In most cases, homeowners will spend time and money prepping their properties for sale before putting them on the market. For instance, they may trim trees, paint interior spaces and take other steps that make a home more appealing to buyers. However, what happens if your property needs significant repairs that you don't necessarily have the time or money to make? Read below on some of our tips on how to sell your home as-is.



Focus on Adding Curb Appeal

Inexpensive fixes such as putting a new mailbox on your property can help it create a better first impression. You might also want to consider painting the front door, washing the driveway, and washing any windows that people can see from the street. Mowing the yard prior to a showing is another easy step that you can take to generate interest in your property despite its flaws.



Buyers Don't Mind Fixing Cosmetic Issues

Buyers generally understand that they'll need to spend time painting walls, replacing carpets, and making other cosmetic fixes after taking possession of their new homes. However, they don't want to have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs to core components such as a roof, water heater, or furnace. Therefore, any money that you can put toward repairs should be focused on fixing the things that a house cannot function without.



Consider Issuing a Seller Credit

If you don't have the money needed to make major repairs, you can provide the buyer with cash to do so after the sale closes. A seller's credit is deducted from the final sale price of the property, and it is often put in escrow to ensure that the money is used for its intended purpose. It's also worth noting that the buyer must return any unused portion of the credit.



You Can Reduce the List Price

In lieu of a seller credit, you can simply reduce the list price to account for any repairs that a buyer will need to make. Your real estate agent will likely be able to provide insight into how much the house would be worth in good condition. He or she should also be able to give you an idea of how much it would cost to remodel your home so that it is in pristine condition.

It's important to note that listing a home below its true market value could inspire a bidding war. This may be especially true during a seller's market as buyers are more likely to do whatever it takes to secure one of the few homes that actually become available to purchase.



Make Sure That the Buyer Knows the Home Is Being Sold As-Is

You must disclose the fact that your property is being sold in its current condition on the listing. The buyer will still have an opportunity to inspect the home, and it may be in your best interest to present a prospective buyer with a list of all the problems that he or she might need to fix after taking ownership of the house.