Tips For Selling Fixer-Uppers or Damaged Houses

Are you selling a home that is maybe damaged or is a fixer-upper? Real Estate Agents may not let on how hard it is to sell homes that are not in good condition.

Selling a home in poor condition can be tricky. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), around 80% of home buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, which puts sellers of fixer-uppers at a disadvantage.

Real estate agents often focus on visually appealing homes that are easier to sell.

Moreover, the 2024 Remodeling Impact Report shows that mid-range home repairs typically recover only 60% to 75% of their cost when the home is resold. This means that investing in repairs might not yield the expected return.

Selling Damaged or Fixer-Upper Houses

If your house is damaged or outdated, it’s essential to understand your options before making any decisions. Check out the full NAR Remodeling Impact Report here: National Association of Realtors—Remodeling Impact Report, and continue reading our article.

Agents Prioritize Easy-to-Sell Properties

Many real estate agents operate on commission, usually 5–6% of the sale price. This creates an incentive to focus on properties that:

• Require minimal effort to market
• Can be staged attractively
• Appeal to conventional buyers and mortgage lenders

Fixer-uppers and damaged homes, on the other hand, often require more time, strategy, and patience—things some agents won’t invest in. If they accept your listing, they might push you toward unnecessary updates to boost the sale price (and their commission), even when those updates won’t offer a full return on investment.

The Renovation Trap: Is It Worth It?

It’s common to hear, “Just fix up the kitchen and repaint the living room,” but is that sound advice?

According to Zonda Media’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the average minor kitchen remodel costs over $26,000, yet only 71.2% of that cost is typically recouped in resale.

Roof replacements, bathroom upgrades, and exterior projects rarely return full value, suggesting sellers who sink money into renovations might lose thousands—especially if they need to sell quickly due to financial strain, divorce, relocation, or inheritance.

There’s a Market for Homes in Poor Condition

Real estate agents often underestimate—or entirely overlook—the active market of cash buyers, investors, and house flippers specifically looking for properties with significant wear and tear. These buyers:

• Prefer as-is sales
• Can close within 7–14 days
• Often, pay in cash, which removes the need for mortgage approvals, appraisals, or delays.

If you’re selling a house in bad condition, this route can offer a faster, less stressful alternative to traditional real estate listings. It eliminates the need for repairs, deep cleaning, or staging—and provides sellers with more flexibility on their timeline.

There are property buyer businesses that want to buy homes in need of extensive refurbishment. For example, if you’re in Arkansas, you could use a trusted option for such sales as Paranova Property Buyers. This business has a platform that helps homeowners in Arkansas connect with serious, no-hassle buyers ready to make fair offers for distressed properties.

Listing a Damaged Home May Lead to a “Stale” Property

Homes that linger on the market tend to lose buyer interest quickly. When a property doesn’t sell after a few weeks:

• Agents may pressure you to lower the price
• Buyers assume something is wrong and submit lowball offers
• Your listing becomes less visible on online platforms

Homes that show damage in photos or have poor curb appeal will take a long time to sell. If your property falls into this category, you’re better off exploring alternative selling methods early on rather than waiting for the listing to expire.

Your Agent Might Not Disclose All Your Selling Options

Many agents default to listing your property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). However, if your home has foundation issues, water or fire damage, mold, pests, or structural problems, you may need to think outside the box.

Unfortunately, agents don’t always disclose another pathway, such as selling to local investors, partnering with the “We Buy Houses” company,  or using online marketplaces for distressed homes. These options help avoid inspection nightmares, drawn-out negotiations, and repair obligations.

Pricing Strategies Are Often Misaligned

Agents might suggest pricing your fixer-upper similarly to other homes in the area, but not all comparables are equal.

If they compare your damaged home to move-in-ready properties, you’ll likely overprice it and receive no offers. Additionally, buyers will expect a flawless home and walk away disappointed. You’ll likely waste weeks before reducing the price.

Instead, work with professionals who understand “as-is” pricing models and can help you position the home to attract the right buyers.

Repairs Aren’t Required—But Disclosures Are

Some agents may say, “Sell it as-is, no problem!” But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook entirely.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), sellers must still disclose known material defects, even in as-is transactions. That includes issues like:

• Electrical or plumbing failures
• Pest infestations
• Lead paint or asbestos
• Flood damage or foundation cracks

Disclosing these can lead to legal liabilities after the sale, even in cash transactions.

Agent Commissions Are Negotiable

Contrary to popular belief, commission rates aren’t set in stone. Especially if your property is low-value, the agent expects minimal marketing effort, and you’re targeting niche buyers or wholesalers. In these cases, you may be able to negotiate a reduced commission or even structure a flat-fee agreement—something many agents won’t offer unless asked directly.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Power for Fixer-Upper Sellers

Selling a fixer-upper doesn’t mean you’re stuck with expensive repairs or drawn-out listings. Traditional real estate isn’t your only option—especially if speed, simplicity, and convenience are priorities.

If you’re selling a house in poor condition, consider working with ‘we-buy-houses’ firms and companies like Paranova Property Buyers, where you can get a fair cash offer, close quickly, and skip the hassle of repairs or inspections altogether.

Knowledge is power—and the correct information can help you make the best move for your situation.