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Is it SAFE to buy a home being Sold AS IS?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

WHY would a Home Seller sell their home AS IS? They have something to hide, right? That is the question most asked by Manchester NH area Buyers when they see a home listed "AS IS". Most often you see the words AS IS in a Bank Owned Sale, Estate Sale or even a Short Sale. Some Owner Occupied Sellers do try this, but if they live there, the law states they MUST disclose any factor they know. So if you live there, you can sell AS IS, but cant hide behind those words and not tell the buyer the furnace does not work, your roof leaks and electrical system shoots lightning bolts out of the outlets when it rains.

 

As A home Buyer you can usually get your best deal on a home that is being sold AS IS. Reason #1 is it does scare many home buyers away thinking there is something wrong. The SECRET for buyers is to inspect the home BEFORE making an offer no matter a Foreclosure, estate, short sale or owner occupied. Look, listen and smell. Many issues have red flags if you take the time to look.

 

 

THE BOTTOM LINE is that there is a Right way and a Wrong to buy or sell a home.  

 

The HARD TRUTH is that the BEST way to be prepared to buy or sell a home is by hiring a "GOOD" Agent. One that will guide you through each step of the Buying or Selling process. To the consumers who were successful, they found the secret which I would like to share with you. Free advice can be worth what you paid for it, so when you are ready, do it right. 

 

If you read all the way to hear, i hope you like my series of "catchy titles" They are meant to grab your attention and let Buyers and Sellers know how to avoid such pitfalls by simply hiring a better agent. One that will work with them throughout the buying and selling process. 

 

 

THE TOP TIPS TO FIND A "GREAT" REAL ESTATE AGENT

 

 1. LEARN THIS ONE FACT: One should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.   

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT: As a Buyer OR Seller in this market you need every advantage you can to get your home sold. It starts with choosing the right agent. a. Ask for a Full time agent whose sole job is to sell homes. b. Ask for a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the selling process. Discount brokers often equal discount services. c. Ask for a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need. d. Ask for a well experienced Listing Agent can give you the advantages you need when selling your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best.  

 3. HOME BUYERS SHOULD START BY:  Getting a FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION with a local and trusted lender. They will look at your credit and financial picture and let you know what type of mortgage you may qualify for and what your interest rate and monthly payment may be.   

4. HOME SELLERS SHOULD START BYGetting a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. Learn what your property is worth in today's market along with how ling it may take to sell. If you are ready to sell now, learn what you should ask for it. How much offers may come in at and what the approximate selling price should be. NH Home owners should contact me now.   

 

 

IN SUMMARY the key to having a successful purchase or sale can increase simply choosing a better agent. The secret is that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. I leave you with now infamous philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process.

 

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.


If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. Get a free pre-qualification along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Prices.

 

 

WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE THROUGHOUT EACH STEP OF THE LISTING AND SELLING PROCESS!!!

 

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale which may be able to help you.

Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees.

 

 

 

We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

 

Another reason that makes New Hampshire a great place to Live, Work and Play.

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. With 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area. To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com . We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying and Selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

Comments(26)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Good morning, Scott - as Sam Shueh commented our California purchase agreement clearly states that homes are sold in "as is" condition.   This does not remove seller disclosure of material facts or the ability of a buyer to conduct many inspections during the agreed upon time.   

Logistically, the outcome of the inspections can be handled in many different ways and depends on the market conditions in the area.    Buyers and sellers who work with agents who know and understand how this is handled locally will be the ones who succeed with their real estate goals.   

Jan 21, 2016 11:08 PM
Jeff Stevens
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Mexico Properties - Las Cruces, NM
Jeff Stevens, Associate Broker/REALTOR

Scott Godzyk - Good post. As Is means get a Home Inspection and listen to their expert advice.

Jan 21, 2016 11:19 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Scott, As Sam and Michael Jacobs point out, our contract states the purchase is "as is".  I recommend sellers get all inspections done up front and have all disclosures available for review prior to going on the market. That way, a buyer can make a fully informed buying decision and mitigate the risk of a buyer attempting to re-negotiate.  "As-Is" means as known and disclosed. Absent full disclosure a buyer can come back to the seller on an "as-is" purchase.  I just did that and got my clients $6,600.

Jan 21, 2016 11:44 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Yes, more "as is" in foreclosures, short sales, and vacant homes. Important to get that home inspection done first.

Jan 22, 2016 12:49 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Scott, when buying "as is", the home inspector becomes a very important player in the transaction.  He is basically the one who can answer the question of whether the "as is" is OK or not.

Jan 22, 2016 01:12 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Scott we've sold a lot of 'as is' properties in the down market and the key to success is a very good home inspector. Investors don't get freaked by 'as is' as much as normal buyers.

Jan 22, 2016 02:32 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I like to tell buyers of these types of homes that what you see is what you get. 

Jan 22, 2016 07:16 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Scott - You're right - the key to as-is is having a thorough inspection so you know what's going on.

Jan 22, 2016 07:21 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Chrissi Chapman Topoleski I do see investors who love AS IS sales becuase it scares away other buyers

Jan 22, 2016 08:20 AM
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski

First time homebuyers especially!

Jan 22, 2016 08:25 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Well said John McCormack , great advise all day every day

Jan 22, 2016 08:21 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Michael Jacobs CALI is always a trend setter, i am sure we will see a wording change in ours soon

Jan 22, 2016 08:22 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Exactly Jeffrey Stevens , thanks for the comments

Jan 22, 2016 08:23 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Kathleen Daniels that is an important comment for seller to see, many try to hide behind as is and selling as is does not make you immune from disclosure. 

Jan 22, 2016 08:25 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I so agree Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Call 631-805-4400 (c) , thanks for the comment

Jan 22, 2016 08:25 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That is so true Patricia Kennedy , thanks for the comment

Jan 22, 2016 08:26 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Most investors love th ehome that need the work Anna Banana Kruchten as that means they are cheaper. The average couple though should be aware of the hidden costs if they do not inspect the home properly

Jan 22, 2016 08:27 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Debbie Laity lately they see what they get and a whole lot more they may not see. I have some great pics to share soon. 

Jan 22, 2016 08:28 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Thank you for the comments Dick Greenberg , it is so important that buyer DO know what is going on. 

Jan 22, 2016 08:28 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Scott-whether a property is as is  or not, buyers need to have an inspection.  To start, they need a professional agent to guide them through the process.

Jan 22, 2016 10:29 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Buying as-is doesn't mean a buyer can't educate themselves as to what the condition is that they are buying.  I'd add title search to the inspection as well.

Jan 22, 2016 11:24 AM