It is recommended that home sellers make any necessary repairs that could pose a significant safety risk before putting a home up for sale. Major issues such as leaks, infestations, sewage backups, and electrical hazards should be addressed promptly.
In many cases, sellers are legally obligated to disclose and repair any serious issues within the home. Fixing up a home before selling could also increase the sale price, which is always a good thing.
California law does not require a homebuyer to conduct a home inspection, but it provides a general understanding of the home's condition. Most of the time, a home inspection is conducted, so it is a good idea to complete all repairs before then.
Home buyers might try to negotiate repairs after a home inspection. In this case, sellers are advised to offer a repair allowance rather than handle the repairs themselves. This will ensure the buyer doesn't keep checking in on you or breathing down your neck until the repair is complete.