Traditional home sales can take 60 to 90 days or more, especially when repairs, inspections, and financing approvals are involved.
When you sell a house as is, cash buyers can sometimes close in 7 to 14 days, allowing homeowners to skip repairs and move forward quickly.
If you need to sell a house as is fast because of financial pressure, property damage, or an inherited home, this approach can offer a practical solution. This guide explains how to sell a house as is, how to find the right buyers, and what to expect if you want to sell your house for cash.
Key Takeaways
- Selling a house as-is can close in 7–14 days, compared to 60–90 days for traditional sales.
- You can skip costly repairs while still disclosing known defects.
- Getting multiple cash offers helps maximize your final sale price.
- Cash buyers eliminate financing contingencies and speed up closing.
- Pricing realistically using comparable sales attracts serious investors.
What Does Selling a House As-Is Mean?
Understanding As-Is Sales
When you sell a house as is, you offer the property in its current condition without making repairs or renovations before closing. The buyer accepts responsibility for the home's state, whether that involves cosmetic problems like outdated fixtures or more serious concerns such as structural damage.
This approach means you won't spend time or money fixing problems found during inspections. Your agent can set expectations upfront that no major repairs will be completed. Buyers who purchase as-is properties understand they're taking on whatever work the home needs.
The term "as-is" gets used broadly in real estate. For some properties, it signals minor cosmetic updates are needed. For others, it indicates major systems require replacement. Clear communication about your property's actual condition matters when marketing to potential buyers.
What Repairs You Can Skip
Selling as-is removes your obligation to complete any repairs before closing. You can skip foundation work, electrical rewiring, complete kitchen remodels, or high-end landscaping projects. Buyers looking to purchase these properties plan to handle improvements themselves or have the budget allocated for renovations.
Skipping repairs means accepting a lower sale price than you would receive for an updated home. Investors and house flippers factor repair costs into their offers, which affects the final amount you'll receive. The trade-off is avoiding upfront expenses and selling quickly without contractor delays.
Legal Disclosures You Still Need
Selling your house as-is does not eliminate disclosure requirements. You must reveal known defects that affect the property's value or desirability, even when selling for cash. An as-is clause protects you from liability for defects buyers can visibly observe, but not from intentional concealment or misrepresentation.
State laws require disclosure of material facts buyers cannot see. You cannot hide serious problems behind fresh paint or claim ignorance about obvious defects. Required disclosures include water damage, foundation problems, roof leaks, mold, pest infestations, and electrical or plumbing defects.
The legal protection an as-is sale provides covers your refusal to make repairs after inspection. You remain liable if you knowingly conceal defects or provide false information about the property's condition. You need to disclose problems you know about, not problems you're unaware of. Transparency protects you from future lawsuits while building trust with buyers who understand exactly what they're purchasing.
Step-by-Step Process to Sell House As Is
Step 1: Assess Your Home's Current Condition
A pre-listing inspection provides an accurate picture of your property's state. Spending $300 to $500 for this evaluation helps you understand what defects should be disclosed to interested buyers. The inspection report reveals both minor and major issues that influence how you price the property.
This assessment is different from waiting for a buyer's inspection. You control the narrative when you know the problems beforehand. The results help you determine a fair price based on the current condition and recent comparable sales in your area.
Step 2: Research Your Selling Options
You have several options if you want to sell your house as is. Cash home buying companies purchase properties without requiring repairs. Real estate investors and house flippers seek as-is homes for renovation projects. iBuyer platforms use software to make instant offers, though they maintain strict purchase criteria and may reject properties needing extensive work.
You can also work with a traditional real estate agent who has experience marketing as-is properties. An agent understands local disclosure laws and pricing strategies. They know how to target the right buyers. You can seek cash buyers on your own through local advertisements or property auctions.
Step 3: Get Multiple Cash Offers
Several offers create competition for your property. Platforms like Sundae's marketplace allow investors to compete and potentially drive up your final sale price. You gain negotiating power when you request quotes from multiple cash buyers.
Each buyer evaluates properties in their own way. One investor might see potential where another sees excessive risk. You increase the chances of finding a buyer willing to pay closer to your target price by casting a wider net.
Step 4: Review and Compare Offers
Cash buyers expect to handle repairs and price their offers based on that. Compare not just the dollar amount but also the terms each buyer presents. Request proof of funds to verify the buyer has the money available for purchase.
Look at the proposed closing timeline. Some buyers can close in 7 to 10 days. Others need more time. Think about any contingencies the offer includes. Cash buyers include fewer contingencies than traditional buyers, which reduces the risk of the deal falling through.
Step 5: Choose Your Buyer and Close the Deal
The closing process moves forward without repair work delays after you select your buyer. You avoid financing issues that could derail the transaction since as-is buyers make cash offers. You maintain control over the closing date, whether you need to close fast or require extra time to coordinate your move.
The best way to sell a house as is involves preparing your disclosure documents and coordinating with the title company. You finalize the sale agreement. The process remains straightforward from acceptance to closing without lender requirements or repair negotiations.
How Fast Can You Sell a House As Is
Typical Timeline for Selling a House As Is
In some cases, you can sell a house as is in as little as five days. Traditional home sales take 60 to 90 days according to the National Association of Realtors. Cash buyers close within 7 to 14 days after accepting an offer. Traditional buyers need 30 to 60 days due to loan processing, appraisals, and inspections.
The speed difference comes from eliminating multiple steps. Traditional sales require listing preparation, time on market, buyer financing approval, and a longer closing process. Most of these steps disappear when you sell a house as is for cash.
Why As-Is Homes Often Sell Faster
The lengthy process of showings and inspections gets cut from the equation. You skip waiting for contractors, estimates, permits, or staging. This allows you to list sooner and shorten time to closing.
As-is properties attract cash buyers who bypass traditional financing. These transactions close faster because buyers skip the mortgage approval process that traditional buyers require. You avoid the strict approval processes that delay closing dates without lender involvement.
How Cash Buyers Speed Up the Process
Cash transactions eliminate financial contingencies that allow traditional buyers to back out if they cannot secure financing. Professional home buying companies have the experience to streamline the closing process. Some close in as little as 7 days.
The buyer appraises and inspects the house themselves or through an agent. They use that information to make an offer. There's no long approval process for financing, and the middlemen of realtors are cut out. Funds transfer to your account within 24 to 48 hours after documents are signed.
Factors That Can Slow Down an As-Is Sale
Market conditions affect how quickly you can sell a house as is. Expect more days on market and more price-sensitive offers where inventory is higher. Listings that linger past 60 days often attract bids up to 10% below asking price.
An unrealistic price point sends buyers fleeing. Issues with the title can cause sales to fall through. Complex negotiations or title problems can influence the closing date, though cash transactions remain faster than traditional sales.
Who Buys Houses As Is for Cash
Multiple types of buyers purchase as-is properties, each with different investment strategies and offer structures. Understanding who these buyers are helps you identify the best match for your situation.
Cash Home Buying Companies
National franchises like HomeVestors (known for "We Buy Ugly Houses" signs) and branded programs such as We Buy Houses operate through local franchisees or licensed territories. These companies offer 30% to 70% of your home's fair market value. They provide cash offers within 24 to 48 hours after you submit property details and can close within 7 to 30 days.
These buyers focus on distressed properties and handle the entire transaction without requiring you to make repairs or renovations. Companies like Simple Sale by HomeLight connect you with a network of over 250,000 investors and create competition that may increase your final offer.
Real Estate Investors and Flippers
House flippers purchase properties needing work, complete renovations and resell them. Most operate using the 70% rule, meaning they offer 70% of the after-repair value minus estimated repair costs. If your home could sell for $270,000 after repairs but needs $30,000 of work, a flipper might offer around $159,000.
These investors can be independent local operators or larger companies. Buy-and-hold investors purchase properties to generate rental income rather than quick resale. Both types make cash offers and close faster than traditional buyers.
iBuyer Platforms
Tech-driven companies like Opendoor and Offerpad use automated valuation models to generate instant offers. iBuyers pay between 70% and 80% of your home's value, but maintain strict eligibility criteria. They purchase homes in good condition in select markets and charge service fees around 5% to 6%.
Traditional cash buyers target distressed properties, but iBuyers prefer move-in ready homes. Offerpad provides flexible closing timelines from 8 to 90 days and has free local moves.
Individual Cash Buyers
Local individual investors purchase properties to generate rental income or small-scale flipping projects. These buyers offer customized communication and sometimes flexible terms. Private investor groups and hedge funds buy multiple properties using available cash reserves and evidence-based evaluations.
Wholesalers represent another buyer type, though they act as intermediaries. They secure contracts at below-market prices and assign them to end buyers. Always verify who the actual end buyer is before signing with a wholesaler.
Pros and Cons of Selling Your House As Is
Benefits of Selling As Is Fast
The main advantage is speed. You eliminate weeks or months spent coordinating contractors, getting permits, and managing renovation projects. This accelerated timeline proves especially valuable when you face financial pressure, relocate for work, or manage an estate property.
Financial relief comes from avoiding upfront repair costs. You preserve capital for your next move instead of spending thousands on improvements that may not increase your sale price proportionally. A $40,000 kitchen remodel that only increased sale price by $25,000 would cost you money.
Repair negotiations disappear when you sell house as is. Buyers understand from the beginning that you won't fix anything and this reduces the back-and-forth over inspection findings. This clarity creates a more straightforward transaction path, though you can still offer closing cost concessions if needed.
Drawbacks to Think About
Expect a lower sale price on the negative side. Homes sold as-is typically sell for 5% to 20% below market value, though some sources indicate the discount can reach 10% to 30%. Buyers factor repair costs and risk into their offers and this reduces your potential profit.
Your buyer pool narrows substantially. Traditional buyers, especially first-time purchasers, prefer move-in ready properties. Financing presents another obstacle since FHA, VA, and USDA loans maintain strict property condition standards. Buyers may need to withdraw their offers if your home fails to meet lender requirements.
The "as-is" label itself carries stigma. Some buyers assume the property has hidden problems and never schedule a showing. This perception can result in fewer offers overall and provide leverage for lowball bids.
When Selling As Is Makes Sense
This approach works best when you lack funds for repairs, need to sell fast, or inherited a property you cannot maintain easily. Seller's markets with high demand provide ideal conditions since buyers become more willing to accept properties needing work.
How to Price and Market Your As-Is Property
Determining Fair Market Value
Fair market value represents the price your property would sell for under normal conditions with willing buyers and sellers acting in their best interests. A Comparative Market Analysis examines homes sold in your neighborhood that match your property's size and condition. These comparable sales, or "comps," establish baseline pricing by analyzing sale prices per square foot.
An experienced real estate agent can prepare this analysis and account for wear and tear, site differences within your neighborhood, and distressed property sales that may skew values. Hiring a licensed appraiser provides a formal, unbiased valuation that gives you a data-backed measure.
Setting Realistic Price Expectations
Properties listed as-is sell for 5% to 20% below comparable listings, depending on needed repairs. To cite an instance, if similar homes sell for $400,000 but your property needs $30,000 in roof and plumbing work, you might list around $370,000.
Investors using the 70% rule pay about 70% of after-repair value minus renovation costs. iBuyers offer 85% to 95% of market value, then deduct service fees of 5% to 10%.
Best Way to Sell House As Is
State the as-is condition in all marketing materials to build trust. Highlight positive features like location or lot size that attract buyers who see potential. Professional photos and virtual tours help your listing stand out online. Target investors and cash buyers who seek as-is properties.
Conclusion
You now have a complete roadmap for selling a house as is successfully. This approach offers a practical exit strategy for your property if you need to close within days or want to avoid repairs that get pricey.
The key is getting multiple offers and comparing them carefully. Cash home buyers, investors, and iBuyers all assess properties differently, so competition works in your favor. Price your home realistically and disclose known issues upfront to protect yourself legally.
You'll receive less than market value. Accept that. But you'll save time, money, and stress. Selling as-is provides the fastest path forward for homeowners facing financial pressure or inherited properties.
FAQs
Q1. Is it possible to sell my house without making any repairs? Yes, you can legally sell your home "as-is" in its current condition without making any repairs. This means buyers accept the property exactly as they find it, whether it needs minor cosmetic updates or major structural work. However, you must still disclose any known defects or issues that could affect the property's value, even when selling without repairs.
Q2. How much less will I get if I sell my house as-is? Homes sold as-is typically sell for 5% to 20% below market value, though the discount can sometimes reach 10% to 30% depending on the extent of needed repairs. Buyers factor in repair costs and risk when making their offers. For example, if comparable homes sell for $400,000 but your property needs $30,000 in repairs, you might expect offers around $370,000 or less.
Q3. Does selling as-is make the house harder to sell? Selling as-is can narrow your buyer pool since traditional buyers and first-time homebuyers typically prefer move-in ready properties. Additionally, homes requiring significant repairs may not qualify for FHA, VA, or USDA financing due to strict property condition standards. However, as-is properties attract cash buyers, investors, and house flippers who actively seek these opportunities, which can actually speed up the sale process.
Q4. Should I make any improvements before selling my house as-is? While major repairs aren't necessary, basic improvements can help. Focus on deep cleaning, decluttering, and minor fixes like patching holes in walls. These low-cost efforts make your property more presentable without requiring significant investment. Avoid expensive upgrades like kitchen remodels or new flooring—buyers purchasing as-is properties typically plan to make their own improvements based on their preferences.
Q5. How quickly can I sell my house as-is compared to a traditional sale? You can sell a house as-is in as little as 5 to 14 days when working with cash buyers, compared to the typical 60 to 90 days for traditional sales. Cash transactions eliminate time-consuming steps like mortgage approval, extensive inspections, and repair negotiations. Some cash home buying companies can close in as few as 7 days, making this an ideal option if you need to sell quickly.
References
Sources
Zillow — How Much Do You Lose Selling a House As-Is
https://www.zillow.com/learn/how-much-do-you-lose-selling-a-house-as-is/
Rocket Mortgage — Selling a House As-Is
https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/selling-as-is
HomeLight — Selling a House As-Is
https://www.homelight.com/blog/selling-a-house-as-is/
CNBC — Cash-for-Houses Companies Explained
https://www.cnbc.com/select/cash-for-houses-companies-explained/
U.S. News Real Estate — What to Know About Companies That Buy Houses
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-those-companies-that-buy-houses
Opendoor — Sell Your House for Cash: Process and Timeline
https://www.opendoor.com/articles/sell-your-house-for-cash-process-timeline-expectations
RE/MAX — Selling a Home As-Is: Pros and Cons for Homeowners
https://blog.remax.com/selling-a-home-as-is-pros-and-cons-for-homeowners/
