California Home Sellers: Get Renovation Assistance Before You List

By Spivey & Daniel Real Estate Group

The Spivey & Daniel Real Estate Group is a dedicated real estate collective built on education, strategy, and service.

Are you stuck trying to decide whether you should sell your home as-is or fix it up before putting it on the market? Right now, buyers are looking for move-in-ready properties, which makes the decision feel even bigger.

Our recent partnership with Revive, a pre-sale home renovation firm, gives our sellers another solution. Instead of feeling limited to selling as-is, we now present additional options depending on each person’s situation.

We recently spoke with Revive Property Advisor Amanda Steele to explain what options sellers actually have.

Solving the sell-as-is dilemma. Most sellers aren’t sure what the right move is. They’re asking, “Should I sell as-is, or should I fix the house up first?” The reality is, not everyone has the cash to make improvements, even if updates could increase the sales price. That’s where Revive comes in.

Equity-based solution. For years, investors have been the ones buying, renovating, and reselling homes for profit. Revive gives sellers access to that same opportunity by allowing them to tap into their own equity, so instead of selling to an investor, they can benefit from the upside themselves.

How the evaluation process works. First, Revive determines the home’s current as-is value and what the market would support without repairs. Then they look at higher-end comparable homes in the neighborhood. From there, they work backward to figure out what improvements would make sense and whether there’s enough potential profit to justify making the investment. It’s a numbers-based approach designed to help sellers see whether renovating is truly worth it.

Four selling options homeowners can consider. Amanda clearly outlined the options available to sellers. Depending on your situation, you could:

• Accept a cash offer
• Sell your home as-is
• Use some of your equity to fund improvements and capture the upside when the home sells
• Maintain ownership, take no equity out upfront, and have Revive invest in the improvements so you can participate in the upside

The right choice depends entirely on your specific goals and circumstances.

No traditional loan and no contractor stress. This isn’t a traditional loan; Revive doesn’t check credit or income. They simply verify that there’s enough equity in your property to support the investment.

In addition, sellers don’t have to manage contractors themselves. Revive handles the financing, hires vetted contractors, and oversees the project timeline. Since they’re investing in the improvements, they have a vested interest in ensuring the work is done efficiently and with quality.

What happens if the numbers don’t work? Everything is based on neighborhood comparables. If there aren’t renovated homes supporting a higher value, it may be too risky to try to set a new record in the area. In those cases, it’s recommended to sell as-is. The goal is clarity and protecting the seller’s position.

By partnering with Revive, we’re able to give homeowners more transparency and more control. Instead of guessing which path is best, sellers can look at the numbers, review their options, and choose the solution that makes the most sense for them.

If you want to learn more or need any help in selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 510-500-5428 or send an email to info@spiveydaniel.com. We’re always here to support you.