Repairs: What You Need to Know

When it’s time to sell your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to sell it “as-is” or make repairs before listing. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the benefits and drawbacks of both options can help you make the choice that’s right for your situation, your timeline, and your bottom line.

🏡 What Does “As-Is” Mean?

In real estate, selling “as-is” means you’re offering the home in its current condition—no improvements, no repairs, and no negotiating over what needs to be fixed. Buyers are informed up front that what they see is what they get.

While it may sound like an easy way out, selling as-is comes with both pros and cons, depending on your goals.

✅ Benefits of Selling Your Home As-Is

1. Less Money Out of Pocket

Home repairs can be costly, especially if you're dealing with aging systems or structural concerns. Selling as-is lets you skip that financial strain and avoid additional investment into a home you’re ready to part with.

2. Faster Time to Market

Need to relocate quickly? Inherited a property you don’t want to renovate? Selling as-is can save weeks—or even months—of prep time, allowing you to list and sell faster.

3. Appeals to Investors and Fixer-Upper Buyers

There’s a growing pool of buyers—including cash investors—who actively seek out as-is homes. They’re often looking for projects and are more comfortable purchasing properties that need work.

4. Less Stress and Negotiation

Without promising repairs, you eliminate much of the back-and-forth that happens during inspection periods. In theory, this leads to a simpler and smoother closing process.

💡 Real-World Note: In a story shared by Bankrate, a seller avoided thousands in potential repair concessions by sticking to the terms of a strong “as-is” clause—and the sale still closed successfully.

❌ Drawbacks of Selling As-Is

1. Lower Sale Price

Buyers expect a discount when they know they’ll be footing the bill for renovations. Depending on your home’s condition and the local market, you may earn significantly less than you would by making strategic upgrades.

2. Smaller Buyer Pool

Most retail buyers—especially those using VA, FHA, or conventional loans—want move-in-ready homes. That means fewer showings and possibly more time on the market.

3. Disclosure Is Still Required

Even if you’re selling as-is, you’re legally obligated to disclose known defects. Transparency is key to avoiding legal trouble and building buyer trust.

🛠️ When Repairs Might Be Worth It

According to Keeping Current Matters, making key updates—like fixing safety issues, addressing minor cosmetic flaws, or replacing worn-out appliances—can:

• Increase your home’s value
  
  

• Attract a larger pool of motivated buyers
  
  

• Help the property appraise for a higher value, making financing smoother
  
  

The upgrades don’t need to be lavish—a few thousand dollars spent wisely can yield a strong return.

💡 What’s the Best Path for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do I need to sell quickly?
  
  

• Do I have the funds and time to make repairs?
  
  

• Is my home in a location where land value outweighs home condition?
  
  

• Am I prepared for potential repair requests—even in an as-is sale?
  
  

If your goal is to maximize sale price and attract more buyers, consider making repairs. If you want a simpler, faster sale with less upfront investment, selling as-is might be the best option.

📣 Final Thought

Whether you choose to sell as-is or make repairs, one thing is certain: having an experienced real estate professional in your corner matters. A seasoned agent will guide pricing strategy, manage expectations, and help you avoid costly missteps—no matter which path you choose.

Thinking about selling? Let’s talk strategy based on your unique situation. With over 45 years of experience and 4,000+ home sales, I’m here to help you make the right move with confidence.