Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and thats just not possible. Maybe thats why, 39% of sellers chose to sell as-is instead (see chart below):

If youre feeling stressed because you dont have the time, budget, or resources to tackle any repairs or updates, you may be tempted to sell your house as-is, too. But before you decide to go this route, heres what you need to know.

What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean?

Selling as-is means you wont make any repairs before the sale, and you wont negotiate fixes after a buyers inspection. And this sends a signal to potential buyers that what they see is what they get.

If youre eager to sell but money or time is tight, this can be a relief because its that much less you'll have to worry about. But there are a few trade-offs youll have to be willing to make. This visual breaks down some of the pros and cons:

Typically, a home thats updated sells for more because buyers are often willing to pay a premium for something thats move-in ready. Thats why you may find not as many buyers will look at your house if you sell it in its current condition. And less interest from buyers could mean fewer offers, taking longer to sell, and ultimately, a lower price. Basically, while its easier for you, the final sale price might be less than youd get if you invested in repairs and upgrades.

That doesnt mean your house wont sell it just means it may not sell for as much as it would in top condition.

Heres the good news though. In todays market, as many as 56% of buyers surveyed would be willing to buy a home that needs some work. Thats because affordability is still a challenge, and while there are more homes for sale right now, inventory is lower than the norm. So, you might find there are a few more buyers who may be willing to take on the work themselves.

How an Agent Can Help

So, how do you make sure youre making the right decision for your move? The key is working with a pro.

A good agent will help you weigh your options by showing you what comparable homes in your area have sold for, what updates your neighbors are making, and guide you in setting a fair price no matter what you decide. That helps you anticipate what your house may sell for either way and that can be a key factor in your final decision.

Once youve picked which route youre going to go and the asking price is set, your agent will market your house to maximize its appeal. And if you decide to sell as-is, theyll call attention to the best features, like the location, size, and more, so its easy for buyers to see the potential, not just projects.

Bottom Line

Selling a home without making any repairs is possible in todays market, but it does have some trade-offs. To make sure youre considering all your options and making the best choice possible, have a conversation with a local agent. 

Venessa James - Broker Associate    

ABR, ALHS, CHMS, MCNE, LUXE, SFR, SRS  

Platinum Experience Group - KW Professionals 

(281) 889-8292 platinumexperiencegroup.com

Integrity, Experience, Results