Husband and Wife Argue About Getting Their Home Ready to Sell. Who’s Right?

by Kati Spaniak

Husband and Wife Argue About Getting Their Home Ready to Sell. Who’s Right?

Selling Your Home Doesn’t Have to Break Your Marriage

How much stress are you really willing to take on to sell your home?

That's the question I ask in my newest video, because for many couples — especially those in their 50s, 60s, or 70s — preparing a house for sale brings a surprising amount of tension and trauma.

In this real-life example, I talk about a couple in their 70s trying to get their home ready to sell. The husband? He wants to do all the work himself — even though he's had a heart attack and bad shoulders. He doesn't think the house even needs paint.

The wife? She disagrees completely. She wants the home professionally painted, because they’ve let some maintenance slide over the years — and she knows it’ll help the home show better and sell for more.

Their real estate agent agrees with her. So now… who’s right?

The Real Question: Do You NEED the Money or Just WANT the Money?

This is the big one. If you want to sell for top dollar, that usually means more effort, more money, and more stress upfront. If you just want to be done with it and move on with life? Then maybe you don’t need to do as much.

But it’s vital to talk with your spouse or partner and get on the same page.

I always say:
🧠 More money might mean more misery.

So here’s a simple way to start the conversation...

🧭 The “Misery Meter”: Which Seller Are You?

In my upcoming book “Sell Your Home Fast for More Money, Stress Free”, I created something I call the Misery Meter. It breaks down the 4 types of sellers I typically meet — and which one you are (or your spouse is) can help you avoid serious stress later.

1. The Smooth Exit

✅ No stress, no fuss
✅ Willing to price below market to sell quickly
✅ Doesn’t need the money
🔻 Less money, but more peace

2. The Comfortable Compromise

⚖️ Willing to do a little work
💰 Wants some return but not max profit
🛠️ May do some cleaning, staging, or minor updates
🧘‍♀️ Balanced stress and reward

3. The Pressure Cooker

💥 High stress, high reward
🛠️ All-in: repairs, updates, staging, marketing
💰 Wants or needs top dollar
😰 Could burn out quickly

4. The Breakdown Zone

🚨 Wants top dollar, but refuses to do the work
❌ Doesn’t listen to agent advice
😡 Lots of arguments and frustration
🧨 Could hurt the sale and the relationship

Take a moment to talk with your partner: Where do you fall on the Misery Meter?

💬 “Why Should I Spend Money Now?” — A Common Seller Question

Especially among older homeowners, I often hear this:

“Why should I paint? The buyers will just repaint it anyway.”

Here's the truth: today’s buyers expect move-in ready. They notice everything — from moldy grout to broken doorbells. Small things can become big red flags.

When buyers walk into your home and see deferred maintenance, they start to wonder:

“What else haven’t they taken care of?”

That can directly affect how much your home sells for.

🧰 The Secret to Avoiding That $50,000 Last-Minute Bill

You don’t want to be scrambling right before you list, realizing you need a $50K update just to compete with other homes.

The solution? Routine maintenance over time.

Start with:

A yearly budget for home upkeep ($1,000–$5,000 or more)
My free Home Maintenance Checklist (included in the Seller’s Playbook)

Some examples:

✅ Fix that broken doorbell
✅ Clean or re-grout moldy bathrooms
✅ Service your furnace
✅ Repair loose fence posts or cracked paint

These small things add up to a better price — and a smoother sale — later.

👥 Partner With a Pro — Even Years Before You Sell

You don’t have to wait until you're ready to list. A great real estate agent (like the ones I recommend) can be your partner, helping you prepare your home even years in advance.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to an agent in your area and ask:

“We’re not moving yet, but what should we be doing now?”

Or if you want a trusted referral, contact me and I’ll connect you with an experienced, helpful agent — anywhere in the U.S. (or even Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico!).

🧭 Your Next Steps:

✅ Download my free Seller’s Playbook – It’s 40+ pages of expert advice on getting your home ready to sell, with my full home maintenance checklist included.

📖 Get on the waitlist for my book – “Sell Your Home Fast for More Money, Stress Free” comes out next spring!

👥 Join my private Facebook Group – You’ll find support, free resources, and more seller stories like this one.

Final Thought: Talk to Your Partner Before You Pick Up That Paintbrush

Selling a home is not just about paint colors or staging — it's about clear communication with your partner.

So before you dive into prepping your home, ask yourselves:
Do we need the money, or do we want the money? And how much stress are we willing to take on to get it?

That answer could save your relationship — and your sanity.