"Real estate repairs" are the fixes or corrections made to a property to restore it to a safe, functional, and market-ready state. Repairs are not the same as renovations or upgrades. An upgrade changes a space, like replacing the kitchen countertops. A renovation reimagines it entirely.
Repairs address damage, defects, or wear that accumulate over the years of property ownership and are often uncovered during the sales process.
Common real estate repairs include:
These are the fixes sellers handle before putting a property on the market. They're often cosmetic or preventative, designed to make a home more appealing to buyers. The goal is to maximize curb appeal, elevate the sales price, and get ahead of requests buyers would make during negotiations. This is part of the larger "market-ready" process sellers often go through, usually at the behest of an experienced agent.
Common pre-listing updates:
"88% of all homebuyers used an inspector in their most recent purchase process", according to Porch. "Of the respondents who had an inspection performed, 86 percent said their inspector identified at least one problem."
Inspection repairs address the findings of an inspection report. These are repair requests made by the buyer of the seller, usually put forth in what's known as a "repair addendum". Negotiations here often cover structural defects, safety and code violations, or critical system.
Examples:
It is common for the seller to provide monetary concessions or credits in lieu of actually repairing anything. This can simplify the deal process but means that repair responsibility formally transfers from the seller to the buyer.
Once the property closes, the buyer becomes responsible for any and all repairs (unless specified as a term in the contract with the seller). Move-in repairs are an opportunity for the new owners to address any lingering items from the inspection report before settling into the home. Unaddressed safety concerns are the top priority. It's also an opportunity for any cosmetic improvements , like switching out older thermostats or installing new light fixtures.
Responsibility depends on the phase.
Local custom and market conditions affect these norms. In fast-moving markets like Charleston, D.C., or London, buyers may waive repair requests for a more competitive offer. That essentially transfers responsibility from the seller to the buyer.
The process shifts depending on the phase of the transaction.
Repair expectations can vary by market. In coastal areas like Charleston, SC, water intrusion, humidity, and pest issues may dominate. In colder climates, heating systems and roof insulation often top the list. In historical areas like D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, there are codes and preservation guidelines that may dictate the type of materials used to the methods of restoration.
Agents and professionals familiar with the region play a critical role in guiding repair decisions.
No. In some cases, agents may cover minor items as a goodwill gesture, but rules vary by state and even by brokerage.
No. An inspection report is a negotiation tool, not a mandatory repair list. If a buyer asks for too much, the seller can walk away. Likewise, if the seller declines too much, the buyer can walk away. This is where a good agent can add their expertise.
It's not an exact science. Market, season, and world events can all impact the price of materials. Then handymen, contractors, and teams all have their unique labor costs. A company may charge more but deliver more reliable service, while individual professionals may charge less but have more variance in terms of availability, quality, and job duration.
An experienced real estate agent usually has a strong idea of average cost.
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