top of page

Why You Should Hire a Handyman Before Listing Your Home – And How It Can Increase Your Sale Price

JCJ Residential Services

Handing key over

When preparing to list your home for sale, many homeowners focus on staging and curb appeal. However, one often overlooked aspect that can significantly boost the value of your home is hiring a handyman to take care of small repairs and touch-ups. These minor fixes can make a world of difference in how potential buyers perceive your property—and they can translate into a higher selling price.

In this post, we’ll explore why hiring a handyman before listing your home is a smart investment and how these simple repairs can help you sell your home faster and for more money.


Why Minor Repairs Matter in the Home-Selling Process

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your home. Buyers often make up their minds about a property within minutes of walking in the door. Small issues—like chipped paint, a leaky faucet, or a loose handrail—can raise red flags and leave potential buyers wondering what bigger issues might be lurking beneath the surface.

When buyers see a home that’s well-maintained, it gives them confidence that the property has been cared for, making them more likely to make a strong offer.

Common Handyman Tasks Before Listing

A handyman can tackle a wide range of small repairs that will help your home shine. Some of the most common tasks to address before listing include:

  • Patching and painting walls: Cover up any scuffs, dings, or holes in the walls, and give the interior a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones.

  • Replacing outdated fixtures: Updating faucets, lighting, and hardware can give rooms a fresh, modern look without a major renovation.

  • Repairing doors and windows: Ensure that all doors open and close properly, and address any issues with window locks or seals.

  • Replacing worn-out caulking: Re-caulk around sinks, bathtubs, and windows to give these areas a fresh, clean look.

  • Fixing squeaky floors or stairs: A quick fix to eliminate squeaks can make your home feel more solid and well-maintained.

  • Refreshing exterior features: Fixing loose deck boards, repainting the front door, and cleaning up the yard can drastically improve curb appeal.


These small jobs can make your home feel polished and move-in ready—qualities that buyers are willing to pay a premium for.


How Much More Money Could You Make?

The impact of small repairs on your home’s sale price can be significant. Here’s how:

  1. Improved Home Appeal Homes that look well-maintained tend to sell faster and for higher prices. When buyers see fewer flaws, they’re more likely to view the home as move-in ready and less likely to negotiate for repairs or price reductions. The perceived value increases, often leading to more competitive offers.

  2. Avoiding Buyer Credits and Discounts When a Home Inspection uncovers multiple minor issues, buyers may ask for credits or discounts to cover the cost of repairs. By addressing these problems upfront, you eliminate their leverage to ask for price reductions, which could save you thousands in negotiations.

    *Our Head Technician and Partner, Joe, is a certified Home Inspector!

  3. Higher Asking Price Investing in minor repairs can justify a higher listing price. A well-maintained home can command 2-5% more than one in need of repairs. For example, on a $300,000 home, that could mean an additional $6,000 to $15,000 in your pocket just by making your home feel move-in ready.


Cost vs. Return on Investment

Hiring a handyman to handle small repairs is typically a relatively low-cost investment, especially when compared to the potential return. Most homeowners spend $500 to $2,000 on handyman services before listing, depending on the extent of repairs needed. This small upfront cost can result in a much larger financial return when it comes time to sell.

For example, if you spend $1,000 on handyman services and it helps you avoid a $5,000 price reduction or credit during negotiations, the return on your investment is clear.


The Psychological Impact on Buyers

Beyond the financial aspects, there’s also a psychological factor at play. When buyers walk into a home that feels well-cared-for, they’re more likely to imagine themselves living there. It creates a positive emotional response, making them more willing to make an offer at or above your asking price.


A Stress-Free Selling Experience

Selling a home can be stressful, but taking care of repairs before you list can ease some of that stress. Knowing that the home is in top condition can give you peace of mind during showings and negotiations. It also prevents the last-minute rush to fix things that a home inspector might flag, allowing you to move forward confidently.



Hiring a handyman before listing your home is a simple yet effective way to boost your home’s value, attract more buyers, and avoid last-minute price reductions during negotiations. For a relatively small investment, you can make your home feel well-maintained and move-in ready—qualities that buyers are willing to pay more for.

By investing in minor repairs, you could see a return of 2-5% more on your home’s sale price, which can add up to thousands of extra dollars. If you’re planning to list your home soon, consider reaching out to a trusted handyman to tackle those small fixes and give your property the best chance to shine in a competitive market.

0 comments

Kommentare


bottom of page