Selling a fixer-upper doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re selling your first home, a rental property, or a distressed property that’s seen better days, I’ll teach you how to sell quickly and for a fair price.
The challenge? You don’t want to sink too much time or money into repairs, but you still need to make the property appealing to buyers.
Fortunately, there are proven strategies to sell a house in need of repairs without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, effective tips to boost your home’s appeal and attract serious offers. You don’t need a perfect home, just a smart approach. Here’s how to get started.
What Exactly is a “Fixer Upper”?
When categorizing a house as a fixer upper, it typically exhibits significant repair needs that go beyond minor cosmetic issues. Here are some major repair items that can classify a house as a fixer upper:
1. Structural Issues
- The house has a leaky roof
- Crumbling foundation: The house may have foundation problems, such as cracks or settling, which require professional repairs.
- Outdated electrical system: Fixer uppers often have outdated electrical wiring that needs to be updated to meet safety standards.
2. Plumbing Problems
- Faulty plumbing: The house may have plumbing issues, such as leaky pipes, clogged drains, or outdated plumbing fixtures that need to be replaced.
3. Outdated or Inadequate Systems
- HVAC system: A fixer upper may have an outdated or non-functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that requires replacement or repairs.
- Inadequate insulation: The house may lack proper insulation, leading to energy inefficiency and discomfort.
- Outdated or non-functioning appliances: Fixer uppers often have outdated or broken appliances that need to be replaced.
4. Cosmetic and Interior Issues:
- Peeling paint and wallpaper: The house may have outdated or damaged paint and wallpaper that needs to be stripped and repainted.
- Damaged flooring: Fixer uppers may have worn-out or damaged flooring that requires repair or replacement.
- Outdated fixtures and finishes: The house may have outdated fixtures, such as lighting fixtures, faucets, and hardware, that need to be updated.
5. Exterior Maintenance:
- Overgrown landscaping: The house may have neglected landscaping that needs to be trimmed, pruned, or removed.
- Broken fencing or railings: Fixer uppers may have damaged or broken fencing or railings that need to be repaired or replaced.
- Cracked or uneven pathways: The house may have cracked or uneven walkways or driveways that require repairs.
Why Cash Buyers Can Be Ideal
In recent years, the landscape of real estate has shifted dramatically. What was once primarily an investor-focused market for cash buyers has now expanded, with 28.4% of all home buyers making all-cash purchases in 2025.
For sellers, this surge in cash buyers brings some major advantages, particularly if you’re dealing with a fixer-upper and need to sell quickly. Why? Because cash sales offer a streamlined process that traditional mortgage deals can’t match.
While the average home sale takes around 42 days to close with a traditional loan, cash offers can wrap up in as little as two weeks.
That’s a huge time-saving benefit for sellers like you who are eager to close fast and move on.
Another key advantage? Cash offers usually come with fewer contingencies, like the inspection or appraisal requirements that can cause headaches in a fixer-upper sale. This means no surprise costs or last-minute deal-breakers.
For sellers who prefer a fast, hassle-free transaction, local cash buyers like GaryBuysHouses can be a game-changer. Our quick online form here lets you speak directly with Gary about your particular fixer-upper.
By entering a few details about your property, you can receive a no-obligation cash offer in as little as 2 hours or less. If you’re happy with the offer, you could be closing in as little as 7 days — no repairs, no waiting, and no stress.
Do Fixer Upper Houses Actually Sell?
It’s fairly common to find fixer upper houses for sale by their owners as a result of the threat of foreclosure. Most homeowners selling distressed properties think they will incur a loss as a last resort prior to going through the pre-foreclosure process.
Home prices have been rising, so many homeowners can sell their house and can meet the remainder of a mortgage balance and get some money at closing. It takes an estimated 120 days for the foreclosure process in Utah to go into effect.
Some buyers may choose to take out a 203(k) loan (also known as rehab mortgage insurance) which allows them to start work immediately with contractors on restoring the fair market value of a fixer upper home.
203 (k) Loan for a Fixer Upper Home
A 203(k) loan, also known as rehab mortgage insurance, is a type of government-insured mortgage that allows borrowers to finance both the purchase or refinance of a home and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single loan. Here are some qualifications and details about how a 203(k) loan works:
Qualifications:
- The property must be at least one year old.
- The borrower must meet standard FHA credit qualifications.
- The borrower must have a minimum credit score of 580.
- The borrower must have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less.
- The borrower must provide a detailed proposal of the work to be done, including a cost estimate from a licensed contractor.
How it works:
- A portion of the loan proceeds is used to pay the seller or to pay off the existing mortgage if it is a refinance, and the remaining funds are placed in an escrow account and released as the work is completed.
- The loan can be a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage.
- The loan amount is based on the projected value of the property after the rehabilitation is complete.
- The loan can cover up to 110% of the property’s value after the rehabilitation.
- The loan can be used for a variety of repairs, including structural repairs, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, as well as cosmetic improvements such as painting and flooring.
A 203(k) loan can be a great option for homebuyers or homeowners who want to purchase or refinance a fixer upper and finance the cost of repairs into one loan. It can also be a good option for those who want to make significant improvements to their existing home. However, it is important to carefully consider the costs and requirements of a 203(k) loan before applying.
Pros and Cons of Selling Your Fixer Upper via FSBO
Pros
- Cost Savings
As an investor, I understand that every dollar counts. Opting for FSBO means you can skip the real estate agent’s commission fees, which can be a significant expense. These savings can be directed towards necessary repairs or upgrades to make your fixer-upper house even more appealing to potential buyers like me. - Direct Communication
When selling FSBO, you’re directly engaging with potential buyers. This allows you to showcase the unique features of your fixer-upper house and address any concerns firsthand. For an investor like me, direct communication provides insights into your property’s potential and allows for personalized negotiation. - Control Over the Process
FSBO hands you full control over the selling process. You set the listing price, schedule showings, and negotiate terms directly. This level of control can be particularly appealing to someone like me, who’s looking for opportunities to add value to a property. - Flexibility in Marketing
Selling your fixer-upper house through FSBO gives you the freedom to market it as you see fit. You can create compelling listings, highlight unique features, and showcase your property’s potential to attract investors like me who are on the lookout for hidden gems.
Cons
- Limited Exposure
One drawback of FSBO is the potentially limited exposure your property might receive compared to listings handled by real estate agents. While you can use online platforms and social media to market your property, it might not reach as wide an audience as listings in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). - Time and Effort
Selling a fixer-upper house requires time and effort, especially when handling the sales process yourself. From creating listings and scheduling showings to negotiating offers and navigating legal paperwork, FSBO demands a significant investment of your time and energy. - Lack of Professional Expertise
Real estate agents bring professional expertise to the table, from pricing your property strategically to navigating complex legal and financial aspects of the sale. Selling FSBO means you’ll need to educate yourself on these matters or potentially miss out on favorable deals. - Emotional Attachment
Fixer-upper houses often hold sentimental value, which can lead to emotional attachment and subjective pricing decisions. Investors like me value properties based on potential returns, and emotional pricing might hinder a mutually beneficial deal.
Why Sell to GaryBuysHouses
- Certainty of Sale
One of the most significant advantages of selling your fixer-upper house to me is the assurance of a sale. With a proven track record spanning 12 years, I have a reputation for closing deals efficiently and effectively. This certainty can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your property will be in reliable hands. - Quick and Hassle-Free Process
Selling a fixer-upper house can be overwhelming, especially when juggling repairs, showings, and negotiations. Opting to sell to a trusted house buyer like me streamlines the process. I have a dedicated team in place to handle all the details, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for you. - Fair and Competitive Offers
I understand the value of your fixer-upper house, taking into account its potential after necessary improvements. As an experienced investor, my offers are fair and competitive, reflecting both the current condition and future value of your property. This approach ensures a mutually beneficial deal. - Flexibility in Condition
Fixer-upper houses often come with their fair share of repairs and upgrades. When selling to me, you won’t need to worry about performing extensive renovations before listing. I’m prepared to assess the property’s current state and provide an offer that considers the necessary improvements.
Next Steps
Selling your fixer-upper house to GaryBuysHouses, a trusted house buyer with a solid 12-year reputation, could be the solution you’ve been seeking. The certainty of sale, quick process, fair offers, and flexibility in property condition are compelling reasons to explore this option. By meeting the simple criteria of considering an offer, maintaining open communication, and recognizing your property’s potential, you’re positioning yourself for a successful and beneficial transaction.
Remember, the choice is ultimately yours, and I’m here to provide you with a straightforward and stress-free selling experience. If you’re curious about the offer I can extend for your fixer-upper house, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can transform your property into a win-win opportunity.