If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you might be stuck between two very different paths:
Option A: Sell it as-is. No repairs. No prep. No stress.
Option B: Tidy it up first so it shows better, attracts more buyers, and (ideally) sells for more.
In 2026, this choice matters more than it used to — and it’s not because sellers are doing anything wrong. It’s because the market is shifting in a way that makes condition a bigger deal again.
More competition means condition matters (again)
Over the past year, more homes have come on the market, and that trend is continuing. A Realtor.com forecast says inventory could rise another 8.9% this year. When buyers have more options, they get more selective — and the details start to matter again.
That’s a big reason most sellers choose to do at least a little work before listing.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling, while one-third (35%) sold as-is.
See chart below.
What “as-is” really means (and what it changes)
Selling as-is means you’re letting buyers know upfront: you’re not handling repairs before listing, and you’re not planning to negotiate fixes after inspection.
That can absolutely make the process easier on your end — but it can also shrink your buyer pool.
Move-in-ready homes tend to bring:
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more buyer interest
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stronger offers
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better momentum right out of the gate
Homes that need work can bring:
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fewer showings
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fewer offers
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longer time on the market
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more price pressure
It doesn’t mean your home won’t sell. It usually means it may not sell for as much as it could if it showed better.
The smartest move is choosing the right strategy for your house
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The “right” answer depends on your home, your timeline, and what buyers expect in your specific area.
That’s where a strong agent earns their keep — by helping you run the numbers and pick the strategy that makes the most sense.
If you sell as-is, I’ll help you:
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spotlight the home’s strongest features (location, layout, lot, charm)
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position it so buyers see potential, not just projects
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market it hard so we still create demand
If you make repairs first, I’ll help you:
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focus only on what actually moves the needle
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avoid wasting money on updates buyers don’t care about
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prioritize fast, high-impact improvements
Yes — you still have time
Spring is typically the busiest season in real estate, and we’re not there yet. That means you’ve got time to make smart repairs (if that’s the plan) without rushing or stressing — and still hit the market when buyer demand is at its seasonal high.
Bottom line
Selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations. But in a more competitive 2026 market, skipping prep may cost you.
If you want help figuring out the best move for your house — as-is vs. light updates — let’s talk. A quick conversation can save you time, money, and a whole lot of second-guessing.
