Fix These First
These are the things buyers, inspectors, and lenders notice, and they can stall a sale:
- Water problems: roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and signs of water in the basement.
- Safety issues: exposed wiring, missing handrails, broken steps, and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors that don't work.
- Anything broken: cracked windows, doors that won't latch, appliances that don't run.
- Peeling paint on older homes: some loan types require it to be fixed before closing.
Quick Wins That Pay Off
- Paint: fresh, neutral paint in the main rooms makes everything look cleaner and bigger.
- Lighting: bright bulbs and updated fixtures in dark spaces.
- Small details: new cabinet hardware, outlet covers, fresh caulk, and touched-up trim.
- Curb appeal: a clean entry, trimmed shrubs, fresh mulch, and a tidy driveway.
- A deep clean: windows, carpets, and the spots buyers always look, like inside the oven.
Think Twice About These
- Full kitchen or bath remodels. They're expensive, slow, and buyers may want different finishes.
- Trendy, personal choices. Bold colors or custom features you love might not match what buyers want.
- Big additions. These rarely make sense right before a sale.
Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection
An inspection before you list can uncover surprises early, so you can fix them or price around them. Radon testing is also common in this area, and some buyers will ask about it.
Fix It or Price It?
For a bigger item like an aging roof or furnace, you can fix it, offer a credit, or price the home to reflect it. I'll help you compare the cost of each option against what it's likely to do for your sale.
Staging Ties It All Together
Once the fixes are done, staging helps buyers see the home at its best. White Spruce offers design and staging help, so the finishing touches are handled.
Not sure what's worth fixing? Book a call. I'll walk through your home with you and give you an honest, prioritized list. Then read the home seller guide for what comes next.
This is general information. Use licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other repairs.
Common Questions
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Usually not. Big remodels right before a sale often don't pay back their full cost, and buyers may want to pick their own finishes. A deep clean, fresh paint, new hardware, and good lighting go a long way.
Do I need a pre-listing inspection?
It's optional. It can help you find surprises early, so you can fix them or price around them, instead of learning about them in the middle of a negotiation.
If I fix something, do I still have to disclose it?
South Dakota's disclosure form asks about the home's condition and known problems. Answer it honestly, keep receipts for repairs, and ask me if you're unsure how to describe something.
Written by Lacie Packard, REALTOR®, White Spruce Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls. Updated October 2026.