What Should I Repair or Disclose Before Selling My Home in San Jose? A Seller’s Guide

One of the most stressful parts of selling a home is deciding what to fix, what to leave alone, and what must be disclosed.

Many sellers worry:

• “Should I fix everything?”

• “What if repairs don’t pay off?”

• “What happens if I don’t disclose something?”

• “Will buyers use issues to negotiate hard?”

In a market like San Jose, the goal is not to create a perfect home — it’s to create a strategic, well-positioned listing that attracts strong offers while minimizing risk.

This guide explains what sellers should repair, what they should disclose, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

For a full selling roadmap, start here:
👉 https://re38.com/sell-your-home-san-jose-guide

Step 1 — Understand the Difference Between Repairs and Disclosures

These are not the same thing.

• Repairs = optional improvements you choose to make

• Disclosures = required information you must legally share

You can choose not to repair something.
You cannot choose not to disclose a known issue.

Step 2 — Repairs That Usually Make Sense Before Selling

In San Jose, buyers pay close attention to condition and presentation.

✔ Repairs that often pay off:

• fresh interior paint

• minor drywall repairs

• fixing leaks

• replacing broken fixtures

• addressing safety issues

• servicing HVAC systems

• fixing obvious electrical problems

These repairs:

• improve buyer confidence

• reduce negotiation leverage

• help homes sell faster

Step 3 — Repairs That Often Do NOT Pay Off

Not every improvement brings a return.

❌ Repairs to think twice about:

• full kitchen remodels

• major bathroom renovations

• replacing perfectly functional systems

• over-customization

• expensive upgrades right before listing

In many cases, buyers prefer to make these choices themselves.

Step 4 — The Most Important Disclosures in San Jose

California is a full disclosure state, which means sellers must disclose all known material facts.

Common disclosures include:

• roof condition and leaks

• foundation issues

• past water intrusion

• plumbing or electrical problems

• unpermitted work

• pest issues

• boundary or easement concerns

Trying to hide issues almost always backfires.

For a deeper legal overview, visit:
👉 https://re38.com/san-jose-real-estate-contracts-disclosures-tax-guide

Step 5 — Inspections Before Listing: Smart or Risky?

Pre-sale inspections can be extremely helpful when used correctly.

Benefits:

• removes surprises

• builds buyer trust

• reduces renegotiation

• strengthens offers

Risks:

• once discovered, issues must be disclosed

• requires proper strategy

I help sellers decide which inspections make sense based on condition and market timing.

Step 6 — “As-Is” Does NOT Mean “No Disclosure”

Many sellers believe:

“If I sell as-is, I don’t have to disclose.”

That’s incorrect.

“As-is” means:

• no obligation to repair

It does not remove disclosure responsibilities.

Step 7 — How Repairs & Disclosures Affect Pricing Strategy

Condition directly impacts:

• list price

• buyer expectations

• days on market

• negotiation leverage

A well-prepared home can often:

• sell faster

• attract more offers

• reduce price reductions

• protect your net proceeds

Pricing and preparation go hand-in-hand.

What You Should Do Next

Before making repair decisions, I help sellers:

• prioritize high-ROI fixes

• identify disclosure risks

• avoid over-spending

• create a preparation plan

• align pricing with condition

👉 Let’s talk through your home:
https://re38.com/contact

📞 Thinking About Selling and Not Sure What to Fix?

A short conversation can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Zaid Hanna
408-515-1613
www.re38.com