Selling Your Home As-Is? What You Need to Know First

If selling your home is on your radar this year, one decision can shape your entire outcome.

• Sell it as-is and skip the repairs
• or make strategic updates to maximize your sale price.

What worked a few years ago doesn’t always work now.

In 2026, this choice matters more than ever. Here’s why.

More Competition Means Condition Matters Again

Inventory has been rising over the past year, and a Realtor.com forecast suggests it could increase another 8.9% this year. As buyers gain more choices, they regain leverage—and that means they can afford to be selective. Once again, the details of your home matter.

That’s one reason most homeowners opt to make updates before going to market.

A recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study found that nearly two-thirds of sellers (65%) made minor repairs or improvements before selling, while just 35% chose to sell as-is.

What Selling As-Is Really Means

Selling as-is signals that you’re not planning to make repairs before listing or negotiate fixes after the inspection. While that can simplify the process, it often limits the number of buyers willing to move forward.

Move-in-ready homes tend to attract more buyers and stronger offers. When a property needs work, the buyer pool shrinks. That often leads to fewer showings, less competition, longer time on the market, and a lower sale price.

It doesn’t mean the home won’t sell—it means it may not reach its full value.

How an Agent Can Help

So what’s the right move? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on your home and the dynamics of your local market.

That’s why working with the right agent matters. A good agent helps you evaluate both paths and understand what your home is likely to sell for in each scenario—often a deciding factor in choosing the best strategy.

• If you sell as-is: Your agent highlights the home’s strongest attributes—location, layout, size, and upside—so buyers focus on potential, not just projects.
• If you make repairs: Your agent helps prioritize improvements that deliver the best return, based on your budget and what today’s buyers actually value.

The good news is there’s still time to make updates if needed. Spring is typically the busiest homebuying season, which means peak demand is still months away. That gives you room to handle repairs thoughtfully—without rushing—and still list at the right moment.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whichever path you take, a skilled agent will position and market your home to attract the widest pool of buyers. In today’s market, that guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Bottom Line

Selling as-is can still be the right move in certain situations, but in today’s market, it can come at a cost. You don’t have to make repairs before listing—but for many sellers, it’s worth considering.

The best way to decide is with real numbers. A quick conversation with an agent can help you weigh your options and choose the strategy that works best for your home.

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