Worried About Repairs and Updates Before Listing Your Home? Read This First!

If you're thinking about selling your home in Warwick, East Greenwich, Cranston, Coventry, North Kingstown, or anywhere in Rhode Island, you’re probably wondering:

➡️ Do I need to fix everything before I list?
➡️ Will buyers still be interested if my home needs work?
➡️ How much should I spend on repairs?

The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get your home sold—but some strategic updates could help you sell faster and for a higher price. At Slocum Home Team, we’ve helped countless sellers navigate this process. Let’s dive into what really matters when preparing your home for sale in the Rhode Island real estate market.

68% of Sellers Make At Least One Home Improvement Before Listing—But That Doesn’t Mean You Should Overspend

According to LendingTree, 68% of homeowners make at least one repair or update before putting their home on the market. But here’s the key—not all repairs are necessary.

What Buyers Care About Most

💡 First Impressions Matter – A little curb appeal goes a long way. Fresh mulch, a power-washed exterior, and a clean front door can make a big difference.
🛠 Function Over Flash – Buyers expect the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to be in working order. If something major is broken, consider fixing it—or get a quote so buyers know the cost.
📷 Online Appeal – High-quality listing photos make or break buyer interest. A fresh coat of paint and some strategic staging can make your home pop online.

What’s NOT Worth Fixing

❌ Over-the-top kitchen and bathroom remodels – You won’t get your money back.
❌ High-end upgrades – Buyers may not value premium materials as much as you do.
❌ Full-scale renovations – Focus on cost-effective updates instead.

Buyer Demand is Still Strong—Even With High Interest Rates

With mortgage rates fluctuating, many sellers wonder if buyers are still out there. Spoiler alert: They are.

✔️ Inventory remains low, meaning buyers have fewer options.
✔️ Well-priced homes in Rhode Island are still selling quickly.
✔️ Buyers are willing to overlook minor cosmetic issues if the home is well-maintained.

At Slocum Home Team, we have access to a network of 21,500+ buyers actively looking for homes. This means we can connect you with serious buyers—even if your home isn’t “perfect.”

Do You Need to Fix the Roof, Bathroom, or Kitchen Before Selling? Not Necessarily.

Many homeowners assume they need to make major upgrades before listing. But in reality, it depends on the buyer pool and market conditions.

Here’s what to do instead:
1️⃣ Consult a Local Realtor – A Warwick or Rhode Island-based real estate agent (like Nick Slocum or one of our top agents) can tell you which repairs will actually add value.
2️⃣ Get Quotes Instead of Fixing Everything – If your roof, HVAC, or major system needs repairs, get a few contractor estimates so buyers know the cost.
3️⃣ Market to the Right Buyers – Some buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes, while others prefer to do renovations themselves.

The bottom line? You don’t have to fix everything to sell.

Before You Spend Thousands on Repairs—Let’s Talk

Many homeowners feel pressured to fix everything or settle for one of those "instant cash-offer" solutions that promise convenience but often result in lowball offers.

💬 Before you spend thousands on updates or accept an unfair offer, send us a message.

✔️ We’ll help you decide which fixes are worth it and which aren’t.
✔️ We have the buyer connections to sell your home as-is, if needed.
✔️ You’ll get expert pricing and marketing strategies to maximize your sale.