How To Sell Your House As-Is Even If It Needs Repairs
Selling your house as-is should be the goal for every homeowner thinking of selling their house. However, most buyers request that repairs be made after an inspection. Selling your house as-is when it is in need of repairs can be even more challenging because the repairs needed are obvious to anyone who sees the house.
If your house needs work and you want to sell as-is, we will cover how to sell your house even if it is in need of repairs. Follow these tips to get the most money for your house while selling your house fast.
What Does It Mean To Sell A House As-Is?
Selling your house as-is means you as the seller won’t be making any changes or alterations to the house at the request of the buyer. You are selling the house in its’ current state and the buyer is purchasing the property with the expectation that they will need to make changes or repairs. It’s important to be upfront about any damage or repair needs so there aren’t any surprises after the sale.
Typically, a buyer will have an inspection that will uncover hidden issues with the house that might not be obvious to the average home buyer. If you are truly selling as-is, this inspection won’t trigger a re-negotiation.
Why Would A Homeowner Want To Sell A House That Needs Repairs?
The most common reason homeowners want to sell as-is is because they don’t want to spend the money on repairs or deal with contractors. While conventional wisdom says if you fix your house up before selling you make more money, that isn’t always the case. Also, it takes a lot of financial resources to really fix up a house to the point where it no longer needs repairs.
Another common reason for wanting to sell as-is is time. If you need to sell fast, making repairs will only slow down the process. Selling as-is can help you unload the property quickly so you can move on with your life especially if you are relocating and need to move quickly.
Could You Lose Money Selling A House As-is?
Theoretically, yes you could lose money selling a house as-is. If you spend $20,000 remodeling a kitchen, you are supposed to be able to get $25,000 back. But what if you have budget overages, have to fire a contractor, or can’t finish the repairs? Plus, it does no good to fix up one aspect of a house and leave the rest dated or still in need of work.
So while some might say you could lose money selling a house as-is that really isn’t accurate. You really lose the opportunity to TRY to make more money by making an investment. At the end of the day, when you make repairs to a house you know you are going to sell, you are investing in the house and hoping you get a return on your investment. Most homeowners don’t want to be real estate investors and speculate on what repairs they should do vs what repairs they should ignore.
So the truth is, you don’t lose money by selling a house as-is. In fact, at Capstone Homebuyers, we typically offer a fair market value for the home once you factor in the repairs that need to be made.
How To Sell A House That Needs Repairs As-Is
If you ultimately decide that selling your house as-is makes the most sense for you and your unique situation then you can take some of these tips into consideration. Some are absolute musts like not purposefully hiding any flaws and some are optional like advertising the house or listing the house with a realtor. Most people decide to do straight to the source and sell their house as-is to a cash house buyer like Capstone homebuyers.
Fix What You Can in the House
While this contradicts the whole point of selling your house as-is, if there are small repairs you can do to the house that won’t take much time or money, it could be worth it. Something like fixing a hole in the wall, re-caulking the tub, or replacing missing tiles will only cost you a few hundred dollars but could help increase your offers.
These types of repairs make a big first impression and show that you have taken care of the house even though you are selling as-is.
Highlight The Positives About The House
When you are selling your house as-is, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the property. This means if there is a great view, good schools in the area, or other amenities, make sure to include that information. You want to make the house sound as appealing as possible to potential buyers so they are aware of the benefits of the house that go beyond just the condition of the actual property itself.
Don't Try To Hide Anything
One of the worst things you can do when selling your house as-is is trying to hide any damage or repairs that need to be made. This will only come back to bite you later on down the road. Be upfront and honest with potential buyers about the condition of the property. If there are any known issues, make potential buyers aware. Not doing so can open you up to liability down the road. Especially if it is something major like a foundation that needs repairs.
Hoarder House? Get Rid of as Much as You Can
If you are selling a house that has been turned into a hoarder’s paradise, the first step is to get rid of as much stuff as you can. This will make the house appear larger and more appealing to potential buyers. It will also make any necessary repairs easier and less expensive to fix.
Attempt to List the Property As-Is With A Realtor
While this isn’t always possible, some realtors are willing to list a property as-is. This means they won’t require you to make any repairs before listing the property. If you decide to go this route, be sure to interview a few different realtors to see if they are willing and able to sell the house as-is. You also will have to make it clear that there can be no inspection-based re-negotiations because inspection re-negotiations are considered to be common with realtors.
Advertise The House As An Investment Property
Many times, people are more willing to buy a house that needs repairs if they know they can rent it out or fix it up and sell it for a profit. By advertising the house as an investment property, you may be able to attract more buyers who are interested in taking on a project.
Sell To A Professional Home Buying Company
One of the best ways to sell your house as-is is to sell it to a professional home-buying company. These companies buy houses in any condition and can often close on the sale much faster than selling through a realtor. This is a great option if you need to sell quickly or don’t want to deal with repairs or cleaning. Make sure you check the reviews of home-buyers and choose who you work with carefully by taking a look at this guide on the best cash house buyers in San Antonio.
Selling Your House That Needs Repairs To Capstone Homebuyers
If you need to sell your house that needs repairs, we can help. We are professional home-buyers in San Antonio who buy houses in any condition. We can close on the sale quickly and will take care of all the repairs and cleaning for you.
Capstone Homebuyers is the premier “we buy houses” company in San Antonio, Texas. When you choose to sell your house to Capstone Homebuyers, you can know you are working with a local, family-owned company that is based on guiding principles that set us apart.
For great customer service and a great selling experience, sell to Capstone Homebuyers. Give us a call or fill out our online form to get started.
