Selling a house as-is: A real estate guide

by Pierre C. Rumpf 04/15/2024

Person holding sign

If a home requires a significant number of repairs, the seller has the option of selling the house as is. This can help alleviate the stress and costs of major repairs while preparing a home for the market. 

While this strategy isn't right for every situation, understanding the process can be beneficial to your home sale. 

What does it mean to sell "as-is?"

In real estate, selling a home as-is means you're selling exactly in its current condition - problems and all. This type of sale means the seller will not repair or improve the home before selling it, and the buyer cannot request any repairs or upgrade concessions.

Pricing is important when selling "as-is"

Real estate agents can create a comparative market analysis (CMA) to specifically target homes in similar conditions. This will help you find the optimal price for a home when selling as-is. You may also want to consider the costs of significant upgrades or repairs in your asking price.

What selling a house "as-is" is not

Unfortunately, many homeowners believe a sale in itself relieves them of any obligations associated with the normal sale process. However, you aren't allowed to simply move out of the house without showing it or having a professional inspection report. 

Specific rules for this vary by jurisdiction, so make sure you understand the specific requirements for your real estate transaction.

Talk to your real estate agent

It can be beneficial to work with a real estate agent with experience in selling a house as-is. They can help you get your listing in front of more prospective buyers and real estate investors likely to buy a property as-is.

Selling as-is can be an excellent strategy in a tough real estate market. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to forego making major improvements or repairs to your home. Keep these factors in mind and consult a real estate professional to make the best possible decision for your home.

About the Author
Author

Pierre C. Rumpf

Broker Profile: Pierre comes from a diverse background. His adolescent and early adult years found him working for his father, a renowned structural engineer, and his brother, an architectural designer and general contractor. His knowledge of construction design (architectural & structural) and practices is significant. He coupled his construction background with his considerable sales experience, by becoming licensed to sell real estate in Massachusetts in 1986.

Pierre is also a licensed Attorney in the Commonwealth, who formerly worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office as a litigator in the Victim & Witness Assistance Division of the Family & Community Crimes Bureau, litigating cases involving victims of violent crime, and since then has had his own legal practice.

For decades, Pierre has excelled in helping buyers of real estate find that condo, single-family, multi-family, lot of lands, or commercial property they desire to buy, or by effectively marketing his clients’ properties to sell their property for the most amount of money possible. His professional background embodies the ideal combination of construction, sales, negotiating, and contract drafting, which is essential to actualizing his clients’ goals and/or dreams. He does all of this with attention to detail, integrity, and success.

Since 1995, PCR Realty has helped buyers and sellers make their transactions as successful as possible. Using a consultative approach, PCR Realty approaches each experience as a unique opportunity for its clients. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm, PCR Realty provides leading-edge services for buyers & sellers.

When it comes to successfully navigating today’s complex real estate market, you need to work with someone who has the experience and commitment to see it done right. PCR Realty excels at matching buyers to sellers. From state-of-the-art marketing to an experienced broker, PCR Realty works diligently to far exceed your expectations. PCR Realty invites you to learn more.