Selling as-is doesn’t always mean skipping inspections; they can save you stress, time, and thousands in credits, and increase buyer confidence.
Sellers sometimes tell me, “I don’t want to fix a thing, and I just want to sell my house as-is and move on.” This might sound easy because most people think they just need to list and sell their property without doing any repairs or upgrades. But here’s the truth: even if your home is listed as-is, buyers can and will still do inspections. Once they do, that “easy” sale can quickly become a headache because they might ask for credits and request repairs. Or in some cases, they might just walk away from the deal. If you want to sell your home as-is and keep the deal on track, here’s exactly what you need to do:
Selling “as-is” doesn't mean buyers won’t negotiate. The California contracts say homes are sold as-is, but that doesn’t stop buyers from inspecting your home and coming back with a long list of demands. If they find roof issues, foundation cracks, or electrical concerns, expect them to ask for price drops or credits.
Most sellers don’t know what’s wrong with their homes. While many might think their homes are in great shape, most homeowners don’t regularly check their crawl spaces, attics, roofs, or sewer lines. Problems like slow leaks, worn-out electrical panels, termite damage, or aging HVAC systems can go unnoticed for years, and they are the exact things inspectors look for.
"Presale inspections give sellers more control, fewer surprises, and smoother closings."
A pre-sale inspection gives you the upper hand. Before you list, do a general inspection to ensure your home is ready to be listed without any problems. If your home’s older, add roof, sewer, or termite inspections. This gives you a clear picture of what’s going on and helps you avoid nasty surprises later. These inspections usually cost a few hundred dollars but save you thousands in negotiations.
Disclose everything up front. Share your inspection reports before a buyer makes an offer because you’re a lot more in control if you’ve found issues and collected bids or repair estimates. Always keep in mind that being transparent builds trust and lowers the chance of buyers backing out in the last minute.
Stop renegotiation before it starts. When buyers know what they’re walking into, they’re less likely to return asking for money off. This helps you save time, reduce stress, and keep your price where you want it. Remember: selling as-is isn’t about skipping the process; it’s about owning it. Know what’s happening with your home, show the buyer everything up front, and keep the deal moving forward.
If you have questions about home inspection or the process of selling your home "as-is", feel free to call or text me at (562) 316-2915 or email [email protected]. I’ll help you figure out what needs to be done to ensure you can sell your home quickly and for the highest price possible.
