When it comes time to sell your house, you have the option of listing it as-is. This means you are not interested in requests from buyers to modify or repair the home before selling it.

Selling a house as is allows homeowners to ensure a no-fuss sale because they won’t have to pay for a significant number of repairs or potentially delay the closing date. While opting for an as-is home sale is an easy option for homeowners, many people wonder if they are losing money by going this route.

How Much do You Lose Selling a House as is?

The first question to answer is whether or not you lose money when selling a house as-is. This is a difficult question because every house is unique and requires different repairs. It is also challenging to answer because it is hard to quantify how much those repairs will increase the home price. 

For example, replacing your old garage door will cost around $4,500. But, it has an estimated return on investment (ROI) of $8,700. By selling your house as is, and failing to replace your garage door before listing the home, you are leaving up to $4,200 on the table.

However, a bathroom remodel costs around $25,000 on average and has a resale value of $18,600. Deciding to update your bathroom before you list the home could cause you to lose money. It will also cost you time and energy. 

When you first meet with a real estate agent, they will perform a comparative market analysis (CMA). This estimates the value of your property against similar ones in the area. The CMA will tell you how much your home is worth based on its size, the neighborhood, the current market, and its condition. If your house needs significant repairs or upgrades, your CMA will be lower than similar properties that are in better condition. 

You don’t necessarily lose selling your home as is. You can potentially save money and time by listing your property in its current condition. Your agent may recommend certain repairs or upgrades that are worth the investment. However, it’s your decision whether or not you pursue them. If you currently live in a seller’s market and your home doesn’t need necessary repairs, an as-is sale could be a good option.

Should I Sell My House As Is?

Like any part of the real estate process, deciding to sell your house as-is will depend on your particular situation. An option that works for one home seller might not work for another. Here are a few instances when selling as-is can be a lifeline if you are eager to move. 

• You cannot make repairs. Some people are not physically capable of making upgrades themselves and need to hire contractors to do the work for them. Elderly or disabled home sellers might opt for an as-is listing
• You cannot afford the repairs. Home repairs can get expensive, especially if your property needs a lot of work. you might not have the funds to invest in renovations before listing your house. 
• You have to move quickly. If you need to relocate for work or are going through a divorce, you might want to sell your house fast instead of spending several weeks making repairs or hiring contractors. 
• Your house is in good condition. Some homes can be listed as-is because there isn’t much to repair. If you know your house is in good condition, consider this option. 

The extent of the repairs will also determine whether it as-is listing is right for you. If you simply have one major issue, like a broken HVAC system, you can decide whether you want to invest in that upgrade or let your future buyer deal with the problem.

Pros of Selling a House As Is

There are several benefits of opting for an as-is sale. This option is increasingly preferred by homeowners who are eager to move and don’t want to invest a lot of time and money in home repairs. here are a few benefits of selling a house in this manner. 

• Speed: You don’t have to spend several weeks or months repairing your home and getting it in peak condition for the sale. You can list It today. 
• Money: While many people think you lose selling a house as-is, there’s always a risk that you spend more money on repairs than you get back in the final sale price. 
• Convenience: Home improvements don’t just cost money, they also take a lot of time. You will not have to give up your weekends working on repairs or spend several hours meeting with contractors and scheduling service calls. 
• Faster selling process: Letting buyers know that you intend to sell the home as-is can prevent them from making offers with several repair contingencies. This allows for a sooner closing date.

This could be an ideal option if you need to move in a hurry, like relocating for a job offer. It is also a good way to sell your house quickly without any time-consuming upgrades or repair contingency closing delays.

Cons of Selling a House As Is

Despite the benefits of selling a house as-is, there are significant limitations to this option. Depending on the local housing market, your sale plan might not pan out as you expect. Here are the risks you take. 

• Lower fair market value: You might not get the asking price you expect for your house because it needs repairs.
• Limited pool of buyers: Many lenders won’t approve mortgages on homes that need significant repairs. You may need to work with cash buyers, limiting the number of people who will be interested in your property. 
• Perceived issues: Even if your property is in good condition, an as-is home could be a red flag to buyers. It could take longer to sell your home than you expect because of this limited buyer pool. 

The market conditions in your area will determine what your home sells for and the demand for the property. In some regions, you can still get a higher price for a home that needs repairs because demand for houses is high. In other areas, listing a house as is could cause it to stay on the market longer than you want.

How to Sell a House As Is

Deciding to sell a house as-is is a big part of the real estate process. Once you start considering this route, you can take steps to increase your chances of a smooth home sale. Here are a few steps to follow as you evaluate your options and plan your moving timeline.

Get Advice From a Local Real Estate Agent

The first step in any home sale is to meet with potential real estate agents who could represent you. Ask at least three real estate to visit your home and perform a CMA on its value. They may adjust their estimated home sale price once they see the condition of your house. Each agent should review how they performed the CMA and how they reached their estimated listing price. 

During these meetings, ask your agent about as-is home sales. Learn if they are common in the region and if this option is a good fit for you. The agents should review how the fair market value of your home will change if you sell as-is, complete major upgrades, or simply invest in minor repairs. They might recommend a few key changes to focus on so you can attract potential buyers. 

If the agent you hire feels confident that you won’t lose selling a house as-is, you can move forward with listing it on the local housing market.

Disclose Defects

When your agent drafts your listing agreement, they will ask you to fill out a seller’s disclosure statement. This is where you will list every known defect in the house. It doesn’t matter whether you are selling a house as-is or are open to making major repairs, you are legally required to be transparent about your property’s known defects. 

You can also disclose any issues that you have already addressed with the property. For example, if the house is known to have termite damage but you have eradicated the infestation and addressed any foundational issues they caused, you can list those upgrades in the disclosure. 

A detailed disclosure will make potential buyers feel more comfortable about bidding on an as-is property. They won’t feel like there are any hidden issues that they need to look out for. 

Do a Home Inspection Before Listing

It is increasingly common for homeowners to schedule a home inspection before they list. This alerts them to any potential issues that home buyers might object to. Review the inspection with your real estate agent and go over any repair costs that could prevent your home from selling. During this time, you can decide whether you want to invest in these repairs or move forward with the as-is sale. 

Your Realtor may use your pre-home inspection as a selling point when buyers start touring your property. They can highlight how the home was already inspected and repairs were made while encouraging anyone who makes a bid to conduct an inspection themselves. Just because you conduct a home Inspection does not mean you should expect your buyer to waive theirs. 

This home inspection will prevent surprises in the home sale. Both you and your buyer won’t be shocked by a damaged roof or issues with the plumbing that could potentially cause your buyer to walk away from the deal.

Get Cost Estimates for Potential Repairs

When home buyers tour your property, they will mentally calculate the fair market value plus the repair costs. If an excessive amount of work needs to be done on your house, your buyers might walk away from the deal because the property is now out of their budget. 

If you want to be transparent about what the home needs, seek out estimates for repairs and upgrades before buyers visit your home. You can highlight how the final sale price plus the estimated repair costs reach the market value of the property. This will make your buyers think they are getting a deal rather than overpaying for a house that needs repairs.

Identify Repairs That Could be Required by Lenders

One of the challenges of selling your home as-is is that you may not receive offers from buyers securing FHA loans. The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has strict guidelines for the condition of properties to approve mortgages for them. A buyer might walk away from the sale if you are not willing to make these repairs.

Look at the results from your home inspection and consider which repairs are essential for buyers and which ones are cosmetic or easy to overlook. For example, all broken doors and windows must be fixed to get an FHA loan, while appliances and the roof must have at least two years of viability remaining.

If you have a broken HVAC system or your roof needs to be replaced, lenders might not approve the mortgage on the home.

If you are adamant that you are not going to make any repairs on the property, your buyer pool might be limited to investors and people making cash offers. As a result, you might get lower offers than you want or the sale could take longer than you expect.

Set a Realistic Price

Once you understand the full scope of the necessary repairs and have estimates for what it will cost to complete them, you can work with your agent to set a competitive listing price. Your goal is to make money on the home sale while also finding home buyers quickly. You don’t want your house to stay on the market too long or people will lose interest in the property. 

Your agents can help you choose a fair market number for your initial listing price. Keep in mind that when buyers see an as-is sale, they might be more competitive with their offers and negotiations. You may receive offers that are lower than your listing price to account for the perceived repairs. Make sure you set a floor for the absolute minimum that you are willing to accept on an offer.

Alternatives to Selling a House As Is

If you are still worried that you will lose selling a house as-is, consider other options that could be more profitable. Here are a few ways to sell your property that are optimal for your finances and moving goals. 

• Work with investors. You might be able to meet with cash buyers who promised to purchase your home as-is. Many investors will also allow you to choose your target closing date. You might get a lower sales price than you expect through this option. 
• Take out a loan for repairs. If you don’t have the money for repairs at this time, consider taking out a loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This will give you the funds you need to repair your property and make it desirable to buyers. 
• List as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Listing your home by yourself could help you save on Realtor commissions. Consider offering a lower asking price to appeal to cash buyers. Remember, with this option, you will have to take on all of the real estate paperwork and aspects of the transaction by yourself.
• Wait for the market to change. Housing markets are unpredictable, but you could consider waiting for a seller’s market in your region. this might make your home more desirable without requiring you to make repairs. 

The viability of each of these options depends on how quickly you want to move, your ideal selling price, and how adamant you are against making repairs. Explore every channel before choosing the best one.

Check Your Market Value Before Listing an As-Is Home

The first step if you’re thinking about listing an as-is home is to contact a real estate agent. Your realtor can tell you if you’re currently in a seller’s market and provide a fair market value estimate for your property. 

They will advise whether it is better to make necessary repairs before listing or if they are confident that they can find cash buyers for your property. Your agent understands that you want to strike a balance between getting a higher sales price and moving quickly without putting a lot of work in. 

To find a trusted real estate agent who is experienced in as-is home sales, turn to FastExpert. You can review agent profiles to learn about their experience in your region and home sale specialties. You can also contact the top contenders and request interviews. Try FastExpert today and take the first steps to sell your home.

The standard real estate process involves the homeowner making repairs and marketing the property to potential buyers. Once an offer is made and accepted, the buyers inspect the home to confirm it is in good condition before moving forward with the closing date.

However, there may be times when the seller wants to list the house as-is and ask buyers to move forward without a home inspection. This could be a good option for sellers who want to move quickly and don’t have the time and ability to fix up the home and cover repair costs.

Selling a house as-is without a home inspection is a little more complicated than a standard listing. Learn more about this option and how to move forward with it. 

Can You Sell a House As-Is Without an Inspection?

The first thing to know is that you can legally sell a house without a home inspection. Buyers sometimes agree to waive the home inspection process to get their bids accepted. If you are selling in a hot real estate market where you expect multiple bids on your home shortly after listing, then you might receive offers without home inspection requirements or you could make counteroffers with the inspections waived. 

Even if you don’t live in a competitive seller’s market, you might be able to sell your house as-is without an inspection by marketing it to investors and home flippers. These prospective buyers understand that the properties they acquire are more likely to have unaddressed issues and will place their bids accordingly. One drawback is that you might receive a lower offer than expected if the investor thinks there are serious issues or can’t inspect the house before buying. 

There is one common factor amongst all buyers who are waiving the inspection report: they are paying with cash. Mortgage lenders require buyers to get properties inspected and usually require appraisals as well. Cash buyers can skip this process because they don’t have to follow lender regulations.

While this limits your buyer pool, it can also be good news for the offers you receive. Cash offers usually close faster because there isn’t an underwriting process to complete.

Benefits of Selling As-Is Without an Inspection

There are several reasons why you may encounter homeowners selling as-is without allowing inspections. Some people opt for this route so they can save time while others don’t feel like navigating the real estate negotiation process. Here are a few perks of listing your property in as-is condition. 

• List immediately: don’t waste several weeks or months making repairs to your home and preparing it for sale. 
• Save money: repairs aren’t just time-consuming, they are also expensive. Sell as-is if you don’t have the money to cover repair costs at the moment.
• Save energy: home repairs often require sellers to hire contractors and potentially pull permits. When you sell as-is, you can skip all of this extra work. 
• Close faster: you don’t have to worry about delays in closing because the buyer requests repairs or upgrades. You can also close faster because your buyer is more likely to be paying with cash. 
• Limit opportunities for negotiation: some buyers use the home inspection as a tool to negotiate a lower price. By asking the buyer to waive the inspection, you can settle on a final sale price with the initial contract.     

This is often a preferred home sale option for people who need to move in a hurry. If your house is facing foreclosure, you are going through a divorce, or you need to relocate for a job, you might opt for an as-is sale that skips the inspection period.

Risks of Selling As-Is Without an Inspection

While there are significant benefits to selling as-is and asking the buyer to waive the inspection, this option also has multiple drawbacks. You might not get the response or interest you want if your house isn’t competitive in the market. Here are a few potential risks to keep in mind. 

• You may have to list for a lower asking price: turn-key homes often make more money because they don’t need repairs or upgrades. If a buyer knows that your home needs work and can’t get an inspection, they might offer a much lower amount than you are ready to sell for.
• The buyer pool will be smaller: you will have to market your property to investors, home flippers, and cash buyers. This means you will have a much smaller pool of interested parties who want to see your house. 
• The home sale could take longer: A poor pricing strategy and limited pool could keep your home on the market for several weeks or months. This strategy to sell faster could actually be slower. 
• There could potentially be legal issues with the sale: some people try to sell as-is without inspections when there is unpermitted work. If you know your house has unpermitted work, you may be liable for addressing the issue or compensating the buyer to address it.  

Your real estate agent should help you overcome these potential risks. They can price your house competitively so you make more money, contact investors, and review any potential legal issues you might face.

How to Sell a House As-Is Without a Home Inspection

If you decide selling as-is without an inspection report is your best option, there are a few steps you can take to make the transaction easier. Use this guide to begin the home sale process easier so you do less work while selling your home in a timely manner.

Consider Scheduling a Pre-Listing Inspection

Most people think the inspection happens after the offer, but you can also hire an inspector before you list the house. This will give you an idea of any potential issues with the hope and their potential cost. From there, you can either fix the issues yourself or acknowledge how they might affect your pricing strategy. 

Home inspections cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size of the home and the location of the property. The inspector might charge more if you have a pool or guesthouse. While buyers usually cover the cost of the inspection during the purchase process, you will have to pay for a pre-listing inspection out of pocket if you do it on your own. 

A pre-listing inspection is useful to share with your real estate agent to make sure they fairly price your property. Highlight any repairs you made when they review it. Some buyers might also accept a pre-listing inspection report instead of booking their own, but this is rare.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

The first step is to work with an experienced real estate professional who has sold as-is properties before without home inspections. Try to find agents who specialize in selling as-is properties and know how to attract real estate investors. If your Realtor feels comfortable taking on your house as-is, they are more likely to have multiple tools in their belt to get your property sold. 

At FastExpert, we recommend interviewing at least three real estate agents to choose the best one for your as-is sale. Ask your potential Realtors about their experience selling as-is and different marketing strategies for this option. They should also also provide comparative market analyses (CMAs) that evaluate the value of your house. 

During these interviews, be honest about the state of the property. It is better for your agent to know about serious issues than to be surprised when they crop up in the middle of the sale process.

Price the Property Competitively

Your pricing strategy depends on the property’s condition and the results of the CMAs. The CMAs will pull the listing and sale prices of similarly-sized homes that recently sold in your area. Your agent will then use the CMA to estimate the value of selling your house as-is. This is not an appraisal, but it does provide an estimated value of what your property could sell for in as-is condition. 

If the other homes in the CMA are in good shape, then your suggested listing price might be lower because your property needs repairs. Even if your house is in good shape, listing a house as-is and requesting buyers skip the inspection could lead to lower offers. 

This listing price isn’t necessarily the sale price. Expect potential buyers to place bids that are thousands of dollars lower than your initial listing. Before you place your house as-is on the market, have a minimum price that you are willing to accept for the property. This is your floor and you will not accept bids that fall below it.

Develop a Strategy for Price Adjustments

When you interview real estate agents, ask what happens if there are delays in your as-is sale. Most homeowners try to sell a house as-is because they want to move quickly, but your property might stay on the market longer than you expect. 

Discuss when you are okay with dropping your home sale price and how steeply you are willing to reduce it. For example, a $1,000 price drop might not get much traction with buyers, but a $10,000 adjustment could attract interested parties. No one wants to think about doing this, but price drops are a reality for many home sellers.

Most agents will maintain your price point for a few weeks at a time before lowering it again. Pricing strategies vary by market and agent. Talk to your Realtors about their best practices so you feel confident hiring an agent you agree with.

Review Multiple Marketing Strategies

If you are selling as-is and want to move quickly, make sure your agent has multiple marketing tactics at their disposal. Your goal is to reach the largest number of qualified buyers who could be interested in your listing. Here are a few potential marketing strategies they could discuss with you: 

• Sharing your home on the multiple listing service (MLS): this allows your property to be found on sites like Zillow, so buyers can learn about your home. 
• Sending email blasts to other agents and investors: this promotes your house to real estate professionals who can pass it on to their buyers.
• Hosting open houses: talk to your Realtor if you are comfortable with their hosting an open house to attract potential buyers and their agents. 
• Promoting your house on social media: your agent might be able to share your property with investment groups and potential home flippers online. 

Even if you are selling as-is, invest in professional photography and even videography of the home. This can position your house in the best possible light.

Negotiate with Buyers

When offers come in, your Realtor should review the terms of the agreement and ask if you want to counter any points or offer a different price. You can decide whether you feel comfortable accepting the offer or if you feel like you could get a better deal. Asking the buyer to purchase the house as-is without an inspection is already a significant request. This means you might not have as much negotiating power as if you had a normal sale. 

The main point of contention you are likely to address is the price. If the offer is too low, you can counter with a higher amount. The buyer will either reject the deal or counter with a new number. Other factors, like the closing period and what is included with the house, can also contribute to these negotiations. 

If you are too soft in your negotiations, you might get a deal you aren’t happy with. If you are too firm, the buyer could walk away. In most cases, you will have more negotiating power if you receive multiple offers because you can choose the best one or have a backup plan if a bidder walks away.

Consider Working With Cash Buyers

If you are having trouble attracting people to your home, your agent might recommend working with cash-for-homes companies that buy distressed houses with cash. An as-is sale is standard with these organizations and some companies are willing to waive inspections until after closing. While this is considered a low-risk real estate transaction, it also has a lower reward. These companies are known for low-balling homeowners, which means you might receive an offer that is below your floor. 

A qualified real estate agent will do everything they can to help you avoid these companies. They will try to pair you with trusted investors and qualified buyers. However, if speed is your top priority, selling as-is to a cash-for-homes offer could be your safest option.

Find a Realtor Who Has Experience With As-Is Sellers

It’s not unheard of to sell as-is and ask buyers to waive the inspection. While this limits your pool of potential buyers, you might be able to sell quickly to a local real estate investor. Everything is negotiable in real estate transactions, even the inspection capabilities. Keep in mind that this option could slow your home sale, especially if you don’t have a competitive price strategy. 

To effectively sell your home, turn to FastExpert. You can meet with Realtors in your local real estate market and ask them questions about the sales process. FastExpert can make you feel confident in the agent you hire so you make the best possible choices for your home. Try our services today and take the first steps toward the home sale.  

If you’re shopping for a home, you may come across properties listed “as-is.” This means the seller isn’t making repairs or offering credits for defects and the buyer must be willing to accept the home exactly as it currently is.

In this Redfin article, we’ll cover what you need to know about buying a house “as-is,” and whether it’s the right option for you. So, whether you’re buying a home in Raleigh, NC, or a townhouse in Baltimore, MD, read on to learn about the term “as-is” in a real estate transaction.

What does “as-is” mean when buying a house?

Stephen Keighery, Founder of HomeBuyerLouisiana.com, says that “as-is” does not mean buyers ignore the condition of the property. “It means the seller knows we are not going to ask them to make repairs, renegotiate over every issue, or hold them responsible for problems after the inspection.” He explains that his team still has a general contractor complete a detailed evaluation of the roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, termite damage, moisture issues, and overall rehab scope. As long as the repair costs make sense, they move forward with the purchase.

When a property is listed and sold “as-is,” it means the seller will not make any repairs, nor offer any credits for potential defects of the home or grounds. Some examples of major defects that the seller doesn’t have to correct include:

• Structural problems
• Leaking or faulty roof
• Defective drywall
• Active termite infestation or damage
• Non-functioning systems (HVAC, septic system, etc.)
• Mold or mildew problems
• Presence of asbestos or other harmful materials

As a result, agreeing to purchase a property “as-is” is a serious decision for any buyer. In some instances, you may request an opportunity to inspect the property for informational purposes only, even though you’re already contractually obligated to purchase the property.

While unlikely, it’s possible that sellers may agree to a home inspection contingency, which allows the buyer to back out of the contract if the home inspection reveals major issues. Whether this is still considered an “as-is” sale depends on state law, so check with a licensed professional.

What does it mean if some parts of the home are sold “as-is”?

Sometimes sellers may identify specific aspects of a home being sold “as-is,” rather than the entire home. Common examples include:

• Fireplaces, chimneys, and flues
• Detached structures (sheds, garages, etc.)
• Household appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc.)
• Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs

In this situation, “as-is” refers to aspects of the property that may or may not be functioning which the seller will not repair or change as part of the contract of sale. Because this applies only to certain aspects of the home, it’s often less risky for buyers. However, the level of risk varies by property.

What does “as-is, where-is” mean in a listing?

With the inclusion of “where-is,” the seller indicates that the property must be accepted in its current location. In real estate terms, “where-is” effectively excuses any potential locational faults. Some examples include:

• The property is in a flood zone
• The property is not zoned for its current use
• The property is or may be scheduled to be taken by a government by eminent domain, right-of-way, easement, etc.
• The presence, or lack thereof, of restrictive deed covenants limiting what an owner may or may not do upon the property
• Inclusion, or non-inclusion, within a designated historic zone
• The property lies within an airport flyover zone
• The presence of some geological defect (inability to perc a septic system, elevated radon levels, shrink-swell soil, etc.)
• Title defects or disputes

Pros and cons of buying an “as-is” house

If you’re considering buying an “as-is” home, there are benefits and drawbacks to know.

Pros of buying a house “as-is”

• Lower purchase price: “As-is” homes are more likely to be listed and sell for a lower price. They are often in need of repairs, so sellers often account for this in the list price.
• Less competition: Buying an “as-is” house isn’t for everyone, so there’s a chance there won’t be as much competition for the home. 
• Potentially located in your preferred neighborhood: If you’re looking for a home in a specific area or on a plot of land, buying an “as-is” home may be a good option.
• Extra funds to renovate: “As-is” homes are often less expensive, meaning you may have additional funds to make needed repairs and renovate the home to your liking. 
• Faster homebuying process: There’s typically less room for negotiation between buyers and sellers, leading to a faster process. 

Cons of buying a house “as-is”

• Health hazards: One risk of buying a home “as-is” is the potential of health hazards, like lead paint, asbestos, or mold. You may face costly repairs to make the home livable. 
• Hidden problems: While a home inspection may reveal some issues with the property, it’s possible that there may be additional problems. 
• Additional expenses: As a result of hidden problems or health hazards, you may face expenses you didn’t have the budget for. 

Jonathan Cobey, CEO of CarolinaHomeCashOffer, says “one of the biggest mistakes buyers make with as-is homes is underestimating the true cost of repairs beyond what’s visible during a walkthrough. Cosmetic issues are usually manageable, but the larger risks often involve foundation problems, outdated electrical systems, plumbing issues, roof damage, HVAC systems, or hidden water intrusion.” He recommends getting a thorough inspection and walking the property with trusted contractors before committing so buyers can build a realistic repair budget upfront. 

• Inflexible sellers: Often, sellers may be inflexible when it comes to negotiating or making concessions, as they are aware that the property has problems. For example, they may be less likely to accept an offer with contingencies that allow the buyer to back out of the sale.  
• Financing hurdles: Some lenders may not agree to finance the home if there are serious problems with the home’s condition. Loans like VA or FHA may even require the repairs to be made before the sale can be completed. Buyers should confirm requirements with their lender.

Tips for buying a home “as-is”

There’s a lot to consider before buying an “as-is” property, and one of the most important factors is due diligence. Some examples of due diligence in an “as-is” sale include:

• Consulting with an attorney
• Having a title search performed
• Requesting the seller disclosure and reading it thoroughly
• Examining the deed and land records for potential red flags
• Inspecting the property prior to signing a contract
• Including a provision in the contract that allows for inspections and cancellation of the contract as a result of any inspection findings
• Commissioning a Wood Destroying Insect (termite) inspection in advance
• Having a licensed contractor examine the major structural components of the dwelling
• Consider purchasing a home warranty 

Derek R. Ballard of Inspection Gator Home Inspection advises buyers who plan to renovate an as-is property to evaluate foundation, plumbing, and structural issues before making any cosmetic improvements. Major structural or system problems can quickly consume funds that were intended for aesthetic upgrades. He recommends addressing the costly, essential repairs first before focusing on cosmetic changes.

Should I buy a home “as-is?”

Buying a house “as-is” isn’t for everyone, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. In many cases, you may not have the opportunity to walk away after inspection, so make sure you’re fully prepared for potential repairs and costs. At the end of the day, you’ll have to decide if the potential benefits of an “as-is” transaction outweigh the potential downsides and expenses.