A buyer’s first impression is love a quick walk through and that’s about it. Errors and shoddy workmanship (if noticed) ends the toor immediately — as it should!

As a buyer this is the approach you MUST take — poor quality remodeling (as done in some flips by unscrupulous contractors) should BE AVOIDED. With all the “flip a house” shows on TV now, everybody and their brother is getting into the flip game.

On the selling side be aware that the buyer may know this and run from any shoddy work you have done as a seller trying to unload a house.

Errors are especially obvious in rooms such as kitchens and baths. Even minor issues can have (like sloppy painting) can have a negative effect on a buyer. This may come hard to do-it-yourselfers who tend to have pride in their somewhat overrated work. The tinest of glitches in tile work can be a big deal and cause buyers “run” to the next property. If they find even one thing wrong is is natural for them to suspect MORE!

Smart agents use these mistakes as negotiation point to shave thousands off the listed price, so if you are aware and willing to fight it they might (MIGHT) work in your favor. Problem is … what problems did you not see?

There are other risks missing these mistakes too — a homeowner doing a flip may bypass local permit requirements. This means a new owner could have building inspectors “nix” a project months or even years after it is completed and asked that the work be redone up to code. Who pays? The current home owner of course.

Bottom line is this:
Homeowners remodeling to sell should do good work or have qualified contracots do it.
Home buyers should check closely and be suspicious of any subpar remodeling work.