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

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

A recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals that most sellers (61%) made at least minor repairs before selling their homes. However, life’s circumstances don’t always allow for that, which may explain why 39% of sellers opted to sell their homes as-is instead (see chart below):

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a lack of time, budget, or resources to make repairs or updates, you might be considering selling your house as-is. Before making that decision, here’s what you should know.

What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean?

Selling as-is means you won’t make repairs before listing or agree to fixes after a buyer’s inspection. It communicates to buyers that the property will be sold in its current condition—what they see is what they get.

If you’re motivated to sell quickly and have limited time or money, this approach can ease some stress by reducing your responsibilities. However, there are trade-offs involved. This visual outlines some of the key pros and cons:

Homes that are updated typically sell for more because buyers are often willing to pay extra for a move-in-ready property. Selling your home as-is might attract fewer buyers, resulting in less competition, longer time on the market, and potentially a lower sale price. While it may be more convenient for you, the final sale price could be lower than if you invested in repairs and improvements.

That doesn’t mean your house won’t sell – it just means it may not sell for as much as it would in top condition.

Here’s the good news: In today’s market, as many as 56% of buyers surveyed are willing to purchase a home that needs some work. This is because affordability remains a challenge, and while there are more homes available, inventory is still below normal levels. As a result, you may find more buyers open to taking on the necessary improvements themselves.

How an Agent Can Help

How can you ensure you’re making the right decision for your move? The key lies in working with a professional.

A skilled agent will help you evaluate your options by showing you what similar homes in your area have sold for, what updates others are making, and guiding you in setting a fair price, regardless of your choice. This insight helps you estimate what your home might sell for in either scenario, which can be a critical factor in your decision-making process.

Once you’ve decided on your approach and set an asking price, your agent will work to market your home to maximize its appeal. If you choose to sell as-is, they’ll highlight its best features—like location, size, and more—helping buyers see the potential beyond the projects.

Bottom Line

Selling your home without making repairs is achievable in today’s market, but it comes with certain trade-offs. To ensure you’ve explored all your options and are making the best decision, let’s connect and discuss your goals.