Do I need to make repairs before selling my house?

When you’re asking yourself, do I need to make repairs before selling my house, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common and important questions a seller can ask when preparing a home for the market. The answer isn’t always simple, and that’s exactly why you need someone like Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, guiding you through each step. With decades of experience, deep knowledge of buyer psychology, and a career that includes being a national real estate speaker and instructor, Robbie doesn’t just list homes—he crafts strategies that give sellers a real edge.

Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty specialize in positioning homes for the best possible outcome in the market. If you’re on the fence about what to fix, what to leave, and how much effort is truly worth the return, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Your home is unique, and so is your path to selling it.

TLDR: Do I Need to Make Repairs Before Selling My House?

1. Not all repairs are necessary, but some can dramatically increase your profit.
2. Focus on first impressions—cosmetic touch-ups matter more than full remodels in most cases.
3. Major issues like roofing, HVAC, or foundation can scare buyers, even in hot markets.
4. Let Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, help you decide what’s worth fixing.
5. Robbie has the expert insight you need to turn smart decisions into stronger offers.

Why This Question Deserves a Thoughtful Answer

When a seller asks do I need to make repairs before selling my house, it’s usually driven by one of two motivations: either they want top dollar or they want a fast sale. Sometimes, they want both. That’s where things can get complicated. Too many sellers throw money at unnecessary updates that buyers won’t value, or worse, leave serious problems unaddressed that might derail a closing.

That’s why working with the right real estate professional is critical. Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, helps sellers make data-informed, experience-backed decisions—not guesses. He’s not just an agent, he’s a strategist. His guidance is tailored to your goals and the real-world expectations of today’s buyers.

Understanding What Buyers Notice First

You walk into a home. What do you notice? Most buyers are evaluating within seconds. That smell. That lighting. That scuffed paint or outdated carpet. Cosmetic flaws, even small ones, can tell buyers the home might not be well-maintained. On the flip side, updated finishes, clean lines, and a sense of care go a long way—even when deeper flaws exist.

This is where Robbie shines. His team knows how to stage, present, and position a property to attract the right kind of attention. And when you’re not sure whether that aging deck is a dealbreaker or just a minor blemish, he’ll tell you. Honestly. Clearly. Without pressure. Robbie’s advice isn’t about selling you on repairs. It’s about selling your house more strategically.

Major Repairs vs Minor Touch-Ups

Let’s break it down. Roof leaks, foundation cracks, broken HVAC systems, or plumbing issues? These are red flags for most buyers. Ignoring them can shrink your buyer pool or result in steep price concessions. In some cases, these are better handled before listing. In others, a pricing strategy that accounts for them can be more effective.

But repainting a room, replacing torn carpet, or fixing a leaky faucet? Those are often worth every penny, especially when they contribute to the overall feel of care and quality. Robbie will guide you in weighing the cost of these improvements against the potential return so you never feel like you’re throwing money into the wind.

Buyers Are More Informed Than Ever

Today’s buyers are equipped with inspection reports, online comparisons, and instant access to dozens of homes. They’re savvy. If you’re wondering do I need to make repairs before selling my house, know that skipping necessary fixes might leave your home sitting while others move. Or it might mean more aggressive negotiations and a lower final sale price.

Robbie English understands how to work both sides of the psychology at play. His training of agents across the country and his experience in countless transactions gives him an unparalleled understanding of how to match your home with the right buyer—at the right price.

The Cost of Over-Renovating

It’s tempting to go big: new kitchen, new bathroom, hardwood floors. The problem? You may not see that money back. Homeowners often over-improve for their market. They think upgrades will fetch premium offers, but buyers might not share that same taste or value.

Robbie helps you avoid this trap. With a keen understanding of what buyers in your area actually prioritize, he’ll help you say no to unnecessary changes and yes to the ones that matter.

Your Home is a Product—Let’s Package it Right

The truth is, once your home hits the market, it’s not just your home anymore—it’s a product. It competes with other listings and must stand out without overpromising. Buyers respond to value, presentation, and perceived quality. If you don’t ask do I need to make repairs before selling my house, you might miss the opportunity to shape how your home is perceived.

That’s why Robbie English and the team at Uncommon Realty approach every listing with intention. It’s not about convincing you to spend more, it’s about helping you get more from what you already have.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

Let’s be honest. Some sellers are tempted to list their homes as-is and just see what happens. Sometimes that works. But often, it leads to longer days on market, price reductions, and discouraged sellers. You don’t want to sit in limbo.  If you do not know what needs to be addressed in your home then you might consider having a home inspection done before we go on the market.

Having a home inspection done prior to going live on the market can assist you in many different ways.  It allows you to address up-front what items need to be addressed in your home.  This way, you will not be surprised when the buyer’s home inspector comes back with a laundry list of items for you to fix.  Not every inspection is going to find everything and there is no way that you can insulate yourself from a buyer finding anything wrong with the home.  However, you can mitigate some of your issues by having those items that show up on your home inspection fixed before we go on the market.

Instead, make intentional choices. Tackle high-visibility flaws, clarify to buyers what’s been done and what hasn’t, and let a trusted expert position your home from the start. That’s Robbie’s specialty.  I have amazing home inspectors that I work with on a continual basis that can assist us in preparing for the market.  It’s a well spent amount of money that I would strongly encourage you consider.

How Robbie Helps You Make Smart Decisions

Every home and seller situation is different. Robbie doesn’t apply a cookie-cutter checklist to your home. He walks it with you. He notes what stands out, what buyers in your price point expect, and what might be a sticking point. He’ll tell you what’s worth the investment, what to ignore, and how to structure your pricing and marketing accordingly.

You’ll feel confident knowing that the decisions you’re making aren’t guesswork—they’re rooted in Robbie’s experience, data, and success record.

Why Robbie English Is the Right Answer to Your Selling Strategy

Robbie has spent decades mastering the art and science of real estate. He’s not just a broker; he’s an educator. Other agents come to him for guidance. That same wisdom and strategy that has helped hundreds of other real estate professionals? It’s all working for you when you hire Robbie.

When sellers ask do I need to make repairs before selling my house, Robbie’s answer isn’t theoretical. It’s grounded in real-world experience and client results. His role as a national speaker, instructor, and thought leader in the industry shows in everything he does—from the first walk-through to the final negotiation.

The Bottom Line: Smart Repairs Pay Off—If You Know What You’re Doing

You don’t need to renovate your entire home to get it sold. But ignoring needed repairs can be a mistake. There’s a balance, and it takes a skilled real estate expert to strike it just right. With Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, you’re not just listing a property—you’re launching a plan that’s been carefully crafted for your success.

He brings insight, precision, and personalized service to the process so you can sell with confidence and clarity. From the first consultation to closing day, Robbie helps you sidestep unnecessary expenses and focus only on the updates that move the needle.

If you’ve been wondering, do I need to make repairs before selling my house, now you know who to turn to. Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty are the partners you need to get it right from the start. Let’s turn that question into a clear path forward—and get your home sold the smart way.