- If you plan to sell your old house in Los Angeles,CA, you probably have a laundry list of repairs in hand and a limited budget available
- With the rising cost of materials and labor, keeping a pulse on typical repairs costs will help you spend that budget wisely
- In the case where you don’t have much of a repair budget or don’t want to spend time on costly repairs, Fair Sale Homes can still help you sell your house as-is
Selling a rundown property in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming for homeowners. There may be a laundry list of repairs that you, your agent, or your inspector has created. Should you make repairs and which ones should you make? The California real estate industry has some specific requirements that must be addressed to increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers. We have compiled a list of the least expensive and most expensive home repairs to consider before selling your house in California.
Repairs To Make Under $10,0000
By having a clear amount of what you’re willing to spend out of pocket, you’ll can avoid overspending money on repairs that most likely won’t pay for themselves once the house is sold. For under $10,000 total, there are some affordable repairs that homeowners can do themselves, and some that may need the assistance of a professional.
Painting
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making any space feel new again. If the home has dated or bold colors, it might be a good idea to opt for a neutral color pallet. Neutral colors will make the space feel bigger, brighter, and will help potential buyers envision themselves in the home. There are many paint tutorials online, and it is one of the easiest and most affordable home repairs that a homeowner can do themselves. Estimated Cost: $300-$800
Revamp the Focal Points
Focal points of a home are areas that tend to grab people’s attention, meaning that this is where buyers tend to scrutinize the most. Examples of these include front doors, mantelpieces, staircases, and even hallways. Making a subtle change like swapping out your door for a modern one can make a dramatic difference. Staircases and flooring can be made to look more up-to-date by installing runners or a new light fixture. Small details like these can change the overall look of your homeselling. Estimated Cost: $100-$500
Modernize the Lighting
A quick upgrade to a home’s lighting fixtures can make the location feel more modern and energy-efficient. If the home is mostly or completely updated, consider swapping out old fixtures for energy-efficient lighting. This change is good for the wallet, and also adds updated and modern attributes. Small details like this can impact a decision in a sale and is a low cost,high reward option for property owners. Estimated Cost: $200-$600
Landscaping
Landscaping is crucial when it comes to making a first good impression for your house. An unkempt lawn with overblown shrubs makes the house and the owner look careless. Investing some time into maintaining your garden can pay off ten-folds in the event of a sale. Simple trimmings and weeding can change the whole look of a garden. The potential to add plants in places without plant coverage also adds greenery and warmth attributes to the house. Estimated Cost: $100-$300
With a combination of landscaping, interior paint, and small repairs here and there, you can get your house ready with a budget of $10,000. It will look better than other older houses on the market and attract more potential buyers.
Expensive Repairs (What Not to Fix)
These are some of the most expensive repairs that homeowners can do themselves and some that require the expertise and experience of a professional.
| Home Repair | Detailed Description | Budget Range |
| Foundation Repair | Foundation repair is one of the most expensive repairs that your house may require. It is essential to inspect the foundation of your house if you are planning to sell it. Look for signs of foundation shifting by paying attention to cracked interior walls or sloping floors, especially if the house is on a sloping lot. If there are any cracks or sinking found during the inspection, you will need a professional foundation repair specialist. | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Roof Repairs | Roof repairs are also crucial as potential buyers often look for a sturdy, well-maintained roof. Look for water stains on interior ceilings to spot signs of roof leak or water intrusion. Damaged or leaky roofs can be a turn-off to potential buyers, and be assured, they will want it repaired before closing the deal. The cost estimate for roof repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage and whether roof patching or roof replacement is the work required. | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| HVAC System Replacement | Replacing an HVAC system is an expensive repair must be carried out if the existing system is not functioning optimally or is nearing the end of its life. The cost estimate for an HVAC system depends on the size of your house and the type of HVAC system you choose. | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| Electrical System Upgrade | Replacing an electrical panel or or upgrading an electrical system can be expensive. Older homes might not be up to code and may require an electrical panel upgrade. An electrician can help determine the extent of the upgrade required. | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Exterior Painting | One of the most common and straightforward repairs of selling a home, exterior painting, adds fantastic curb appeal and can get your house sold faster. A new coat of paint on the exterior of the house can give your house a refreshing look, making it more attractive to potential buyers. | $5,000 to $10,000 |
Since the cost is high to repair the items explained above, it’s better to leave these items and the stress with dealing with them to the buyer. In order to do so, expect to lower your desired sale price or provide a credit back to the buyer during the negotiation.
Reality of Selling A House In Need Of Repair
A rundown property, especially in Los Angeles, isn’t going to appeal to everyone who is looking for a property on the MLS. There are design standards here. It takes a special person to want to buy a house that needs work, especially if it is a lot of work. Listing on the MLS isn’t always the best route as it is filled with pretty pictures of move-in-ready homes, waiting for potential buyers who are looking for their 1st or next dream home. A rundown home is likely to get overshadowed by the competition, meaning you’ll be on the hook for holding costs for a longer period of time. When marketing a rundown home for sale, you’ll need to appeal to those looking for a fixer-upper. Fair Sale Homes can help you do that via a listing or a direct sale. By finding the right buyers for your unwanted property in Los Angeles, you will be able to sell in less time and for more money.
Contact Fair Sale Homes to Sell Your House
You don’t ACTUALLY need to list your house on the MLS in order to sell it. In fact, there are ways that can be more beneficial to homeowners other than a traditional listing. Fair Sale Homes helps our clients by offering listing services and assisting if they would prefer a direct sale. A direct sale is simple…
- First, we will discuss your property, letting you know a ballpark price
- Then we will make an appointment to view the home in person
- From there we will put together a formal offer, without any hidden costs or fees
- Finally, we will facilitate the property closing on the day of your choice – you won’t have to wait for your money, nor is there any pressure on you to move out right away
Dealing with a rundown property is stressful enough, but it doesn’t have to be. We are in the business of buying properties of all shapes, sizes, and conditions. Our goal is to help you evaluate your options so that you can sell your house in the best way possible. There are many ways to sell a property in Los Angeles. Fair Sale Homes not only provides traditional listing services to our clients, but we also offer ways to sell directly. Our creative solutions will help you sell any rundown property while experiencing a straightforward and stress-free home-selling process.
Do you need to sell a rundown house in Los Angeles? If so, Fair Sale Homes can help. We offer many ways to help Los Angeles homeowners sell their unwanted property. Give us a call today to learn more about us and the creative solutions we can offer homeowners. We are happy to answer any questions you have about selling a rundown property in Los Angeles! (626) 863-7006