When it’s time to sell your home, one big question can determine how quickly it sells — and for how much: Should you sell as-is, or invest in repairs first?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the trade-offs can help you make the smartest move for your situation. Let’s break it down.

The Pros & Cons of Selling As-Is

Pros:

• Save time: You can list the property right away without waiting on contractors.

• Less hassle: No stress over managing repairs, upgrades, or staging.

• Appeal to investors: Many buyers look specifically for as-is properties to flip or rent.

Cons:

• Lower offers: Buyers will factor repair costs — and then some — into their offer.

• Fewer retail buyers: First-time buyers often prefer move-in ready homes.

• Negotiation leverage: Buyers may use inspections to negotiate an even lower price.

Repairs That Bring the Best ROI

If you do have time and budget for improvements, focus on updates that deliver a strong return:

Fresh paint: One of the cheapest updates, yet it makes a huge difference.
Curb appeal: Landscaping, pressure washing, and a tidy exterior draw buyers in.
Minor kitchen & bath updates: Think new fixtures, cabinet hardware, or replacing old appliances.
Fix obvious issues: Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or broken door handles are red flags for buyers.

Real-World Examples

• Example 1: A seller in Chesapeake listed their rental property as-is after tenants moved out. It sold in two weeks to an investor, below market value, but saved them three months of carrying costs and stress.

• Example 2: A couple in Norfolk spent $8,000 on paint, landscaping, and new light fixtures. Their home sold above asking price within a week, recovering their costs and then some.

How to Decide: Timeline & Budget

If you need to sell fast — for a job relocation, inheritance, or financial reasons — selling as-is might make sense. If you have a flexible timeline and a little cash to invest, targeted repairs can pay off.

Ask yourself:

• How much time do I have?

• What’s my repair budget?

• How much more could I gain by doing updates?

This is where having honest, realistic numbers matters.

Why Transparency Matters — How FI Real Estate Guides You

At FI Real Estate, we believe in full transparency. We’ll help you run the numbers on both options — as-is vs. repair-and-list — so you can choose what works for your timeline, budget, and stress level.

No pressure, no surprises — just clear guidance to help you get the most from your sale.

Thinking of selling your home soon?
Contact FI Real Estate today and let’s figure out the best path for you.