How as-is sales work | How much do you lose | Factors | FAQs
Depending on how you sell your home and its condition, you could lose 5% to 50% by selling it as is. If it's in good shape, you might get 95% of its fair market value. If it's in shambles or you need to sell ASAP, you might only get half its worth.
There's no simple answer. For some homeowners, pre-listing repairs are costly and time-consuming but net a higher profit. Yet for others, listing a home in as-is condition is the more convenient choice, even if it results in a lower profit.
Is it worth selling your home as-is?
- Selling your home as-is can be more convenient, but also more expensive in the long run.
- It might be the best option for attracting a home buyer looking for a quick cash transaction.
- Most traditional buyers look for move-in ready homes, so you’d likely need to make repairs or upgrades to maximize the sale price.
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How an as-is sale could work
Buyers might factor in the repairs they'd have to make themselves into their offers, so the better shape your house is in, the higher the offer. If it's in major disrepair, some buyers — like investment companies — will only pay 50–70% of its after-repair value (ARV).
An as-is sale can save you time and money up front by getting the property listed more quickly, but can also work against you by discouraging buyers and prolonging the sales process.
How much do you lose selling a house as-is?
You could lose about 5–30% by selling your home as-is, depending on its condition and what repairs the buyer will need to make. So on a home valued at $350,000, you could lose anywhere from $18,000 to $105,000.
While there isn’t a strict formula for how much an as-is sale will get you compared with a traditional sale, you can expect to lose approximately:
- 5% for a move-in ready house
- 10% for a house that needs minor repairs
- 30–50% for a house that needs serious repairs
Basically, don’t expect to get top dollar when you sell a home as-is. Pre-listing repairs and upgrades will typically add value.
» SEE: The Best (and Worst) Home Improvements for Resale Value
What percent do you lose when selling a house?
ARV 👉 | $175,000 | $350,000 | $525,000 |
<5% | <$8,750 | <$17,500 | <$26,250 |
10% | $17,500 | $35,000 | $52,500 |
30–50% | $52,500-87,500 | $105,000-175,000 | $157,500–262,500 |
Factors that can affect sale price
Your sales price will frequently depend on your home’s condition. If your property needs serious and costly pre-listing repairs, you’ll likely lose more than a home requiring cosmetic fixes. If you don’t have the time or money to invest in repairs, your final sales price may reflect that.
Minor issues that can be fixed with a quick call to a local contractor, like a leaky faucet, could attract more buyers and help you get a bigger profit. Larger problems — e.g., a faulty water heater, roof leaks, or a nonfunctional HVAC system — can significantly impact your sales price since they cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to fix. You may need to make improvements to grab the attention of buyers.
✍ Be aware of inspection contingencies!
The average buyer isn’t looking for a home that needs repairs. However, one in three home buyers would consider purchasing a fixer-upper if they got a great deal. [1]
Generally, though, homes with serious issues are more likely to attract investors and companies that buy houses for cash. These buyers offer a quick sale, but they often pay 70% or less of the home’s ARV, which represents the property’s value after renovations are complete rather than in its current state.
A seller’s market — few homes for sale and high demand — gives you a stronger position to list the property at a higher price. On the other hand, a slower market (more available housing than buyers) can decrease your home's value.
If your home takes longer to sell, you may need to set a low sale price to attract traditional buyers to your home, regardless of its condition. A local realtor can recommend a fair price based on your market.
Clever can match you with a local, qualified realtor to help you decide. They'll discuss your home's value and give you insight into estimated repair costs, and whether pre-listing repairs make sense for your property.
FAQs
Selling as-is means you list your home for sale in its current condition. An as-is listing tells potential buyers that what you see is what you get, and you won’t make any repairs or improvements to the property.
If you need to sell fast, an as-is sale might be your best bet. It’s a great way to get a quick sale, and you can schedule closing in as little as a few days in some circumstances. But if you have the time and money for repairs and upgrades, then investing in the property could result in a higher price.
Buyers can always request a home inspection, even in an as-is sale. And you're required to disclose any information that might negatively affect the home’s value.
Bloomberg. "Homebuyers Swarm to High-Risk, High-Reward Fixer-Uppers in Red-Hot Market." Page(s) 1. Accessed February 11, 2023. Updated February 11, 2023.