What to Fix (and What to Skip) Before Listing Your East Bay Home

Prepping your home for sale? It’s tempting to start fixing everything. But the truth is, not all upgrades offer a solid return—especially in today’s market.

Here’s a smart, East Bay–specific breakdown of what to repair, refresh, or ignore before going live in Fall/Winter 2025.

✅ Fix These Before You List

These are buyer red flags or inspection issues that can derail a sale or lower your price.

1. Leaky faucets or running toilets
→ Easy to fix, but buyers assume bigger plumbing problems.

2. Cracked or peeling paint (interior & exterior)
→ Fresh paint = big visual impact for low cost.

3. Damaged baseboards, trim, or doors
→ Makes the home feel neglected; simple updates go a long way.

4. Dead or patchy landscaping in the front yard
→ Boost curb appeal fast with mulch, greenery, and a mowed lawn.

5. HVAC filters, lightbulbs, and outlets
→ Replace these to show you’ve maintained the home properly.

⚖️ Optional—Depends on Your Budget & Timeline

6. Carpet Replacement or Deep Cleaning
→ Replace only if extremely worn or stained. Otherwise, a deep clean and neutral area rugs may do the trick.

7. Dated Kitchen Appliances
→ If you’re in a competitive market (like Lafayette or Alameda), a new stainless steel fridge or range may help you stand out. In slower areas, skip it.

8. Minor Bathroom Refreshes
→ Think new mirror, faucet, towel bars—not a full reno.

❌ Usually Not Worth It

9. Major Kitchen Remodel
→ You won’t recoup the cost before closing. Let buyers do it to their taste.

10. Adding Square Footage or Changing Floor Plan
→ Too expensive and too time-consuming pre-sale.

11. Swimming Pool Repairs or Upgrades
→ Unless it’s leaking or non-functional, leave it as-is.

🧭 What East Bay Buyers Want Right Now (Fall 2025)

• Light, neutral paint and clean presentation

• Energy efficiency: LED lighting, updated windows, Nest thermostats

• Move-in ready feel, even if it’s not brand new

• Pre-sale inspection reports and transparency

💡 Pro Tip:

If you’re unsure whether to fix it, ask:
“Would this show up on a home inspection or distract a buyer during showings?”
If yes → fix it.
If no → probably not worth the time and money.

Bottom Line:
Selling a home is about maximizing appeal without overspending. We help our sellers prioritize high-ROI upgrades—and skip the stress of over-improving.