Thinking About Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First

If you’re planning to sell your home this year, you’re probably weighing two very different paths:

• Sell as-is and keep things simple — no repairs, no projects, no hassle.

• Make a few updates first so your home shows better and potentially sells for more.

In 2026, that decision carries more weight than it did just a few years ago. Here’s why.

More Competition Means Condition Matters Again

Inventory has been rising, giving buyers more choices. And according to a Realtor.com forecast, the number of homes for sale could increase by another 8.9% this year.

When buyers have options, they get selective. Details matter again — condition, presentation, and move-in readiness all play a bigger role in how quickly a home sells and for how much. That’s one reason most sellers still 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, while only 35% chose to sell 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 inspections.

That approach can absolutely simplify things for you — but it also tends to limit your buyer pool.

Move-in-ready homes generally attract more showings and stronger offers. Homes that need work often appeal to a smaller group of buyers willing to take on projects. The result can be:

• Fewer showings

• Fewer offers

• More time on the market

• A lower final sale price

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

How the Right Agent Makes the Difference

There’s no universal answer to whether you should sell as-is or make updates. The best choice depends on your home, your goals, and your local market — which is where an experienced agent becomes invaluable.

A good agent can help you evaluate both paths and estimate what your home may sell for in each scenario.

• If you sell as-is: Your agent will highlight the home’s strongest selling points — location, layout, lot size, or potential — so buyers see opportunity, not just repairs.

• If you make updates: Your agent can help you focus on improvements that actually matter to buyers, avoiding unnecessary or low-return projects.

The good news? There’s still time. Spring typically brings the highest buyer demand, which means you likely have several months to make thoughtful updates without rushing — and still list at the ideal time.

Selling as-is can make sense in certain situations — but in today’s more competitive market, it may come at a cost.

You don’t have to make repairs before listing. But depending on your market, you may want to. Before deciding, have a quick conversation with a trusted agent. A little insight upfront can help you choose the strategy that puts the most money in your pocket — with the least stress along the way.