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The buyer's inspector says one of the air-conditioning units has a serious problem.
The buyer wants it repaired.
One spouse says yes.
The other says:
“I'm not putting another dollar into that house.”
Now what?
The legal question of how expenses are divided between divorcing spouses is not Lisa's call.
But whether addressing the repair makes sense for the transaction absolutely is something she can help evaluate.
The first repair discussion should happen before listing
The first repair discussion should actually happen before the home is listed.
Lisa wants to see the property before the sellers start spending money.
There is a huge difference between making strategic repairs that improve marketability and remodeling a home for a buyer who doesn't exist yet.
Strategic repairs vs. remodeling for no one
- A fresh, clean presentation may be worthwhile.
- Fixing a visible leak is probably important.
- Replacing something that is clearly broken may prevent buyer objections.
- Spending $50,000 remodeling a kitchen because someone said “updated kitchens sell better” may never produce a dollar-for-dollar return.
Lisa wants to look at what buyers are likely to notice and what could threaten the transaction.
Once under contract, the inspection creates a different negotiation
Once the home is under contract, the inspection creates a different negotiation.
If the buyer asks for a major HVAC repair, Lisa evaluates the request in the context of the contract, property and market.
If the buyer asks for a long list of small handyman items, a credit may sometimes be more practical than trying to coordinate numerous repairs while the sellers are divorcing.
Lisa has specifically described that distinction in her own approach: major expensive items deserve serious attention; smaller manageable repairs may sometimes be better handled through an appropriate credit rather than turning the transaction into a construction project.
The answer depends on the specific house and contract
The answer will depend on the specific house and contract.
What matters is that the decision should be made based on protecting the transaction and the sellers' financial position, not on which spouse first suggested the repair.
Important
For the pre-listing preparation side, see How to Prepare Your Las Vegas Home for Sale, and for the home systems worth checking, the Las Vegas Buyer Due-Diligence Center covers what inspections look for.
Spend money on what protects the sale, not on what wins the argument. Lisa can help you see the property before the sellers start spending. Call or text 702-743-4608.
