A lot of sellers feel stuck right now. Here’s why, and one way to get unstuck.
Buyers have more power now than they did a few years ago.
They have more choices. They take more time. They ask more questions. And when a home feels dated or “needs work,” they often respond the same way: they skip the showing, offer less to cover the risk, negotiate harder after inspections, or wait for a price drop.
This is why some good homes end up with long days on market. Not because the home is bad. Because buyers have options, and they pay more for certainty.
The “prep gap” that keeps people in place
I hear a version of this every week:
“I’d move, but the house needs too much work first.”
Sometimes that “work” isn’t a full renovation. It’s the set of items that make buyers feel confident: fresh paint in the right areas, lighting that feels current, floors that look clean and consistent, repairs that remove doubt, staging that helps the space make sense.
The challenge is cash and timing. Most people don’t want to pour money into a home they plan to leave.
That gap is what RLAH’s new program, RLAH Restoration, is designed to address.
What RLAH Restoration is (plain English)
It’s an unsecured personal line of credit up to $50,000 for pre-listing prep, with repayment handled through closing based on the loan terms.
A few details that matter if you’re comparing options:
Soft credit check to apply—no hard pull.
No lien on the property, no collateral required.
Use any contractor or vendor you want.
Interest applies only to funds you actually draw.
Nothing due until the home closes or 12 months, per the terms.
What you can use it for
Staging, painting, flooring, cleaning, landscaping, photography, lighting, repairs, moving, storage—the practical stuff that helps a home feel move-in ready.
What it costs
Interest runs 8.99%–16.99% annualized, depending on credit. There’s a $499 origination fee, but it’s only charged if you draw funds.
The question I’d answer first
Before you think about financing, answer this:
If we did a focused prep plan, would it change buyer behavior?
Not “would it look nicer.” Buyer behavior.
Here’s the test I use:
Will it increase showings in the first 7–10 days?
Will it reduce inspection friction?
Will it change how buyers talk about the home after they leave?
If the answer is yes, prep can be a lever. If the answer is no, selling as-is may be the smarter move.
If you feel stuck, start here
You don’t need a big plan. You need a clear comparison.
Step 1: Price the home as-is. What would it sell for if we do nothing?
Step 2: Price the home after a focused prep plan. Not a renovation—a short list that targets buyer objections.
Step 3: Compare the net, not the list price. Prep costs money. Sitting on the market costs money too.
That’s the whole decision.
Want the numbers for your home? Get a Free CMA here!
If you’ve been putting off a move because the prep feels like too much, let’s at least see what the numbers say.
RLAH Restoration loans are provided by Notable Finance, LLC (NMLS #1824748). RLAH is not providing the loan. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed, and loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and the loan terms.
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