If you're getting ready to sell your home, this is one of the first questions you'll face: fix things up first, or list it as is and let the chips fall where they may?

I get asked this all the time, and my answer comes from more than just industry experience. It comes from my own experience selling my personal home.

What I Did When I Sold My Own Home

Before I ever listed my home, I hired a home inspector I know and trust to walk through it, top to bottom, the same way a buyer's inspector would. That gave me a full, honest picture of what needed attention before a buyer ever saw it.

From there, I made every repair on that list. Then I put it all together in a book for prospective buyers: the inspection report, plus the receipts for every repair completed. It was a clear paper trail showing exactly what had been done and by whom.

The result? My buyer chose to skip his own inspection entirely. He trusted the documentation I provided, because I had already done the work and could prove it.

Why This Matters More in Today's Market

Selling "as is" might sound simpler. No repair bills, no waiting on contractors, no inspection surprises to manage. But in today's market, I generally advise against it.

Here's why: roughly 90% of buyers right now are looking for a turnkey home. They want to move in without a list of projects waiting for them. When a home is listed as is, many of these buyers scroll right past it, or they submit an offer well below market value to account for the unknowns.

A pre-listing inspection and completed repairs do the opposite. They tell a buyer this home has been cared for, there are no hidden surprises, and they can move forward with confidence. That confidence often translates into stronger offers and a smoother path to closing.

My Advice If You're Getting Ready to Sell

1. Get a pre-listing inspection. Use an inspector you trust, not just the cheapest option. This is your chance to see your home the way a buyer's inspector will.
2. Make the repairs. Address what comes up on the report before your home ever hits the market.
3. Document everything. Keep the inspection report and every repair receipt together. Buyers value proof, not promises.
4. Present it well. Having that documentation ready for buyers to review can eliminate the need for a second inspection altogether, and it builds trust from the very first showing.

Selling as is might feel easier in the short term, but in a market where most buyers want turnkey, it can cost you both time and money. A little preparation upfront goes a long way toward a faster sale and a better price.

If you're thinking about selling your East Valley home and want to talk through your options, I'd love to help. Reach out anytime.