According to National Association of Realtors data, selling as-is means listing your property without making repairs or updates, typically closing 3- 4x faster (7-21 days vs 30-90 days) but potentially receiving 10-20% less than renovated homes.
When it’s time to sell your home, one of the most significant decisions is whether to invest in repairs or sell the property as-is. Each option has benefits and drawbacks depending on your goals, timeline, and property condition.
According to recent Zillow market research, 73% of sellers who renovate before selling spend between $10,000-$50,000 on improvements, while only 64% recoup their full investment in the final sale price.
This guide explains the key differences and what homeowners should consider before deciding.
Table of Contents
- What Does Selling As-Is Mean?
- Pros and Cons of Renovating Before Selling
- Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is
- Cost Comparison Table
- When Selling As-Is Makes More Sense
- Key Factors to Consider
- How to Decide What’s Right for You
- Why This Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Selling As-Is Mean?
Selling as-is means listing or transferring your property in its current condition, without any updates or repairs.
This approach can be appealing for homeowners who:
- Need to move quickly due to job relocation or financial circumstances
- Are managing an inherited or distressed property from a distance
- Want to avoid the hassle of contractors and renovation delays
Buyers understand that the property comes with its current flaws and accept that no repairs will be made before the sale. According to RealtyTrac data, as-is sales accounted for approximately 23% of all residential transactions in 2025.
Sometimes, sellers bypass the traditional route entirely by working with companies that buy houses for cash, allowing them to avoid home prep and showings altogether.
Pros and Cons of Renovating Before Selling
Pros:
- Higher sale price: Updates can improve the appeal and value of the home by 15-25% according to HomeAdvisor data
- Faster resale in competitive markets: Buyers are drawn to move-in ready homes, with turnkey properties selling 40% faster in hot markets
- Stronger offers: Well-maintained homes may receive multiple offers, with NAHB research showing renovated homes get 2.3x more offers on average
Cons:
- High upfront costs: Renovations can cost $15,000-$75,000 out of pocket for typical improvements
- Project management stress: Coordinating work, permits, and inspections can add 30-90 days to your timeline
- ROI not guaranteed: Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report shows only a 58% average return on major renovations
Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is
Pros:
- Speed: The process is often 3-4x faster, especially with cash buyers (7-21 days vs 30-90 days for traditional sales)
- Simplicity: No need to manage repairs, updates, or multiple contractor inspections
- Lower upfront costs: Sellers avoid renovation expenses altogether, preserving cash flow
Cons:
- Lower offers: Buyers typically reduce offers by 10-20% to account for needed repairs, according to Opendoor market analysis
- Smaller buyer pool: NAR data shows 67% of buyers prefer move-in ready homes and may pass on as-is properties
- Inspection negotiations: Even as-is sales can face buyer requests for credits or price reductions after inspections
Working with reputable cash buying companies like Bridgehaven Homes can streamline the process and eliminate uncertainty during closing by making fair, transparent, as-is purchases.
Cost Comparison Table
| Factor | Renovating Before Selling | Selling As-Is |
| Timeline | 30-90 days or more | 7-21 days |
| Upfront Investment | $10,000-$75,000+ | $0 |
| Buyer Expectations | Updated features, turnkey condition | Willing to handle repairs |
| Sale Price Potential | Higher (10-25% premium when done right) | Lower but faster (10-20% discount typical) |
| Project Complexity | High (permits, contractors, delays) | Low (paperwork only) |
| Market Risk | Higher (market changes during renovation) | Lower (quick close) |
When Selling As-Is Makes More Sense
Research from the Urban Institute shows certain situations make selling as-is more practical:
- The home needs extensive repairs: Properties requiring more than $25,000 in work often see better net proceeds when sold as-is.
- You’re managing an inherited property: 78% of inherited home sales are completed as-is, according to probate court data.
- You’re facing time constraints: Job relocation, divorce, or financial hardship, where speed matters more than maximum price.
- Local market conditions favor quick sales: In competitive buyer markets, as-is properties often receive fair offers.
In these scenarios, sellers often turn to companies that buy houses for cash to simplify the transaction and reduce the financial burden of repairs.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Local Market Conditions
Hot seller’s markets may allow you to sell as-is for 90-95% of renovated value. According to local MLS data analysis, that gap widens to 75-85% in buyer’s markets.
2. Your Timeline
If time is critical, renovations can add 2-4 months to your selling process. As-is sales with cash buyers typically close in 2-3 weeks.
3. Available Budget
Renovations require significant upfront capital. Sellers don’t have sufficient liquid funds for substantial improvements.
4. Condition of the Property
Minor cosmetic issues (paint, flooring) might yield 2:1 ROI. Major structural issues (foundation, HVAC, roof) often provide less than 1:1 return and may not justify the investment.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
When weighing whether to renovate or sell as-is, ask yourself these key questions:
How much cash do I have available? Renovations require upfront spending with no guarantee of full recovery. If you’re cash-constrained, selling as-is preserves your financial flexibility.
Do I have 3-6 months to manage a renovation project? Even minor upgrades take time, planning, and active supervision.
Is my home in a desirable location? Homes in high-demand neighborhoods (good schools, low crime, amenities) may sell quickly even without upgrades.
Am I emotionally ready to part with the home as-is? Some sellers want to improve the home for personal closure, while others prefer to move on quickly without additional stress.
Why This Matters
Understanding the pros and cons of renovating vs. selling as-is can help homeowners make a more informed and confident decision. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer-the right path depends on your personal goals, your property’s condition, and how quickly you need to sell.
Homeowners who align their selling strategy with specific circumstances achieve 23% better satisfaction with their overall experience.
Whether you update your home or work with reputable companies that buy houses for cash, knowing your options is the first step toward a successful sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renovate a home before selling?
The cost depends on the size and condition of the home, as well as the type of renovations you plan to make. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2025 data:
- Cosmetic upgrades (interior paint, flooring): $5,000-$15,000
- Mid-range improvements (kitchen refresh, bathroom updates): $15,000-$35,000
- Major renovations (kitchen remodel, roof replacement, foundation work): $35,000-$75,000+
Getting multiple estimates and comparing them to the expected sale price increases before starting any project is essential.
Do renovated homes consistently sell for more?
Not necessarily. While well-renovated homes tend to attract more attention, the return on investment varies significantly by market and renovation type.
Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report shows:
- Best ROI: Minor kitchen remodel (85% return), bathroom refresh (78% return)
- Lower ROI: Major additions (52% return), luxury upgrades (45% return)
Timing, local buyer preferences, and overall housing demand are crucial in determining actual returns.
Can I sell without making any repairs?
Yes, approximately 23% of homeowners choose to sell their properties as-is, especially if the house needs extensive work or needs to move quickly. This route is standard for:
- Inherited homes (78% sold as-is according to probate data)
- Investment properties being liquidated.
- Homes facing foreclosure or financial distress
When you sell as-is, you agree not to fix existing issues, and the buyer accepts the home in its current condition.
Will I still get a fair offer if I don’t renovate?
You can receive a fair offer, though it may be 10-20% lower than a fully updated home’s value. Buyers typically factor repair costs into their offers.
However, by avoiding:
- Agent commissions (5-6% of sale price)
- Staging costs ($2,000-$5,000)
- Carrying costs during months of listing
- Renovation risks and delays
Many sellers find the net proceeds competitive, especially with reputable cash buyers.
Is it harder to sell a house that needs repairs?
According to NAR data, it can be more challenging through traditional MLS listings, where 67% of buyers expect move-in-ready homes. However, there’s a substantial market for fixer-uppers:
- Real estate investors actively seek properties needing work
- First-time buyers looking for affordability often consider fixer-uppers
- Cash buyers specialize in as-is purchases
The key is pricing appropriately for the condition and being transparent about known issues. Working with experienced cash buyers like Bridgehaven Homes can eliminate complications and provide certainty in your timeline and closing price.
