5 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make: Skipping Repairs and Updates 🏡
- Scott Sweeney
- 53m
- 4 min read
Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Always Good Enough
Thinking about selling your home? Here’s a little truth bomb: buyers in Northern California are savvier than ever. With so many tools and listings at their fingertips, they can easily spot a home that’s been well-maintained and one that hasn’t.
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is skipping those small repairs or updates, thinking buyers won’t notice. Spoiler alert: they will. And it could cost you time, money, or even offers.
Let’s break down the five most common “skip-it-now, regret-it-later” mistakes sellers make — and how to avoid them.
🧰 1. Ignoring Minor Repairs
That dripping faucet, squeaky door, or cracked tile might seem harmless — but to buyers, they signal “more work ahead.”
Why it matters: Small issues can create a perception that the home hasn’t been cared for, even if everything else is in great shape.
Quick fix:
Patch holes in walls and repaint scuffed areas.
Replace missing outlet covers or cracked switch plates.
Tighten loose handles, knobs, and hinges.
Real-life example: A Sacramento seller ignored a few small maintenance issues — buyers used it to negotiate $10,000 off the asking price. A quick weekend of DIY fixes could’ve prevented that.
🎨 2. Skipping Cosmetic Updates
You don’t have to do a full remodel, but simple cosmetic updates can transform your home’s first impression.
Budget-friendly upgrades that pay off:
A fresh coat of neutral paint
Updated lighting fixtures
New cabinet hardware or faucets
Modern house numbers or a clean new mailbox
Fun fact: Homes with updated finishes can sell 3–5% higher on average than similar homes with dated interiors.
🌳 3. Forgetting Curb Appeal
Buyers start forming opinions before they even step inside. If the exterior looks neglected, they may assume the same about the rest of the home.
Quick curb-appeal boosters:
Mow, edge, and mulch your front yard.
Power-wash driveways and walkways.
Add potted plants or colorful flowers near the entrance.
Repaint or clean your front door.
Local tip: In Northern California’s drier areas like Elk Grove or Woodland, opt for drought-tolerant plants — they look great and signal eco-conscious living.
⚡ 4. Neglecting Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Today’s buyers love features that help lower monthly costs. Skipping on energy efficiency can make your home seem less competitive.
Consider adding or highlighting:
Smart thermostats
LED lighting
Ceiling fans in main living areas
Updated windows or added insulation
Pro tip: Even if you don’t have major upgrades like solar, small energy-efficient touches can still make your listing stand out.
🛁 5. Overlooking Kitchen and Bathroom Refreshes
These two areas sell homes — period. If they’re outdated, buyers immediately start calculating renovation costs (and deducting that from their offers).
You don’t need a full remodel:
Regrout tile or update cabinet hardware
Paint cabinets instead of replacing them
Add new mirrors or light fixtures in bathrooms
Example: A Rocklin seller spent $2,000 repainting kitchen cabinets and replacing outdated lighting — the home sold for $15,000 over asking.
🧭 The Takeaway
Skipping repairs or updates might save time now, but it can cost you big later. In today’s Northern California market, buyers want move-in ready homes — or they’ll use imperfections as leverage.
If you’re planning to sell soon, focus on the fixes that make the biggest impact. You don’t need a full renovation — just thoughtful updates that make your home shine.
Remember: a little effort upfront = a faster sale and a higher offer.
Scott Sweeney
Elk Grove Realtor
Serving Sacramento and beyond from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe
707 330 2324
CalBRE 01938720
About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
Over 100 Families Served
Top 5% Producing Agent
Buying & Listing Specialist
Contract & Negotiation Ninja
CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006
With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!
📞707-330-2324
Top Producer 2016-2023
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