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As a seller, you have several options when considering how much work to do before selling.
One option is to do relatively little and sell the property in it's "as is" condition. Another is to invest time, effort and money into fixing the property up before you sell. A third option is to do a combination of the first two approaches.
In making your decision, keep in mind that in general buyers pay more for homes that are in move-in condition.
Most buyers would prefer to buy a turnkey listing that doesn't need a lot of work. A home in great condition will usually attract more buyers than will one that doesn't show well and needs a lot of work.
Of course there is a market for ‘renovation’ properties, although it is more limited. Renovators will pay more for a house that requires work but has a big upside potential. Renovation listings sell at a discount when compared to listings that are in move-in condition.
A higher sale price is not the only benefit to be derived from fixing up your home for sale. If you're doing the fix-up work, rather than the buyer, you have control over the improvements.
You can shop the repair work for the best price. This can save you as much as 15 to 30 percent. Just make sure you use licensed contractors who will abide by city building permit requirements.
Often the decision of how much renovation work to do will depend on how much time you have before marketing your home, funds available for renovation, the location of your home, value and condition of other properties in your street/area etc.