Selling a Fixer-Upper: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Listing
Dreaming about selling your fixer-upper stress-free?
Putting your fixer-upper house on the market is one of the most frustrating journeys you will go through as a homeowner. From identifying repairs to prioritizing renovations and pricing your home competitively… The work can be mentally exhausting.
However…
If done correctly, selling your fixer-upper house won’t drain you mentally or financially. It can actually be a pain-free process that leaves you with lots of money in your pocket.
Here is everything you need to know about selling your fixer-upper fast.
Why Fixer-Uppers Are In-Demand Right Now
This is a golden age for selling fixer-uppers.
Home prices are still high and mortgage interest rates aren’t getting any lower, so buyers are searching high and low for more affordable alternatives.
Statistics show that demand for fixer-upper homes is stronger than ever:
Finder.com reports that home buyers have increased searches for fixer-upper homes by over 300% since 2021. Sites listing fixer-upper homes are also receiving 52% more page views than similar-priced move-in ready homes. Meaning buyers are searching and ready to make offers on homes that need work.
Now, here’s the question:
Why should sellers care about high demand?
If you own a fixer-upper that needs tons of work, you might assume that no one would want to buy your house. But that’s far from the truth. There’s an entire pool of buyers looking to snatch up properties like yours.
The key is pricing your home correctly.
Know your market and sell your home for what it’s worth and watch the offers roll in.
Why Cash Buyers Love Fixer-Uppers
Here’s a cool secret for sellers willing to learn:
Companies and investors that buy houses for cash have revolutionized the real estate industry. Instead of listing a house that needs work on the open market and waiting months to sell… you can sell directly to a cash buyer that will purchase your home as is with no repairs or staging required.
Think about how much easier that is:
Sell your house in as-is condition.
Skip repairs and the ever-so-daunting task of home staging.
Talk directly to cash home buyers and close a deal within a matter of weeks.
Sellers love this method because cash purchases mean less friction. No contingencies, no mortgage waits, and no chance of deals falling through at the last second.
According to NAR’s 2025 report, all-cash sales have risen to an all-time survey high at 26% of transactions. Cash home buyers are buying more properties than ever before, including fixer-uppers.
Cash in your pocket? Fast? This method of selling is perfect for sellers who:
- Have to sell their house fast because of a job transfer or financial hardship.
- Cannot afford to put thousands of dollars into repairs before selling.
- Don’t want to deal with the stress of open houses and constant showings.
- Received an inherited house left by a loved one or have fixer-uppers from tenant damage.
It’s that simple.
To Rehab or Not to Rehab? That Is The Question.
Everyone has heard about an owner who purchased a home that “needed just a few minor repairs” and turned into a complete renovation nightmare.
So you’re selling a fixer-upper and wondering if you should rehab before listing.
The short answer? Maybe.
Recent analysis from Zillow discovered that the average fixer-upper sells for 7.3% less than a home that is move-in ready. While that may not sound like a lot of money, spending thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel could leave you with little to no profit.
As renovation costs continue to rise with inflation and interest rates, spending big bucks on rehab could leave you in the red.
That being said, there are definitely times where you should spend money on fixing up your fixer-upper.
Examples of small upgrades that could increase home value.
- Paint
- New fixtures
- Deep cleaning
- Light landscaping
Times you should not rehab your fixer-upper before selling.
- You cannot afford to spend money on your home upfront.
- Major remodels that will cost you more than the home is worth.
- Spending money on renovations that exceed the neighbourhood’s price range.
If you’re going to spend money on your fixer-upper before selling, spend it wisely.
4x Tips to Sell Your Fixer-Upper House Fast
No matter what selling method you choose, these tips will ensure you get the best outcome when selling your fixer-upper.
Have A Home Inspection Done Before Listing
The first thing you should do when thinking about selling your home is to have a professional home inspection done.
Not only will this help you identify what needs to be repaired before selling, but you can also provide this to potential buyers when the time comes.
Seller’s that are transparent about the condition of their property gain trust from buyers. Sometimes that’s all you need to land a great offer.
Price It Right
Overpricing your home can be your greatest mistake when listing a fixer-upper.
Remember, buyers looking at your fixer-upper are already calculating how much repairs are going to cost them.
If your asking price is too high and doesn’t give them enough room to budget for repairs, they’ll quickly look somewhere else.
Price your home right, and you could even create a bidding war between potential buyers.
Full Disclosure
Speaking of transparency. When selling a fixer-upper house, you should disclose all known issues to potential buyers.
Trying to hide defects in your home will always come back to haunt you during home inspections and offer negotiations.
Seller’s who are honest about the condition of their home see quicker offers because buyers know what they’re getting into and are less likely to ask for repairs to be done.
Don’t Limit Your Options
Just because you decide to list your home with a real estate agent doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home to a cash home buyer.
Take the time to get offers from different areas. You never know what you could learn that would make you change your mind.
Wrap Up
Selling your fixer-upper house can be a fun and exciting experience.
High demand and all-cash buyers have made it easier than ever to sell your fixer-upper fast.
Let’s take a moment to review what was discussed.
- Demand for fixer-uppers has skyrocketed in the past few years.
- Cash buyers allow you to sell your home quickly and without headaches.
- Cosmetic repairs are your friends.
- Price your home according to the condition it’s in.
- Always disclose the true condition of your home to potential buyers.
Selling your fixer-upper doesn’t have to be hard. You just need to know what you’re doing. Now that you know how to sell a fixer-upper house, you’re well on your way to getting the best offer possible.
