What Does 'As Is' Mean to You?

Staging only works when there is money to stage with OR something worth while to stage. AS-IS around here typically signafies a home owner in distress or an REO.

Yes, unfortunately, those words "as-is" have a connotation that is usually going to result in less money for the seller. The fact is that there are times when the money is so short on supply that it's absolutely necessary to state "as-is". Sometimes, though, I've seen those words in the MLS remarks on a house that's in good market condition. It just raises questions for the buyer and makes them think the seller might be hard to deal with. In my opinion, if the listing agent is confident about their ability to negotiate well for the buyer, they would probably avoid "as-is" in the MLS remarks unless it is absolutely necessary...

Janice- saying the words "as-is" can mean different things to different people.  To most, I'd imagine it says there's a lot wrong but I'm washing my hands with the whole thing.  A house doesn't have to be perfect and Staging can cost as little as time and sweat equity. Good post.

Janice - you are so right! As is usually means lots of headaches and most buyers are looking for not just move in ready, but showroom ready. Around my area if you don't have granite counter tops, buyers immediately make a comment that they'll have to fix that! Great topic and well written as usual!

A home  stager can offer so much advice for a couple hundred dollars that will be worth thousands to the bottom line. Getting a stager's advice isn't expensive and the homeowner can implement the suggestions themselves. Some Realtors pay for this advice for their client's as it can also mean more money in their pocket. A win/win for everyone.

Hi Janice--"As Is" makes me think it is so bad that I am being warned before walking through the front door.  You're so right that often times some sweat equity will resolve a number of those issues.

Janice, I used to handle a lot of power-of-sales, and in Ontario the phrase "as is, where is" usually means it's a bank sale. This simply means that the bank won't warrant that anything works, nor can they guarantee vacant possession. Nobody from the bank has ever lived there (or in all liklihood has ever even physically seen the place), so they are not in a position to guarantee anything. The onus is completely on the buyer to really do their due diligence. You're right, this doesn't inspire confidence, and these houses are rarely the bargain that people seem to think they are going to be, however, there are people who search for places like this in the hopes of winning a jackpot.

Janice....As Is in today's market generally brings the term "BARGAIN" to mind.  For some homes a small investment could turn that term into "Move In Ready".

Janice as a former house flipper we use to scour the ads looking for "as is" terminology because we wanted LOW PRICE and we could work with "needs work".  "As is" today is a message screaming trouble IMHO.  Good post!