5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t DIY Home Repairs

By JP Fluellen

JP became a licensed real estate agent in 2010 after being a real estate investor for 2 years. He’s been a top real estate agent at Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange and has recently started the Titan Real Estate Team at eXp Realty.

I’ve spoken to many sellers who want to save money, especially once their home goes under contract. One of the most common things I hear is, “I’ll just do the repairs myself.” If that’s what you’re thinking, because you want to save some money, I get it, because a lot of people have been doing it and claiming to have saved a lot. However, jumping into repairs after the buyer’s inspection can backfire, and in some cases, it can kill your sale altogether. Before you grab your toolbox, here are five reasons why doing your repairs could be a big mistake:

1. It’s a deal killer. Once you’re under contract, the buyer has a legal interest in the property. That means they get a say in how repairs are done. If you start fixing things without talking it through or getting agreement first, the buyer can walk away. No one wants to lose the deal at this stage.

2. You’re not a contractor. Even if you’re handy, that’s not the same as being a licensed contractor. One small mistake, such as using the wrong part or omitting a safety step, could lead to a serious issue. If something goes wrong, the buyer could bring in a lawyer for legal purposes, and that risk just isn’t worth it.

3. Appraisal risk. Unpermitted or poorly done repairs can create problems during the appraisal. The appraiser may question the work, lower the home’s value, or flag it for additional review. That could delay closing or even cause the buyer’s loan to fall through.

4. Liability landmine. If someone gets hurt during the repair process—whether it’s you, a friend helping, or the buyer’s inspector—that’s a big legal risk. Electrical work, plumbing, and ladder use can all be hazardous, and a single accident could lead to a lawsuit.

5. Freak out buyers. Buyers want to feel confident that everything’s being handled the right way. If they show up and see a lot of unapproved work in progress, they may panic and start questioning the whole deal, and they are more likely to back out of the agreement.

The best thing you can do once your home is under contract is to sit tight and work through the process with your agent. Let the professionals handle the repairs, communicate clearly with the buyer, and keep things moving toward a smooth closing. If you’re in this position and need help ensuring your deal stays on track, please give me a call or send a text at 307-772-1184 or email me at jp@titanreteam.com. I’m here to help.