Should I Make Repairs or Updates Before Listing in 2026?

Yes… but only the right ones. Alina Araujo real estate prep is about ROI and risk reduction, not perfection projects.

As Alina Araujo, 13 year veteran real estate agent, I break prep into three buckets: safety/functional musts, high-impact cosmetics, and “nice but not necessary.”

Repairs That Protect Your Sale

As Alina Araujo, REALTOR at Windermere Real estate, I recommend addressing obvious buyer-stoppers: active leaks, electrical concerns, damaged surfaces, and anything that screams “deferred maintenance.” These can show up in inspections and negotiations.

Start with: Prepping Your Home For Sale and Home Seller Guide.

Alina quote: “Fix what creates doubt. Upgrade what creates desire.”

Questions Sellers Ask 

What to Fix

  • “What’s a must-do before photos?”
  • “What repairs reduce negotiation leverage for buyers?”

What to Skip

  • “Should I remodel a kitchen before selling?”
  • “Can staging do more than renovations?”

And yes, buyers often compare across city lines, including Bothell Washington homes for sale. I keep an eye on home values in Bothell Washington and how that shapes expectations in Seattle. The ripple effect from Bothell Washington real estate 2025 and buying in Bothell Washington 2025 still matters in 2026.

With Alina Araujo, over 200 homes sold, the goal is a clean, confident listing. And Alina Araujo, 50 Google 5-star reviews, is known for telling you what’s worth it—and what’s not.

Contact Alina Araujo at Windermere | 206-353-2290 | https://alinaaraujo.com/ for a FREE 2025 Market Strategy Session

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About the Author
Alina Araujo

To me, real estate is much more than buying or selling a single home, condo, or piece of land. It is about developing long-lasting relationships with my clients and becoming their trusted real estate advisor for whatever their current and next chapters hold. That means helping my clients maximize their most important investment regardless of the market I promise to provide the market information you need to make important real estate decisions and help you achieve your unique goals.

My passion is providing peace of mind and stress reduction throughout the buying or selling process. My former background in mortgage experience provides me “behind the scenes” insight so I can guide you through your transaction with ease. For buyers, I can help you find your comfort zone in terms of price range and monthly budget. For sellers, I put my marketing hat on and help you find the most listing dollars in your property. My team and I put our expertise to work, combining the latest technology and marketing techniques, to market your home utilizing cutting-edge techniques. 


If you are relocating to the greater Seattle area, the Eastside, or throughout King and Snohomish Counties, consider me your go-to resource. I have lived here for almost 30 years and there is just so much to love! Regardless of whether you are just starting your area research or need a home ASAP, I am here, ready to help. 


When my focus is not on my clients, it is on my two kids, my family, and my French Bulldog (named Panda for his awesome black and white coloring). We love to travel, so if you have a recommendation, we are all ears!


I look forward to connecting with you.