Should You Sell Your Home As-Is in 2026?

If you’re planning to sell your home this year, you’re probably weighing a big decision:

• Sell it as-is and skip the repairs, stress, and prep

• Or make a few updates first to help it show better and sell for more

In 2026, that choice matters more than it has in recent years. Here’s why.

More Homes on the Market Means Condition Matters Again

Inventory has been rising, and that trend is expected to continue. According to a Realtor.com forecast, the number of homes for sale could increase by nearly 9% this year.

That shift gives buyers something they haven’t had much of lately: options. And when buyers have choices, they can afford to be picky. That means details like condition, presentation, and move-in readiness are back in the spotlight.

It’s no surprise, then, that most sellers choose to make at least some improvements before listing.

A recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) study found that:

• 65% of sellers completed minor repairs or updates before selling

• Only 35% sold their homes as-is

  
  

What Selling As-Is Really Means

Selling as-is means you’re telling buyers upfront that you won’t make repairs before listing—or negotiate fixes after the inspection. That can absolutely make the process easier for you, but there’s a trade-off.

Move-in-ready homes typically attract:

• More buyers

• More showings

• Stronger offers

  
  

Homes that need work often see:

• A smaller buyer pool

• Fewer offers

• Longer time on the market

• A lower final sales price

  
  

Selling as-is doesn’t mean your home won’t sell. It simply means it may not sell for as much as it could with a little preparation.

How the Right Agent Helps You Decide

There’s no universal answer to whether you should sell as-is or make repairs first. The right choice depends on your home, your budget, and your local market—and that’s where an experienced agent becomes essential.

A good agent can:

• Help you compare potential sale prices with and without repairs

• Advise which updates are actually worth doing (and which aren’t)

• Position your home strategically based on buyer expectations

  
  

If you sell as-is, your agent will highlight strengths like location, layout, and lot size so buyers focus on potential—not just projects.If you make updates, they’ll guide you toward the improvements buyers care about most, helping you avoid unnecessary spending.

And the timing works in your favor. Spring is typically the busiest buying season, which means there’s still time to tackle select repairs without rushing and still list at peak demand.

Selling your home as-is can still make sense in certain situations—but in today’s market, it may come at a cost. You don’t have to make repairs before listing, but you may want to consider it.

The best way to know what makes sense for your home? Have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent who can walk you through your options and help you make the most informed decision possible.