Step 1: Choose a preparation path
There are three broad paths. None is right for every home.
- Light preparation. Cleaning, decluttering, small repairs and grounds. Suits a home in sound condition.
- Selective improvement. A few targeted projects, such as paint or flooring in a worn room. Suits a home with one or two obvious distractions.
- As-is sale. No repairs; the home is priced and disclosed as it stands. Suits owners who cannot or prefer not to manage work, and homes needing more than cosmetic attention. The Journal note on selling as-is in California and the as-is sales service page explain more.
If this, then that:
- If a repair would take longer than you are willing to wait, then disclose it and let the buyer weigh it.
- If a repair requires a permit, then factor in the permit process before committing, and keep the final sign-off.
- If you are unsure whether a project will matter to buyers, then ask Sidney before you start. The Journal note on what to fix before selling is a useful primer.
A note on architectural homes. In a Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival or mid-century home, original fabric is often part of the appeal. Stained wood trim, period tile, steel or wood windows, built-in cabinetry and original light fixtures generally deserve careful cleaning and repair rather than replacement. If the home is a designated landmark or sits in a historic district, ask the city's planning office what review applies before you change anything visible from the street.
