If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options:
- Do you sell it as-is and make it easier on yourself? No repairs. No updates.
- Or do you fix it up a bit first? So it shows well and sells for as much as possible?
In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know.
More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again
Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. This year, a Realtor.com forecast says it could go up another 8.9%. That matters. As buyers gain more options, they also re-gain the ability to be selective. So, the details matter.
That’s one reason most sellers choose to make some updates before listing.
According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling (the blue and the green in the chart below). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is:
What Selling As-Is Really Means
Selling as-is means you’re signaling upfront that you won’t handle repairs before listing or negotiate fixes after inspection. That can definitely simplify things on your end, but it also narrows your buyer pool.
Homes that are move-in ready typically attract more buyers and stronger offers. On the flip side, when a home needs work, fewer buyers are willing to take it on. That can mean fewer showings, fewer offers, more time on the market, and often a lower final price.
It doesn’t mean your house won’t sell – it just means it may not sell for as much as it could have.
So, what should you do? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s going to depend a lot on your house and your micro market. We will help you weigh your options and help anticipate what your house may sell for either way – and that can be a key factor in your final decision.
- If you decide to make repairs: We can pinpoint what's really worth the time and effort based on your budget and what buyers care about the most. Ask us about our Concierge Program which can facilitate making repairs easier without having to front the expenses (or spending money on anything home sale related - from painting, staging, moving costs, storage fees, you name it).
The good news is that there's still time to get repairs done ahead of the spring selling season. Typically speaking, the spring is the peak homebuying season, so there are still several months left before buyer demand will be at its seasonal high. We can help you prioritize updates and repairs, without rushing or stressing, and still hit the listing sweet spot. The choice is yours. No matter what you end up picking, we will market your house to draw in as many buyers as possible.
While selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations, it really may cost you. So, no, you don’t have to make repairs before you list, but let us review your situation and determine the best possible game plan for your house.
