Selling a home that needs significant repairs can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners believe they must fix everything before listing their property, but that’s not always necessary. If your house has structural issues, outdated systems, or cosmetic damage, you still have options to sell without pouring money into costly repairs. Whether you need to sell quickly or don’t have the funds for renovations, here’s how to sell your home as-is while still getting a fair price.
Understand What Needs to Be Fixed (and What Doesn’t)
Before deciding how to sell, assess the condition of your home. Some repairs are essential, while others may not be worth the investment. Here are a few common issues that can make selling a home more challenging:
Structural problems – Foundation cracks, sagging floors, or roof damage
Plumbing and electrical issues – Old wiring, leaky pipes, or a failing water heater
HVAC system problems – An aging or broken heating and cooling system
Cosmetic damage – Peeling paint, outdated flooring, or damaged countertops
Pest infestations or mold – Issues that could affect the livability of the home
Once you have a clear idea of the repairs needed, you can decide whether to make fixes or sell the home as-is.
Weigh the Cost of Repairs vs. Selling As-Is
Many homeowners assume that making repairs will lead to a higher selling price, but this isn’t always true. Some renovations offer a good return on investment, while others may not recoup their cost.
Common Repairs and Their Average Costs:
Roof replacement: $7,000 - $15,000
Foundation repair: $5,000 - $10,000+
HVAC system replacement: $5,000 - $12,000
Plumbing repairs: $1,500 - $4,000
Electrical rewiring: $3,500 - $8,000
If the total cost of repairs is high, it may not be worth fixing everything before selling. Instead, you can focus on minor cosmetic fixes or price the home accordingly for an as-is sale.
Be Honest About the Condition of the Home
Full transparency is key whether you choose to sell on the open market or to an investor. Buyers will likely order an inspection, so trying to hide major issues will only slow down the process. If your home needs repairs, be upfront about:
Structural problems
Age of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing)
Any known water damage or mold
Electrical or safety concerns
Being honest can help attract buyers who are specifically looking for fixer-uppers and prevent last-minute deal cancellations.
Set a Realistic Price
Pricing a home that needs work can be tricky. If you list it too high, buyers may overlook it in favor of move-in-ready homes. If you price it too low, you might not get the value you deserve. Here’s how to set the right price:
Compare with similar homes – Look at recent sales in your area, especially for properties that needed repairs.
Get a professional appraisal – A real estate appraiser can give you a clear picture of your home’s worth in its current condition.
Account for repair costs – Buyers will factor in the cost of fixing the home when making offers, so be prepared for negotiations.
If you’re selling to traditional buyers, expect lower offers, as many will factor in repair costs before committing.
Sell to a Buyer Who Specializes in As-Is Properties
If you don’t want to make repairs or wait months for a sale, selling to a buyer who specializes in as-is homes can be a great option. These buyers include:
Real estate investors – Investors buy homes that need work, renovate them, and resell them for a profit.
House flippers – Some buyers specifically look for fixer-uppers to renovate and sell.
Cash home buyers – These buyers purchase properties quickly without requiring inspections, financing, or lengthy negotiations.
Selling directly to one of these buyers means skipping the traditional listing process, avoiding agent commissions, and closing much faster.
List Your Home As-Is with a Realtor (If You Have Time to Wait)
If you’re not in a rush and want to try selling your home on the open market, listing it as-is with a realtor is an option. When listing:
Highlight the home’s potential – Emphasize desirable features like location, lot size, or unique architectural details.
Use high-quality photos – Even if the home needs work, clear photos can attract more buyers.
Mention as-is in the listing – Set clear expectations so buyers know what to expect before scheduling a showing.
While this method may take longer, it can sometimes result in a higher sale price if you find the right buyer.
Offer Incentives Instead of Repairs
If you want to attract buyers but don’t have the funds for major repairs, consider offering incentives such as:
A lower price to account for repair costs – This makes it more appealing to buyers who are willing to take on renovations.
Closing cost assistance – Covering some of the buyer’s closing costs can make the deal more attractive.
Providing inspection reports upfront – Transparency about the home’s condition can help speed up the sale process.
Incentives can be a great way to keep buyers interested without investing in expensive renovations.
Avoid Delays by Preparing for a Smooth Sale
Even when selling as-is, preparing your home for potential buyers can make a big difference. Simple steps include:
Cleaning and decluttering – A tidy home appears more inviting, even if it needs repairs.
Removing personal items – Let buyers visualize their future home.
Improving curb appeal – Small changes like mowing the lawn or trimming overgrown bushes can enhance first impressions.
These minor efforts can help make your home more appealing without requiring a big financial investment.
Selling a Home That Needs Major Repairs Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
If your home requires significant repairs, you don’t have to break the bank to sell it. Whether you choose to sell as-is, list with a realtor, or sell to a cash buyer, there are plenty of ways to get a fair deal without investing in costly renovations. By pricing your home correctly, being honest about its condition, and choosing the right selling method, you can sell quickly while saving time and money.
