. The hot water heater has been working just fine, so you have all but forgotten that it is due to be replaced very soon. Your potential buyers will likely notice things like this and, in many cases, may ask you to fix them before they agree to purchase your house. Making small and essential repairs is a normal part of selling your house, but in some cases, a buyer’s demands are not reasonable. An experienced Homewood, IL real estate attorney can negotiate with a potential buyer on your behalf and provide guidance when you are deciding whether to make a certain pre-sale repair.

When Repairs Are Required 

The law or your buyer’s lender may require that certain repairs be made before the property can be sold. Municipal codes will sometimes bar a sale until a particular issue found during inspection is fixed. These laws prevent sellers from passing on increasingly dilapidated homes that are unlikely to ever be repaired. Your home inspector may be able to tell you if he or she suspects an issue that might need to be remedied before you will be allowed to sell.

If your buyer is using an FHA or VA loan, the property will need to meet certain standards before the lender will authorize the sale. These requirements exist to ensure that borrowers are receiving a house that is move-in ready, safe, and in good condition. Common repairs and modifications sellers are asked to make include adding handrails to outdoor steps and covering chipped paint in an older house to mitigate the risks of lead paint.

Major Habitability Repairs 

If the house needs major repairs before it is safe to live in, you will most likely need to negotiate with the buyer to determine how repairs will be made prior to the sale. A lot of different factors will impact whether it is better for you to perform major renovations yourself or pursue an as-is sale. If your goal is to fetch the highest price for the house, it may be better to make significant repairs yourself to increase the value of the home. However, if the repair would cost you a lot more than the increase in value, you may need to sell your home as-is for a lower price.

Minor Cosmetic Repairs 

Many buyers prefer to make minor cosmetic repairs themselves, but some will request that the seller fix certain issues. It is generally up to the seller whether he or she is willing to grant these requests. If the repair is simple, it is often not worth compromising a sale to decline. However, if a buyer asks for too much - like a whole new carpet because there is a stain in one corner - you are generally free to reject these demands or negotiate so that the buyer will share the cost.

Contact a Cook County, IL Real Estate Lawyer 

The Sherrod Law Firm, Ltd. can serve as your guide throughout the home-selling process. Our experienced Homewood, IL real estate attorneys will work closely with you to help you get the most out of your home sale. Contact us at 312-321-6910 for a complimentary consultation.