Should you do repairs before selling that house?

Sometimes I receive enquiries asking to quote on repairs before a house is sold. Last time, we would just send some workers over to the house to get the repairs done. NOW...a few years later and wiser after some observation of customer behavior trends, I would guide the person who enquires on the type of property he's having.



My reply to a recent enquiry on whether to repair or replace that old kitchen cabinet is :


"... whether or not you need to change to a new kitchen set or repair the old one depends on your property.


My observation is that :

1) If your old house is not a very high-end one, the prospective buyer will hope to get it fully furnished because they will not have much budget for a full house reno. Therefore they will appreciate a "free" kitchen even though not to their taste.

2) If your old house is above RM250,000 , the prospective buyer is likely someone who has more money to spend and will want to have the kitchen of his own choice, not any "free" kitchen. Therefore, a new kitchen you'll fit in may not be what they like and will not influence their buying decision.


**Most of the customers we come across choose to tear down "free" kitchens provided by the developer because when they have money to spend, they will want something better and of course nicer.



What about a leaking problem then?


My advice would be different if the problem is a leaky piping or roofing, which in this case I would say to get it repaired.


Or what about that fading paint?


Paint it. But make sure you choose a universally appealing colour so that it's "appetizing" to your prospective buyers. Colours are very subjective, where the maxim "one man's food is another's poison" applies. So... do not choose your favourite colours but choose something that's in trend now but is neutral enough to appeal to a vast majority. Some property investment books advice to paint white or cream but I feel it won't help your house to stand out. If you just do not have any idea, just go by the book and paint it white!



What to do with the old tiles?


To present a house that looks "well taken care of", get the stubborn stains chemically cleaned. No, that bottle of Clorox will not be of much help. You'll need to engage the tiling people to do a chemical cleaning.

Again, if the property is on the higher-end side, the new owner will most likely tear down and renew the tiles. However, if your house looks bright and clean and well-maintained, the probability of making that sale is very much higher.