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What to Consider When Selling a Home As-Is

Homebuyers today predominantly lean towards homes that are ready for move-in, with all necessary repairs and updates already made. The Wall Street Journal highlights that the appeal for fixer-uppers has waned, largely attributed to rising mortgage interest rates and the complexities of construction loans. When a seller lists their home without addressing its repair needs, the ensuing costs of such repairs remain unpredictable. Importantly, mortgage backers like FHA and VA uphold strict safety and home quality standards. If a seller bypasses essential repairs, potential buyers might find their mortgage application declined.

However, there are situations where sellers, due to financial constraints or other reasons, are unable to make these improvements. What can they anticipate in such scenarios?

Opting to sell a home “as is” implies that the property is presented in its existing state, freeing the seller from numerous obligations and potential expenses tied to the selling process. While such sellers are still bound by basic state and federal disclosure rules—including the responsibility to highlight any known defects—the presence of such disclosures can be disconcerting to buyers. In a market that’s balanced or leans towards buyers, an “as-is” home could see its price slashed by 15% to 20% below market rates, and the time taken to secure a sale might also extend. This elongation adds to the seller’s ongoing costs: mortgages, utilities, HOA fees, and so on.

Furthermore, sellers should brace for reduced offers from cash-paying investors. Such investors typically have set purchasing criteria that must align with their profitability calculations before showing genuine interest.

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