Updated January 2026
Is It Better to Fix Up a House Before Selling?
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Answer
Not always. Many repairs don't return their full cost. Cosmetic updates often pay off, but major repairs rarely return 100%. When you factor in time, stress, and holding costs, selling as-is frequently makes more financial sense.
ROI on Common Home Improvements
✓ Usually Worth It
- Garage door replacement: 102% ROI
- Minor kitchen remodel: 81% ROI
- Fresh paint: 107% ROI
- Landscaping: 100% ROI
- Deep cleaning: 100%+ ROI
✗ Often Not Worth It
- Major kitchen remodel: 54% ROI
- Bathroom addition: 56% ROI
- New roof: 60% ROI
- HVAC replacement: 65% ROI
- Foundation repair: 50-70% ROI
The Hidden Costs of Fixing First
The ROI numbers above don't account for:
- Your time: Managing contractors, making decisions, dealing with delays
- Holding costs: Mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities during renovations
- Opportunity cost: Money tied up in the house instead of your next move
- Stress: The real toll of managing a renovation project
- Overruns: Renovations almost always cost more than estimated
When to Sell As-Is Instead
- The house needs major repairs (roof, foundation, HVAC)
- You don't have cash for repairs
- You need to sell quickly
- You're out of state or can't manage contractors
- The property has code or permit issues
Not sure which option is best for you? We can run the numbers. Call (561) 258-9405 or get a cash offer to compare.