Can I Sell My House As-Is? What You Need to Know

by Don & Susie Karstedt

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Yes, you can sell a house as is—and in some cases, it’s the smartest option. But if you’re thinking about listing your home in its current condition, there are a few key things you should understand first.

Here’s a breakdown of what selling a house “as is” really means, who typically buys homes like this, and when it might make sense for you.


What Does “As Is” Mean in Real Estate?

Selling your home as is means you’re not making any repairs or updates before closing. You’re listing the home exactly as it stands today.

That doesn’t mean buyers can’t inspect the home. Most still will. And depending on what they find, they might try to renegotiate the price—or walk away altogether. An “as-is” listing simply tells buyers that the seller isn’t planning to do any work on the property, even if issues come up during inspection.


You Still Have to Disclose Known Issues

Even if you’re selling as-is, you’re still required by law to disclose any major problems you know about. This could include:

  • Water damage or leaks

  • Foundation issues

  • Mold

  • Electrical or plumbing problems

  • Roof damage

If you fail to disclose known issues and the buyer discovers them later, you could be held liable—even after the home is sold.


What Does “As Is” Signal to Buyers?

When buyers see a home listed “as is,” they expect problems. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does affect how they think about the price.

Many buyers assume:

  • The home needs work

  • The seller is looking for a quicker, lower-hassle sale

  • The price should reflect the condition

This can narrow your buyer pool. For example, buyers using FHA or VA loans may not be able to purchase an as-is property if it doesn’t meet certain safety or condition standards.


Who Buys As-Is Homes?

Some buyers are fine with homes that need work—especially if the price is right. Here’s who you’re most likely to attract:

  • Investors or flippers looking for homes they can renovate and resell

  • Cash buyers who can close quickly without a lender

  • Buyers who want a discount and are willing to take on repairs

  • Developers who may plan to tear down the home and rebuild

If your home needs major updates or repairs, selling as-is can make it easier to attract the right kind of buyer without spending more money to fix it up.


How to Price a Home That’s Being Sold As-Is

Pricing matters—a lot. If you list too high and still say “as is,” buyers may skip your listing completely. But if you price the home based on its current condition, you can still get strong interest.

Some sellers even price a bit below market value to encourage multiple offers, especially in competitive markets.

A good agent can help you:

  • Estimate the cost of repairs

  • Compare to similar homes that recently sold

  • Set a price that reflects the true condition


When It Makes Sense to Sell As-Is

Selling as-is might be a good move if:

  • You don’t have time or money for repairs

  • The home has been vacant or neglected for a while

  • You inherited the home or are managing an estate sale

  • You’re moving quickly and want a faster close

The key is being realistic—about the condition, the market, and your timeline.


Final Take

Yes, you can sell a house as-is. In fact, for some homeowners, it’s the best choice. Just make sure you’re clear about what that means, stay honest about the condition, and price the home accordingly.

If you’re thinking about selling as-is and want help weighing your options, let’s talk. We can look at what’s happening in your market and figure out the approach that works best for you.

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Don & Susie Karstedt

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