Thinking About Selling Your House As-Is?
Read This First.
If you're thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options:
In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here's what you need to know.
More Competition Means Your Home's Condition Is More Important Again
Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this year, a Realtor.com forecast says inventory could go up another 8.9%. That matters.
Projected increase in homes for sale in 2026 — giving buyers more options and making your home's condition count again. (Realtor.com)
As buyers gain more options, they also regain the ability to be selective. So the details are starting to count again. That's one reason most sellers choose to make some updates before listing.
What Selling As-Is Really Means
Selling as-is means you're signaling upfront that you won't handle repairs before listing — or negotiate fixes after inspection. That can definitely simplify things on your end, but it also narrows your buyer pool.
Homes that are move-in ready typically attract more buyers and stronger offers. On the flip side, when a home needs work, fewer buyers are willing to take it on. That can mean fewer showings, fewer offers, more time on the market, and often a lower final price.
It doesn't mean your house won't sell — it just means it may not sell for as much as it could have.
How Your Agent Can Help
The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. It depends a lot on your house and your local market. That's why working with an experienced agent is essential — they'll help you weigh your options and anticipate what your house may sell for either way.
Your agent will highlight the best features — location, size, and potential — so buyers see the opportunity, not just the to-do list.
Your agent can pinpoint what's actually worth the time and investment based on your budget and what today's buyers care about most.
The good news? There's still time. Spring is typically the peak homebuying season, so you have several months before buyer demand hits its seasonal high. That means you can make strategic repairs without rushing — and still hit the listing sweet spot.
You Don't Have To Make Repairs — But You May Want To
While selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations, in today's more competitive market it may cost you. The choice is yours, and either way your agent will market your home to draw in as many buyers as possible.
That expertise is going to be worth it.
