Real Estate Expert Kim Odegard Explains How to Prioritize Home Repairs Before Selling in HelloNation

The article explains how sellers can prioritize property condition while avoiding costly cosmetic projects that may not add value.

SCHERERVILLE, Ind., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should you not fix before selling your house? A HelloNation article featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Kim Odegard of Odegard Real Estate Team | eXp Realty provides the answer.

The article explains that getting a house ready to sell does not require fixing every visible flaw. Sellers may notice old paint, worn floors, dated fixtures, or rooms that could be improved. Good home sale preparation starts with identifying which problems could truly matter to buyers.

Cosmetic updates are among the first projects many sellers consider. New countertops, cabinets, flooring, and light fixtures can make a home appear newer. However, the article notes that these improvements can become expensive, while buyers may have different preferences for colors, materials, and designs.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are examples of projects sellers may want to reconsider. A complete remodel can require a significant investment even when the existing features function properly. The article explains that a buyer may still prefer to make changes after purchasing the property.

Flooring requires similar consideration. Older carpet, scratched hardwood, or dated tile may stand out during a showing, but replacing flooring throughout a house can be costly. Buyers may also prefer another material, making a large flooring project less valuable to them.

The article distinguishes cosmetic concerns from necessary home repairs before selling. A loose railing, leaking pipe, broken window, or active water problem could affect the home's safety or function. These problems may also receive greater attention during a home inspection.

Electrical, plumbing, roofing, and heating concerns may deserve attention before improvements based mainly on style. The article notes that a pre-listing inspection can sometimes provide more information about a home's condition before buyers begin viewing it. This approach is not appropriate for every seller, but it may identify issues earlier in the process.

Local market conditions can also influence repair decisions. The article explains that buyers may be more accepting of older finishes when fewer homes are available. When buyers have more choices, condition and appearance may receive closer attention.

Price range and neighborhood expectations also matter. Buyers often compare a property with similar homes nearby. If older kitchens or bathrooms are common in the area, updating those spaces may not be as important as addressing functional concerns.

Time and cost are additional factors in home sale preparation. Even projects that appear simple can take longer because of materials, contractors, or unexpected complications. Delaying a sale for an improvement that a buyer might later replace may not make financial sense.

The article notes that smaller projects can still help a property look cared for. Touching up damaged paint or repairing a loose handle is different from completing a major renovation. Sellers can focus on obvious maintenance concerns without trying to make every part of the home look new.

Real Estate Expert Kim Odegard provides insights featured in the article's discussion of local buyer expectations and repair decisions. The article also explains that inspectors and contractors can provide additional information when physical problems require specialized evaluation.

Choosing the right home repairs before selling ultimately involves considering condition, cost, timing, and likely buyer expectations. The article explains that sellers do not need to create a perfect house. Understanding which issues matter and which cosmetic projects can wait may help sellers avoid unnecessary work before listing.

What Not to Fix Before Selling Your House features insights from Kim Odegard, Real Estate Expert of Schererville, Indiana, in HelloNation.

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SOURCE HelloNation