How to Sell a House As-Is When It Needs Repairs

Selling a home that needs repairs can feel overwhelming — but an as-is sale may be the smartest option. Here’s how to sell as-is strategically, protect yourself legally, and still attract serious buyers.

💡 Quick Answer

You can sell a house as-is even if it needs repairs. This means you’re not agreeing to fix issues before closing — but you must still disclose known defects and price the home accordingly.

📌 What “As-Is” Means When a Home Needs Repairs

In a repair-driven as-is sale, the seller is acknowledging the property has known issues and is choosing not to correct them before closing.

  • The buyer can still inspect the home
  • The seller still must disclose known defects
  • Price reflects the home’s current condition
  • Repair requests may be limited or declined

For a broader overview, see Buying or Selling a House “As Is”? Pros, Cons & What It Means .

Common Repairs That Lead Sellers to Choose As-Is

  • Roof replacement or active leaks
  • Foundation or structural concerns
  • Outdated electrical or plumbing systems
  • HVAC failures
  • Water damage or mold risk
  • Deferred maintenance due to age or vacancy

Selling as-is allows you to avoid large upfront expenses and transfer renovation decisions to the buyer.

💰 How to Price an As-Is Home That Needs Work

Pricing is the most important factor in a successful as-is sale.

  • Compare to renovated homes, then adjust downward
  • Account for repair costs plus buyer risk
  • Expect fewer offers — but more serious ones
  • Transparency reduces renegotiation later

Many sellers use credits instead of repairs when financing allows. Learn more in Seller Concessions Explained .

🧾 Disclosures Still Apply in As-Is Sales

“As-is” does not remove your legal obligation to disclose known material defects.

Failing to disclose issues can expose sellers to post-closing liability — even in an as-is transaction.

Start here: Seller’s Duty to Disclose Latent Defects .

In many states, sellers also use specific paperwork to formalize as-is terms. See What Is an As-Is Addendum in Real Estate?

🏦 Financing Challenges to Expect

  • FHA / VA loans: May require repairs for safety or habitability
  • Conventional loans: More flexible, but appraisals still matter
  • Cash buyers: Most common in heavy repair situations

Even in as-is sales, buyers typically conduct inspections to assess risk. See What Is a Home Inspection in Real Estate .

Inspection issues can also trigger lender or appraisal conditions. Learn more in Can a Home Inspection Affect the Appraisal? .

📄 Using the Right Contract Language

Most as-is sales rely on specific contract language to limit repair obligations. Learn when this approach is appropriate in When to Use an As-Is Contract in Real Estate .

📌 Summary

  • You can sell a home as-is even with major repairs needed
  • Disclosures and inspections still apply
  • Pricing and transparency drive success
  • Cash and renovation buyers are common