Do I Need to Make Repairs Before Selling My House in Maryland?

If you’re planning to sell your home in Maryland, one of the most common—and important—questions sellers ask is:
Do I need to make repairs before selling my house, or can I sell it as-is?

The short answer is: it depends. Some repairs are worth making because they can increase your home’s value or help it sell faster, while others may not deliver a strong return on investment.

At Coldwell Banker Chesapeake, we help Maryland homeowners make strategic, cost-effective decisions that align with current market conditions. This guide breaks down which repairs matter, which ones don’t, and how to decide what’s right for your home.

Quick Answer: Do You Need to Make Repairs Before Selling?

You do not have to make repairs before selling your house in Maryland, but making certain key repairs can improve buyer interest, reduce negotiation issues, and help your home sell faster and for more money.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s positioning your home to compete well in today’s market.

Why Repairs Matter When Selling a Home

Most buyers are comparing multiple homes at once. When repairs are needed, buyers often:

• Assume bigger problems exist
• Reduce their offer price
• Ask for credits or concessions
• Walk away during inspections

Homes that appear well-maintained tend to:

• Attract more showings
• Sell faster
• Receive stronger offers
• Appraise more smoothly

Repairs That Are Usually Worth Making

1. Fix Health, Safety, and Structural Issues

These repairs matter most because they often come up during inspections and can derail a sale.

Common examples include:

• Roof leaks or missing shingles
• Electrical issues (outdated wiring, exposed wires)
• Plumbing leaks
• HVAC systems not functioning properly
• Mold or water intrusion

Why it matters: Lenders may require these issues to be resolved before closing, especially for FHA or VA buyers.

2. Address Obvious Deferred Maintenance

Small issues can signal neglect—even if the home is solid.

Low-cost, high-impact fixes include:

• Replacing broken light fixtures
• Fixing loose door handles or hinges
• Repairing cracked tiles
• Patching nail holes
• Touch-up paint in neutral colors

These repairs are inexpensive but make a strong first impression.

3. Improve Curb Appeal

Buyers decide how they feel about a home within seconds of arriving.

Simple curb appeal updates:

• Fresh mulch and trimmed landscaping
• Power washing siding and walkways
• Painting or replacing the front door
• Fixing broken steps or railings

In Maryland neighborhoods and Eastern Shore communities, curb appeal can significantly impact buyer traffic.

Repairs That Are Often NOT Worth Doing

1. Major Renovations

Large-scale projects rarely provide a full return right before selling.

Examples:

• Full kitchen remodels
• Bathroom overhauls
• Finished basements

Buyers often prefer to choose their own finishes, and you may not recoup the full cost.

2. Cosmetic Changes Based on Personal Taste

Avoid making updates that reflect your personal style rather than broad buyer appeal, such as:

• Bold paint colors
• Custom cabinetry
• High-end specialty finishes

Neutral, clean, and well-maintained usually outperform trendy upgrades.

Should You Sell Your Home As-Is?

Selling as-is is an option, especially if:

• The home needs significant repairs
• You want a quick sale
• You’re handling an estate or inherited property
• You prefer not to invest additional money

However, selling as-is typically means:

• Lower offers
• Smaller buyer pool
• More negotiation

A Coldwell Banker Chesapeake agent can help determine whether as-is or repaired will net you the best outcome.

How the Maryland Market Affects Repair Decisions

In seller’s markets, buyers may overlook minor issues due to competition. In balanced or buyer’s markets, condition matters more.

Factors to consider:

• Local inventory levels
• Average days on market
• Buyer demand in your specific neighborhood

Maryland’s real estate market can vary significantly by region, which is why local expertise matters.

Pre-Listing Inspections: A Smart Strategy

Many sellers choose to get a pre-listing inspection before going on the market.

Benefits include:

• Identifying issues early
• Preventing surprises during buyer inspections
• Allowing you to make repairs on your timeline
• Strengthening buyer confidence

This approach often leads to smoother negotiations and fewer deal delays.

How Much Should You Spend on Repairs?

A general guideline:

• Focus on repairs, not renovations
• Prioritize items buyers will notice immediately
• Aim for improvements that reduce objections, not perfection

Your Coldwell Banker Chesapeake agent can help you estimate:

• Cost vs. value of repairs
• Likely buyer reaction
• Whether repair credits make more sense than fixing items yourself

Repair Credits vs. Fixing It Yourself

In some cases, offering a repair credit at closing is better than completing the work yourself.

Repair credits can:

• Save time
• Reduce upfront costs
• Let buyers choose contractors

However, visible or safety-related issues are often better addressed before listing.

Final Thoughts: Do Repairs Help You Sell Faster?

Yes—strategic repairs almost always help a home sell faster and with fewer complications. But that doesn’t mean you need to fix everything.

The smartest sellers:

• Make repairs that reduce buyer objections
• Skip costly upgrades with low ROI
• Rely on local market insight to guide decisions

At Coldwell Banker Chesapeake, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. We evaluate your home, your goals, and your local market to create a plan that works for you.

Thinking About Selling Your Maryland Home?

Find out what your home is worth, get expert advice on which repairs matter, and work with a trusted local real estate team.

Let Coldwell Banker Chesapeake help you sell with confidence.