If you are getting ready to sell your home, you probably have a lengthy checklist of tasks you need to complete before listing the property. From scheduling a home inspection to determining the right asking price, there’s so much that needs to be done when you’re preparing to sell the house. And fixing broken appliances is probably one of the most overwhelming tasks on your list. You might be wondering whether the repairs are worth it or a waste of time. According to Lindsey Schmidt, a licensed REALTOR® in Virginia, when possible, you should fix broken appliances before putting your home up for sale.

“I can’t think of an item that I would recommend not repairing, as broken systems … in a home are a deterrent for buyers,” she explained when speaking exclusively to House Digest. “There may be updates that I’d suggest a seller does not need to do, but items that require repair should be repaired. When something that is broken is very obvious, it leaves buyers to wonder [whether something] they can’t see is also broken.” So, if you want to boost your home’s value rather than tank it before selling the property, get those appliances back in good working order.

You might be tempted to complete the appliance repairs yourself prior to listing the home. After all, the expenses associated with completing renovations and getting the place in good shape for showings add up quickly. Unfortunately, attempting to repair broken appliances yourself isn’t a good idea if you’re hoping to sell the home quickly — and for the price you have in mind. “Most buyers are weary of DIY projects,” Schmidt revealed while speaking exclusively to House Digest. “If they think a repair is DIY, that could deter them from offering. Again, [it] makes them wonder what else is DIY/subpar?”

Buyers’ distrust of DIY projects is something to keep in mind when evaluating whether repairing your appliances yourself is worth it. In most cases, hiring a professional is the far better option. However, you still need to select the right repair technician for the job. Schmidt revealed the attributes this person must have. “The professional that will complete the work — you want a reputable professional [who is] licensed in that line of work,” she shared. “Buyers sometimes ask about items they believe have been recently repaired and want to know that it was done right.” Hiring someone reputable will also help you avoid being taken advantage of by an appliance repair pro.

Now you know just how important it is to complete all appliance repairs before selling your home. However, what’s the best course of action to take if you just can’t afford to fix all the broken appliances? This is a rare exception to the rule. While speaking exclusively to House Digest, Schmidt explained how to navigate this challenge. “While it’s ideal to make all repairs, sometimes that is not in the seller’s budget,” she explained. “Prioritizing repairs by those that buyers will pay most attention to could not only result in a higher sales price, it could be the determining factor for whether a buyer submits an offer or not.” The top of your list should include vital appliances that are typically seen as daily necessities, such as your home’s refrigerator or stove.

There is a final exception where it just makes more sense to leave broken appliances untouched for the buyer to fix. “When the home is so damaged that it would require extensive repairs and renovations, it is often best to sell As Is and allow the buyer to select the new layout, materials, etc.,” Schmidt explained. Buyers might appreciate having the freedom to better personalize the home in cases where all new appliances would likely need to be installed.