Why Rising Inventory Makes Home Condition Matter More
Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this year, a Realtor.com forecast says it could go up another 8.9%. That matters. As buyers gain more options, they also re-gain the ability to be selective. So, the details are starting to count again. That’s one reason most sellers choose to make some updates before listing. According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling (the blue and the green in the chart below). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is:
What Selling As-Is Really Means
Selling as-is means you’re signaling upfront that you won’t handle repairs before listing or negotiate fixes after inspection. That can definitely simplify things on your end, but it also narrows your buyer pool. Homes that are move-in ready typically attract more buyers and stronger offers. On the flip side, when a home needs work, fewer buyers are willing to take it on. That can mean fewer showings, fewer offers, more time on the market, and often a lower final price. It doesn’t mean your house won’t sell, it just means it may not sell for as much as it could have.
The Strategic Advantage of Working With an Agent
So, what should you do? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s going to depend a lot on your house and your local market. And that’s why working with an agent is a must. The right agent will help you weigh your options and anticipate what your house may sell for either way and that can be a key factor in your final decision.
If you choose to sell as-is: They’ll call attention to the best features, like the location, size, and more, so it’s easy for buyers to see the potential, not just the projects.
If you decide to make repairs: Your agent can pinpoint what’s really worth the time and effort based on your budget and what buyers care about the most.
The good news is, there’s still time to get repairs done. Typically speaking, the spring is the peak homebuying season, so there are still several months left before buyer demand will be at its seasonal high. That means you have time to make some repairs, without rushing or stressing, and still hit the listing sweet spot. The choice is yours. No matter what you end up picking, your agent will market your house to draw in as many buyers as possible. And in today’s market, that expertise is going to be worth it.
Bottom Line
While selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations, in some markets today, it may cost you. So, no, you don’t have to make repairs before you list. But you may want to. To make sure you’re considering all your options and making the best choice possible, connect with an agent to have a quick conversation about your house.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does selling a home as-is mean?
Selling as-is means the seller will not make repairs or improvements before the sale and will not negotiate repair requests after inspections. The buyer accepts the property in its current condition.
2. Will selling as-is lower my home’s value?
In many cases, yes. Buyers often factor repair costs, effort, and risk into their offers, which can result in lower offers compared to move-in ready homes.
3. Why are buyers more selective in today’s market?
Higher inventory levels give buyers more choices. This allows them to compare properties and prioritize homes that require fewer repairs or upgrades.
RESOURCES
HousingWire — housingwire.com
Inman — inman.com
Bankrate — bankrate.com/real-estate
Rocket Mortgage — rocketmortgage.com/learn
CoreLogic — corelogic.com now this to turkish
