Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options:

Do you sell it as-is and make it easier on yourself? No repairs. No effort.
Or do you fix it up a bit first – so it shows well and sells for as much as possible?

In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know.

More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again

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.

How an Agent Can Help

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, let’s have a quick conversation about your house.

Tiia Cartwright

Tiia Cartwright, originally from Finland, is a distinguished real estate broker who is transforming the industry through her unwavering commitment to excellence and a client-centric approach. After moving to the United States during her high school years, Tiia pursued a degree in Finance at Louisiana State University, equipping her with a strong foundation in financial management and analysis. Her career journey initially led her to Arthur Andersen in New York City, one of the most prestigious public accounting firms. While she gained valuable experience in finance and accounting, Tiia discovered her true calling lay in connecting with people on a more personal level. In 2006, she took a bold step to transition into real estate, joining forces with Rhonda Duffy at Duffy Realty of Atlanta. There, she quickly became a top-performing real estate professional, adept at forming genuine connections with her clients. During her time with Duffy Realty, Tiia successfully listed and sold around 600 homes, earning a stellar reputation for her exceptional service. In 2007, Tiia founded Cartwright Realty in Tampa, FL, aiming to make a lasting impact on the industry. Under her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence, the agency has become a market leader in the region, exceeding client expectations and setting new industry standards. Tiia's commitment to her clients' satisfaction has made her a trusted advisor, helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. Her deep local market knowledge and understanding of her clients' unique needs enable her to craft tailored strategies that consistently deliver outstanding results. Beyond her professional success, Tiia's dedication extends to her community, actively participating in charitable initiatives. Her efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate have earned her recognition and accolades. Today, Tiia Cartwright is a respected figure in the real estate industry, setting the standard for exceptional service, expertise, and dedication to her clients' success. Her consistent top performance exemplifies professionalism and serves as an inspiring example for emerging real estate professionals. For those seeking guidance in the complex world of real estate, Tiia Cartwright and her Cartwright Realty team embody excellence, integrity, and a track record of outstanding results.

Comments are closed.

Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.