When a homeowner in Deerfield, Illinois reached out about selling their home on Carol Court, they were ready to list it as-is. The house was livable, sure — but it hadn’t been updated in over 20 years. Dated kitchen, worn carpet throughout, faded exterior paint, and landscaping that had seen better days.
Their agent at the time suggested listing at around $375,000. That’s what comparable as-is homes in the area were fetching. Reasonable advice on the surface.
But here’s where the story takes a turn.
A Different Kind of Assessment
Tim Wangler — Realtor, licensed contractor, and founder of the Fix-N-List program — walked the property and saw something most agents miss: untapped equity hiding behind cosmetic issues.
Tim identified four key improvements:
- Kitchen refresh — new countertops, updated cabinet hardware, modern backsplash, and a fresh coat of paint on the existing cabinets
- New flooring — luxury vinyl plank throughout the main living areas, replacing the worn carpet
- Fresh paint — interior and exterior, in today’s trending neutral tones
- Landscaping upgrade — new mulch, trimmed hedging, seasonal flowers, and a power-washed driveway
The total renovation cost? Approximately $25,000.
And here’s the part that changes everything: the homeowner paid $0 upfront.
How the Fix-N-List Program Works
Most homeowners know their house could sell for more with updates — but they don’t have the cash, the time, or the contractor connections to make it happen. That’s exactly the gap Fix-N-List fills.
Here’s how it works in three simple steps:
Step 1: Free Home Assessment
Tim walks your property and identifies the improvements that will generate the highest return on investment. Not every upgrade is worth doing — Tim’s dual background in real estate and construction means he knows exactly which projects move the needle.
Step 2: Fix-N-List Funds the Renovation
Once you approve the plan, Fix-N-List covers all renovation costs upfront. Professional contractors handle the work while Tim oversees every detail. You don’t write a check, and you don’t manage the project.
Step 3: Sell for Top Dollar
Your updated home hits the market looking its absolute best. Once it sells, the renovation costs are simply reimbursed from the proceeds at closing. You keep the difference.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Back to our Deerfield homeowner. After the $25,000 renovation, the home was listed at $425,000 and sold quickly with multiple interested buyers. The final sale price came in at $422,000 — a full $47,000 more than the original as-is estimate.
After reimbursing the renovation costs at closing, the homeowner walked away with over $22,000 more in their pocket than they would have if they’d sold as-is. No upfront investment. No project management headaches. Just a bigger check at closing.
Could This Work for Your Home?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the Chicago suburbs, don’t assume as-is is your only option. Many homeowners are leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don’t know programs like Fix-N-List exist.
The assessment is free. The risk is zero. And the potential upside? Just ask the homeowner on Carol Court.
Ready to find out what your home could really sell for? Call Tim Wangler at (630) 534-0866 for your free home assessment today.
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