If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably weighing two very different paths.
-
List the home as is and avoid repairs, prep, and extra work
-
Make a few updates so it shows better and attracts stronger offers
In 2026, that choice carries more weight than it did before. Here’s why.
More Listings Mean Condition Matters Again
Inventory has been rising, and buyers are starting to feel it. Over the past year, more homes have come on the market. A forecast from Realtor.com projects inventory could increase by another 8.9% this year.
That shift changes buyer behavior. When options are limited, buyers compromise. When options grow, they become more selective. Details that may have been overlooked a few years ago are starting to matter again.
That helps explain why most sellers still choose to handle at least some updates before listing.
According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about two thirds of sellers, or 65%, completed minor repairs or improvements before selling. Only 35% chose to sell their home as is, shown by the blue and green sections in the chart below.
What Selling As Is Really Signals to Buyers
Selling as is tells buyers upfront that you do not plan to make repairs or negotiate fixes after inspections. That can simplify the process for you, but it also limits who is willing to make an offer.
Move in ready homes typically draw more interest and stronger competition. Homes that need work often attract fewer buyers, which can lead to fewer showings, fewer offers, and more time on the market. In many cases, that also means a lower final sales price.
An as is sale does not mean your home will not sell. It means you may be trading convenience for value.
How the Right Agent Helps You Decide
There is no single right answer. The best approach depends on your home, your budget, and what buyers in your local market care about most.
That’s where a good agent makes the difference.
-
If you sell as is, your agent focuses on strengths like location, layout, and lot size so buyers see potential instead of just projects
-
If you make repairs, your agent helps you prioritize updates that actually matter, rather than spending money where buyers will not see value
There is also still time. Spring is typically the busiest buying season, and there are several months left before demand reaches its peak. That gives you room to handle repairs thoughtfully, without rushing, and still list at the right time.
Bottom Line
Selling as is can still make sense in the right situation. But in many markets today, it may come at a cost.
You don’t have to fix everything before you list. But you may want to fix the right things.
If you’d like help weighing your options and understanding what makes sense for your home, let’s have a quick conversation and walk through it together.
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
Tim Stice, Broker Realtor | Hawaii Life | Maui, Hawaii | Real Estate Agent
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
Tim Stice, Broker Realtor | Hawaii Life | Maui, Hawaii | Real Estate Agent
