Selling My Home As-Is Or Make Needed Repairs

By
Real Estate Agent with Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL

Selling My Home As-Is Or Make Needed Repairs

As a Realtor in Huntsville Alabama I'm confronted with this topic all the time.  I hope the following will shed a little light on the topic of selling your home "As-Is".

As Is home for sale

Selling My Home "As-Is"

If you find yourself in the position of having to sell quickly, you need to let your agent know that up front so they communicate to you and prioritize what items need to be addressed.  Also, the "As-Is" seller should be aware that FHA requires certain Minimum Property Standards that apply and therefore limits some of your market segment planning on an FHA loan.

Many sellers just want or need to sell their home and move quickly for a variety of reasons, still others don't have the financial ability to make a lot of necessary repairs and consider selling "As-Is".  Selling As-Is may get your home sold, but the risk is inviting "low-ball" offers or no offers at all with many buyers wanting a "move-in ready home.

Success of selling your home "As-Is" depends on a few factors that are in my opinion tied to the market segment and economic conditions in a given area.  In my experience it's always best for a seller to do as much as they possibly can to improve the condition and curb appeal of their home before listing it on the market for sale.  Tasks that are not too expensive and provide a big bang for the buck such as; a fresh coat of paint, patching cracks in drywall and ceilings, repairing plumbing leaks and signs of leaks, broken fixtures and windows, perhaps removing or replacing old worn out carpet if the budget permits, but at least a good cleaning!   The idea is to make your home as appealing as possible to a potential buyer and give them less to complain about, pick apart or use as a negotiating point!  If there was a roof leak be sure to remove signs of a leak after making necessary repairs.

Also, pay attention to the outside of the home, a fresh coat of paint, replacing any rotted wood and landscaping will go a long way towards making a great first impression.  Spend some time sprucing up the front entrance...paint that front door!  When you think about it, that's where a buyer will spend a little time before the home is unlocked and they go inside.

 What is the market segment interested in "As-Is" properties?

Investors

Investors or flippers want to purchase an "As-Is" home as cheaply as possible, make the needed repairs or cosmetic updates and sell the home quickly.  Typically this buyer will make many very low offers in the hopes that one will work out.

DYI Buyers

Do it yourself buyers also want to get a great deal on a distressed property, but usually plan on living in the home while they make repairs and may make this their home.  

First Time Home Buyers

First time home buyers either have never owned a home or have not owned one in the last three years.  They may not have the cash to work with because of a previous distressed sale of their own, but might possess the skills of a DYI to take advantage of a lower priced "As-Is" sale.

Land or Location Buyer

Another type of buyer is one who sees the value in the land or location an "As-Is" property might provide.  Rezoning, neighborhoods in transition or a run down property in a highly desirable area can get the interest of this type of investor who's plan most likely would be to demolish and rebuild...buying for location!

These types of buyers are out there and may be a source or buyer pool for your home, however, there is an expectation they have of getting a good deal and discounted price because of additional work and repairs they will have to make.

Content originally posted at....http://nicktpappas.com/?p=2304

 

Nick T Pappas

Visit Your Huntsville Real Estate Resource  

Serving: Anslee FarmsBell Tower, Bishop Farms, Bradford Farms, BridgefieldCanebrakeChase Shadow, Cherokee Ridge, Clifts Cove, Edgewater, Emerald Forest Condo, Foxfield, Greystone Estates, Hampton Cove, Harvest, Highland Lakes, Jones Valley Estates, Kelly Plantation, Knox Creek, Lake ForestLedges of Huntsville Mountain, Mandolin, Maxwell Place, MidTowne on the Park, Newby Plantation, Olde Cobblestone, Overland Trace, Pebble Brook, Rainbow Landing, Rock Creek, Shadow Brook, Spencer Green, Stavemill Estates, The Bridges on the River, The Villas at Madison, Towne Lakes, Villas at Jones Valley, Walden Preserve, West Highlands, Whitehall, Village of Providence and more.

Posted by


Comments (98)

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

There sure has been a change on how this issue is approached over the years.  It used to be that buyers actually LOOKED for properties that needed some fixing.  More potential to build equity quickly.  First-time buyers certainly did this.  I know my wife and I did.  Wow, was there potential in our first home!!  

I understand there are some that just don't have the time or talents to do much work on their own, but others ... I think they're missing a great opportunity.  JMO ...

Gene

 

Jul 22, 2014 07:02 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Great post Nick. I tell my sellers that they will be dinged twice if they do not repair it first. Buyers do not want to hassle with repairs and if they do they want to be compensated big time.

Jul 22, 2014 10:24 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

I have found that a property that is in good repair and not updated, may be more attractive to buyers than an updated home in need of repair.  Repairs, fresh paint, good mechanicals, good drive-up appeal, and a good roof are essential.

Jul 22, 2014 02:26 PM
Gerard Gilbers
Higher Authority Markeing - Asheboro, NC
Your Marketing Master

Some "As-Is" homes will not qualify for financing even if they weren't as-is, like older mobile homes. The "as-is", if priced right is a way to put in some sweat equity and build value into the property.  

Jul 22, 2014 02:35 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Nick clearly the sellers need to listen to the Realtor...sadly it is not always the case...I have seen crappy updates that the new owner needed to totally redo....Endre

Jul 22, 2014 03:06 PM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I saw a new listing today that said being sold "as is". It was priced below market but is guaranteed to sell much lower than that. The seller would have been better off putting a few thousand into it to sell.

Jul 22, 2014 03:07 PM
Kimo Jarrett
WikiWiki Realty - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Regardless of the condition it's the market that determines the value, yet essential repairs should be completed before selling and your Realtor should recommend what is essential prior to listing. 

Jul 22, 2014 03:52 PM
David & Kirsten Myers
Sold By Myers - Anthem, AZ Real Estate 623-551-1000 - Anthem, AZ
your local Anthem, AZ connection

Your timing for writing this article, Nick, I perfect for us!  We just cancelled a real estate deal here in Anthem where our seller decided that rather than doing the necessary repairs after the buyer's inspection, he wanted to change the lisiting to "as-is!"  The deal has now flamed out as we couldn't convince him that he would be much better served to just agree to some of the repair requests (that didn't even amount to 1% of the sales price) rather than look for another buyer who will likely offer far less than the full price offer we agreed to previously.

Oh well... just another day in real estate I guess!

- David

P.S.  Seller has now come around and is willing to take on some of the repairs... too bad that buyers have already moved on!  LOL

Jul 22, 2014 04:30 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
New Hampshire Home Stager

I have written on this topic before too.  You did a great job detailing the risk in listing "as is".  Well done!

Jul 22, 2014 09:06 PM
Marshall Brown
Mid America Inspection Services, LLC - Fargo, ND
BSEE, CHI

I guess my comment on "as is" home sales is that unless the buyer possesses the proper skill set or hires a home inspector they really have no clue what the "as is" is.

Many years ago, long before home inspections became common, my real estate agent had a list of tradesmen who would accept pay from closing. I don't know if present day Realtors still do this or if the potential liability issues prevent it.

Jul 22, 2014 09:50 PM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Hun... - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Again I thank you for your comments and adding to the conversation.

Gene-like you, every home I ever bought was a fixer...and yes, people were actually looking for them.  Fortunately I had the skills to tackle most anything.

Jul 22, 2014 11:39 PM
Warren Schutt
Warren Schutt Real Estate - Danbury, CT
Helping People with Their Moves for over 40 Years

Those "as is" listings for low prices keep many first time buyers excited and hopeful, because of all the great deals. They also keep many realtors spinning in circles because they can negotiate to a price that sounds wonderful, but they just can't get the financing.

I only show "as is" properties to investors with plenty of cash. Yes, they want a deal too, but they can close on the property if they negotiate to a price that works.

Jul 22, 2014 11:54 PM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Lifetime Friend/Helper!

Looks like this home in the photo has already been "FLIPPED!".  Upside down and back.

Jul 23, 2014 06:30 PM
Andrea HoffDomin
Florida Dream Homes Realty - Fort Lauderdale, FL
- in Real Estate always on your side!

In Florida such a house is a tear down candidate and would have tons of code violations. Good luck with such a house even with as-is.

Sunny greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Jul 23, 2014 10:23 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello again Nick ... you sure hit them hard with this photo & post! And look at these comments, and how long they are ... "Great Job" 

SVB

Jul 26, 2014 12:49 PM
Lyn Sims
RE/MAX Suburban - Schaumburg, IL
Schaumburg Real Estate

I've never had a seller have good luck with the 'as is' sale except for short sales. Too many bargain hunters throwing out low ball offers.

Jul 29, 2014 03:07 AM
Roy Kelley
Realty Group Referrals - Gaithersburg, MD

This is very good information for prospective home sellers. Well located homes in pristine condition attract the most prospects.

Aug 14, 2014 01:02 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Nick, this is an excellent post for those pondering an AS IS sale. You nailed the types of buyers attracted to these properties. Your Madison and Huntsville AL readers should have a good idea which way to go reading your post.

Apr 20, 2015 11:43 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Nick -- I'm glad Praful Thakkar re-blogged this today. Your picture brought a much-needed smile to my face. I must say, I wouldn't know where to begin with fixing much needed repairs here

Jun 13, 2016 09:38 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Hun... - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Lottie Kendall thanks for stopping by this old post of mine. 

Jun 13, 2016 11:55 PM

What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry?

Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam?