Selling your home is a big decision, and figuring out whether to invest in repairs or sell it as-is can feel overwhelming. If you’re short on time, resources, or just feeling overwhelmed by the idea of home repairs, you’re not alone. According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 39% of sellers chose to sell their homes as-is rather than making updates or repairs (see chart below):
Before you decide which route is best for you, let’s break down what selling as-is really means, the pros and cons, and how an experienced agent can help you make the right choice for your situation.
What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean?
When you sell your home as-is, you’re signaling to potential buyers that you won’t make repairs before the sale or negotiate fixes after an inspection. In other words, what they see is what they get.
For sellers, this can feel like a huge relief. Life gets busy, budgets are tight, and sometimes tackling repairs just isn’t an option. Selling as-is can take some stress off your plate.
But, like any decision, there are trade-offs to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of selling your house as-is:
Pros:
- No out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or updates.
- Faster timeline to get your house on the market.
- Less stress—no contractors, no projects to manage.
Cons:
- Fewer buyers may be interested in a home that needs work.
- You might receive fewer offers.
- It could take longer to sell.
- The final sale price may be lower than if your home were move-in ready.
Will Buyers Consider a Home That Needs Work?
The good news is that plenty of buyers are still willing to purchase homes that need a little love. In fact, as many as 56% of buyers surveyed said they’d consider buying a home that needs some work.
This is largely because affordability remains a challenge, and with inventory still lower than historical norms, buyers may be more open to tackling renovations themselves to make the home their own.
That being said, homes that are updated or move-in ready tend to attract more attention and can often sell for a higher price. It’s all about weighing your priorities—whether that’s a faster sale or maximizing your profits.
How I Can Help
Deciding whether to sell as-is or make repairs can feel like a tough call, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. A good real estate agent can make all the difference by:
- Providing Market Insights: I will analyze comparable sales in your area to help you understand how homes in similar condition are performing.
- Estimating ROI for Repairs: If you’re on the fence about repairs, I can guide you on which updates might offer the biggest return on investment.
- Setting the Right Price: Whether you’re selling as-is or making upgrades, pricing your home fairly is key to attracting buyers.
- Maximizing Your Home’s Appeal: If you decide to sell as-is, I will highlight your home’s best features—like location, size, or unique details—so buyers see potential rather than a project list.
The goal is to help you feel informed and confident in your decision, no matter which route you choose.
Bottom Line
Selling a home as-is is absolutely possible in today’s market, but it comes with trade-offs that are worth considering. If you’re debating whether to make repairs or skip them altogether, the key is understanding how each option could impact your timeline, stress level, and bottom line.
Let’s connect and talk through your options to figure out the best approach for your unique situation. Whether it’s selling as-is or taking the time to make updates, I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.