We are excited to announce that a long time Master Craftsman of our business is now the proud new owner; please join us in congratulating Earl Swader as the new owner of Handyman Connection of Blue Ash. Earl has previous business ownership already under his belt and is looking forward to continuing to serve the Blue Ash community as the proud owner.
Remodeling / April 9, 2025
It can be daunting when you’re tasked with selling a home through probate in Arizona. Perhaps a loved one has passed, and now you’re navigating unfamiliar legal territory and wondering how to get the best possible price for the property. It’s a lot to manage.
Probate sales are different from traditional home sales, and that difference means taking a slightly different approach to getting the house ready for market. A Phoenix probate realtor from Unbiased Options can assist you during this stressful time. They can help navigate the complexities and ensure you’re getting the best possible advice for your situation.
The good news? Smart, strategic home fixes can absolutely speed up the sale and increase your profit. This article breaks down the essential home fixes every Arizona seller should consider before putting a probate property on the market. You’ll get the legal backdrop, we’ll cover key repairs, and we’ll also touch on ROI considerations. Let’s dive in!
So, what is a probate sale? In simple terms, it’s the process of selling a property that’s part of an estate after someone passes away. You’d need one when the deceased person owned the property in their name alone, without a beneficiary designation, or if it was held in a trust that needs to be administered.
Arizona has its own specific rules on probate real estate sales, and it pays to be aware of them. There’s “fast-track” probate (also called informal probate) and formal probate. Informal is quicker and simpler, whereas formal can drag out and complicate matters. The faster you can get this behind you, the better, obviously.
Why does fixing the home matter so much in probate? Simple: estates often need to be liquidated quickly but wisely. Buyers are savvy, competition is high, and they’re all looking for “move-in-ready” homes. An unkempt home may attract lowball offers or only cash buyers looking for a steal. A good home stager will help you get the best deal possible for your probate sale. You want to avoid that outcome.
Before you start any repairs, pause. Get a home inspection. This is absolutely crucial. A professional inspection helps you prioritize fixes and disclose known issues upfront. Transparency is key.
Next, consult with a probate-savvy realtor or attorney. Find one who understands the nuances of probate sales in Arizona. Their insights can help determine what’s legally required versus what’s strategically smart. A good probate attorney will know exactly what disclosures are needed in your specific county.
And before any repair work begins, declutter and clean. Cleaning, organizing, and removing personal belongings adds value that most folks don’t realize is happening. Honestly, you’d be amazed at the difference a good cleaning can make.
Let’s talk about the low-cost upgrades that can collectively boost curb appeal and wow potential buyers. These are the quick wins you’re looking for.
Curb appeal is crucial. Landscaping cleanup is essential. Think trimming overgrown bushes, pulling weeds, and adding fresh gravel or some desert xeriscaping. Consider drought-resistant plants like agave or desert spoon – they look great and are easy to maintain. If the exterior paint is aged, repaint or power-wash it. And don’t forget small details, like a new mailbox, house numbers, or entry fixtures.
Neutral paint colors are your friend. They appeal to the widest possible audience. Patch any visible wall damage before you start painting.
Replacing stained carpets or buffing/refinishing old wood floors can make a HUGE difference. If you’re on a tight budget, consider budget-conscious vinyl plank flooring. It looks great and doesn’t break the bank.
Light fixtures and cabinet hardware are quick and cheap updates that can seriously modernize the feel of the home. Improve lighting throughout the home and switch out those dingy drawer pulls with something sleek.
Kitchens and bathrooms are key; as these are often the most renovated areas in a home, ensuring these areas are functional and aesthetically pleasing can boost the home’s value.
Now we’re getting into repairs that need to be addressed for both legal and buyer trust reasons. You really can’t skip these.
Roofing and HVAC systems are essential. Roofs are expensive, but addressing leaks is a must. And in Arizona, AC is vital. Buyers will absolutely demand that it works, so get it checked out and repaired promptly. A new AC unit is an investment that pays off in Arizona.
Plumbing and electrical systems need to be up to code. Arizona code compliance requires you replace any outdated or unsafe systems. Dripping faucets, aged water heaters, flickering lights—all of it must be addressed. It is always recommended to hire a licensed electrician to inspect the wiring, especially in older homes.
Energy efficiency is important in Arizona’s hot climate. Replace broken screens and seals, and add weatherstripping to keep that cool air where it belongs.
If the home has a pool, you gotta address pool safety. Arizona mandates pool fences and barriers, so make sure everything is compliant. It’s not just about selling the house; it’s about ensuring the safety of future residents, and Arizona laws require it anyway.
Let’s get granular and talk about fixes that are specific to Arizona and what local buyers expect.
Energy efficiency is key. Homes with better insulation, dual-pane windows, and energy-smart upgrades have a huge selling edge.
Termite inspections and treatment are a must. Arizona homes are prone to termites, so inspection and treatment proof will help buyers feel secure. Nobody wants a termite problem, especially not in Arizona.
Cooling options are scrutinized heavily by local buyers. Ceiling fans, evaporative coolers, and AC systems…they all need to be in tip-top shape.
Don’t forget the home exterior and curb appeal. Exterior repairs like painting, repairing outdoor structures, and maintaining the yard can significantly enhance curb appeal, making the property more attractive to potential buyers.
When does it make sense to sell “as is?” Well, if you have structural damage, are dealing with cash-only buyers, or are on a super-rushed probate timeline, it might be the only option.
However, you need to carefully consider the cost of NOT fixing these items.
To do that, create a “Fix vs Profit Matrix.” Prioritize high-impact, low-cost fixes and estimate the ROI on critical repairs to avoid overinvesting. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one that’s well worth doing. For instance, if you’re looking at a complete kitchen remodel versus just replacing appliances, the cost difference could be tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s a checklist summary of fixes:
Next up, assemble your team:
Always keep the probate timeline in mind. Don’t delay—repairs should be efficient and tied to court or listing deadlines. If you need an estimate for any of this work please reach out to us for a free estimate.
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