How to Sell a Home That Needs Major Renovations Without Spending a Fortune
Selling a home that requires extensive repairs can feel overwhelming. Whether your property has outdated systems, structural damage, or years of deferred maintenance, getting it market-ready may seem like an impossible (and expensive) task. However, the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to sell your home—especially if you opt for an as-is sale.
At Midwest Cash Offer, we specialize in buying homes in any condition, offering homeowners a fast, hassle-free solution without the stress of repairs or costly renovations. If your home needs major work, here’s what you should consider before deciding how to sell.
Key Considerations When Selling a Home That Needs Major Repairs
1. Understand the Full Scope of Repairs Needed
Before listing your home, you need to evaluate its current condition and determine the extent of the necessary repairs. Some fixes may be minor, while others could require significant time and financial investment.
Structural Issues – Foundation cracks, sagging floors, roof damage, or severe termite infestations can be major deal-breakers for traditional buyers. Fixing structural problems can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on severity.
Plumbing & Electrical Problems – Outdated wiring, broken pipes, sewer line issues, and water damage are red flags for buyers and lenders. These can cost $5,000 to $20,000+ to repair.
Outdated or Damaged Interiors – Kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring that need major overhauls can quickly add up. A full kitchen remodel, for example, averages $25,000 to $50,000.
Major System Failures – Heating, cooling, septic, and water heater issues may require costly replacements. A new HVAC system alone can cost $7,000 to $12,000.
Mold, Asbestos, or Lead-Based Paint – If your home has hazardous materials, remediation costs can be thousands of dollars, plus potential legal liability.
If your home has multiple major repair needs, traditional buyers may struggle to secure financing, and you could end up in a drawn-out, expensive selling process.
2. Should You Sell As-Is or Make Some Repairs?
Once you understand your home’s condition, you’ll need to decide whether making repairs or selling as-is is the best choice.
When Making Repairs Might Make Sense:
Your home only needs minor cosmetic updates (paint, landscaping, flooring).
You have the time and budget to invest in renovations.
The market is extremely competitive, and buyers are paying top dollar for move-in-ready homes.
When Selling As-Is Might Be the Better Option:
Your home needs extensive repairs beyond your budget.
You need to sell quickly and don’t have time for renovations.
You don’t want to risk investing thousands into a home without guaranteed returns.
Your home won’t qualify for traditional financing due to its condition.
In many cases, the cost of fixing a home outweighs the potential increase in sale price—especially when you factor in holding costs like property taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments while the home sits on the market.
3. How the Traditional Home-Selling Process Can Be Difficult
If you try to sell a home that needs major repairs through a real estate agent, be prepared for these challenges:
Longer Time on Market – Buyers may hesitate to purchase a fixer-upper, meaning your home could sit unsold for months.
Inspection Surprises – Many buyers will request an inspection, which can uncover unexpected problems—leading to costly demands for repairs or price reductions.
Limited Buyer Pool – Many traditional buyers can’t get financing for a home that doesn’t meet lender requirements, restricting your potential offers.
High Commissions & Fees – Even if your home sells, you’ll need to pay agent commissions (5-6%) and closing costs, cutting into your profits.
Selling on the open market may not be worth the headache, especially if you need to sell quickly or lack the funds to make repairs.
How Midwest Cash Offer Helps You Sell Without Spending a Fortune
If your home needs extensive repairs and you don’t have the time, energy, or money to fix it up, Midwest Cash Offer provides a simple solution.
Why Homeowners Choose Us:
We Buy Homes As-Is – No need for costly repairs or renovations.
Fast Closings – Sell in as little as 7 days instead of waiting months.
No Commissions or Fees – Keep 100% of your cash offer—no hidden costs.
No Appraisals or Inspections – No risk of buyers backing out due to lender requirements.
Stress-Free Process – No showings, negotiations, or financing contingencies.
How It Works:
Request a Free Cash Offer – Tell us about your home, and we’ll evaluate it—no obligation.
Receive a Fair Offer – We assess your home’s value and make a competitive, all-cash offer.
Close on Your Schedule – Choose a closing date that works for you. We handle all the paperwork.
Real Homeowners, Real Results
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners sell their distressed properties quickly and easily. Whether your home has severe damage, outdated systems, or is simply too costly to fix, we provide a stress-free way to sell.
A homeowner in Indianapolis avoided $40,000 in renovation costs by selling as-is in just 10 days.
If you’re facing expensive home repairs and don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional selling, contact Midwest Cash Offer today for a free, no-obligation cash offer!
