If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, there’s a good chance you’re weighing a familiar decision: do you sell it as-is for the sake of convenience, or do you make a few updates so it shows better and sells for more?
Selling as-is can feel appealing. No repairs. No prep. No added effort. But in 2026, that choice carries more weight than it did just a couple of years ago and understanding the current market dynamics can help you make a more confident decision.
Why Home Condition Matters More Right Now
Inventory is rising. Over the past year, more homes have come on the market, and forecasts from Realtor.com suggest inventory could increase by nearly 9% again this year. As buyers gain more choices, they also gain leverage and THAT means they can afford to be more selective.
In a market with more competition, the details start to matter again. Homes that are clean, well-maintained, and move-in ready tend to stand out faster, attract more interest, and generate stronger offers. That’s one of the reasons many sellers choose to make at least a few improvements before listing.
In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, about 65% of sellers complete minor repairs or updates before selling, while only 35% choose to sell their home as-is. Most sellers recognize that even small improvements can make a noticeable difference in how buyers perceive a home.
What “Selling As-Is” Really Signals to Buyers
Selling as-is means you’re being upfront that you won’t make repairs before listing or negotiate fixes after the inspection. While that can simplify the process for you, it also sends a clear signal to buyers and not all buyers are comfortable with that.
Move-in ready homes typically appeal to a wider audience, including buyers who may already be stretching their budget and don’t want to take on additional projects. 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 translates to a lower final sale price.
That doesn’t mean an as-is home won’t sell. It simply means the pool of interested buyers is smaller, and the offers you receive may reflect the cost and effort buyers believe they’ll need to invest after closing.
How the Right Guidance Makes the Decision Easier
There’s no universal answer to whether you should sell as-is or make repairs first. The right choice depends on your home, your timeline, your budget, and what buyers in your local market care about most.
This is where working with an experienced agent becomes essential. A strong agent can help you evaluate both paths and understand how each one could impact your bottom line.
If selling as-is makes the most sense for your situation, your agent can help position the home strategically by highlighting its strongest features, such as location, layout, or lot value, so buyers focus on potential rather than projects. If making updates is the better move, your agent can help you identify which repairs or improvements are actually worth doing and which ones won’t deliver a return.
The good news is timing is on your side. Spring is typically the busiest homebuying season, which means there’s still time to tackle meaningful updates without rushing or taking on unnecessary stress. Even a few well-chosen improvements can help your home show better and compete more effectively when buyer demand peaks.
Making a Smart, Informed Choice
Selling a home is rarely just about convenience or speed—it’s about strategy. While selling as-is can absolutely make sense in certain situations, in today’s market it may come with trade-offs that are worth considering carefully.
If you want help thinking through your options, we’ve created an exclusive, free pre-listing checklist to help you understand what to fix, what to skip, and how to prepare your home for the best possible outcome.
👉 Click here to receive our exclusive pre-listing checklist and take the guesswork out of getting ready to sell.
A little preparation—and the right guidance—can go a long way toward helping you sell with confidence.
