Should You Sell Your Home As-Is or Make Repairs First?

If you're thinking about selling your home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to sell it as-is or invest in repairs and updates before listing it. The right choice depends on your goals, timeline, budget, and the current market conditions.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Selling Your Home As-Is

When you sell a home as-is, you’re essentially telling buyers, “What you see is what you get.” You’re not committing to making any repairs before closing—though you still have to disclose known issues.

✔ Pros of Selling As-Is:

• Faster Sale: You can list sooner and potentially close faster, especially attractive if you’re in a hurry to relocate.
  
  

• Lower Upfront Costs: No need to spend money on repairs, updates, or staging.
  
  

• Appeals to Investors or Flippers: These buyers are often looking for properties they can renovate and resell.
  
  
  

✘ Cons of Selling As-Is:

• Lower Sale Price: Buyers may offer less, knowing they’ll need to invest in repairs.
  
  

• Smaller Buyer Pool: Many traditional buyers shy away from homes that seem like “projects.”
  
  

• May Raise Red Flags: Selling as-is can make buyers wonder if there are hidden issues.
  
  
  

Making Repairs Before Selling

This option involves tackling key repairs and possibly making cosmetic updates to improve your home’s appeal and value.

✔ Pros of Making Repairs:

• Higher Sale Price: A move-in-ready home often attracts more interest and stronger offers.
  
  

• Wider Buyer Appeal: Buyers looking for homes they can move into right away will feel more confident.
  
  

• Fewer Negotiations: Preemptively fixing issues can prevent buyers from asking for repairs or price reductions later.
  
  
  

✘ Cons of Making Repairs:

• Upfront Costs: Depending on the repairs needed, the expense can be significant.
  
  

• More Time Needed: Renovations or even minor updates can delay your listing date.
  
  

• Risk of Over-Improving: Some upgrades may not yield a great return on investment.
  
  
  

How to Decide What’s Best for You

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. What’s the condition of your home?

If your home has major structural issues or outdated systems (plumbing, HVAC, roof), selling as-is might make more sense. But if it only needs cosmetic updates, making repairs could be worth it.

2. What’s your budget?

Can you afford to make updates now, or do you need to move quickly and keep expenses low?

3. How’s the local market?

In a hot seller’s market, even homes that need work can attract competitive offers. In a cooler market, updated homes tend to stand out.

4. Are you targeting a specific type of buyer?

If you’re hoping to sell to a first-time homebuyer, move-in-ready matters. If you’re marketing to investors or flippers, they expect to do the work.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some sellers, listing as-is is the smartest move—especially if time and money are tight. For others, putting in a little effort upfront can lead to a higher sale price and a smoother transaction.

Not sure which path is right for you? A trusted real estate agent can evaluate your home, compare similar properties in your area, and help you decide whether to repair or sell as-is.