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IS MY HOME SALEABLE AS-IS?

IS MY HOME SALEABLE AS-IS?

What Is An As-Is Listing?

When an as-is home is listed on the market this means it is being sold in its current state and the seller will not be making any improvements, upgrades, or repairs. The home may need multiple major repairs or possibly only require cosmetic upgrades. When listing as-is, the buyer takes full responsibility for repairs and modifications, including problems that may not be apparent at the time of sale. “As is” has a legal definition, and the buyer will have to sign paperwork acknowledging he or she understands the terms of the transaction. In North Carolina specifically, an as-is contract states that the buyer has the right to request any repairs they want, but the seller is NOT required to fix anything.

The seller and their real estate agent are required by law to list all the home’s known problems. Sellers must follow federal and state and minimum disclosure standards. Local and state disclosure regulations vary, the only federal disclosure required of all home sales is evidence of lead paint and other lead hazards. Keep in mind, hiding problems and keeping important information from the buyer could put you on the line for legal troubles in the future.

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Selling As-Is?

While it may only sound appealing to someone looking for a fixer-upper to renovate or flip a home for profit, there are many reasons a potential buyer may see an as-is listing as an opportunity. Alternatively, there are just as many reasons to avoid an as-is listing. Let’s take a minute and look at a few of the Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is.

Pros Of Listing Your Home As-Is

More Homes To Choose From

Homes being sold as-is add to the supply of homes in a currently tight housing market. The buying surge since the pandemic began does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

You Inherited The Property

Maybe you inherited the property and don’t live near or know much about the home. This can be overwhelming especially If you don’t have the time, energy, or money to pour into the property. In this circumstance selling as-is may be the least stressful If you understand you may not get as much money for the house as you would have if you’d gone in and made all the repairs, but after you factor in how much time and money you would have spent, you may find that the trade-off is worth it.

You Hope To Attract Cash Buyers

Some areas are magnets for cash buyers. For example, if the houses in your neighborhood are perfect as flips or rental properties, there’s likely a small pool of all-cash buyers keeping their eyes out for anything new on the market. The “as is” status of your house will likely inspire an all-cash buyer to purchase the home at a discount, but all-cash home purchases tend to be fast and simplify the closing process. Eliminating the need for approvals that come with securing a mortgage.

Loans Could Help Cover Repair Costs

Depending on the loan provider and their requirements, you may be able to leverage the current low mortgage rates to buy an as-is home and repair it. Keep in mind, not every lender will have the same desire to be involved with a “fixer-upper” as you may be, so be sure to consult your lender’s terms before proceeding.

Cons Of Listing Your Home As-Is

Buyer Can Walk Away

Just because a buyer submits an as-is offer doesn’t mean they are locked into buying your home. In most states, an as-is contract gives the buyer a certain amount of time to cancel the contract. During this time, they may choose this period they may have a home inspection, come to the realization the home needs too much work for them to handle, and cancel the contract. In some cases, the buyer will be out the cost of the home inspection but will get their entire deposit back. This means your home could be off the market for weeks only to have it come back onto the market.

An As-Is Listing May Turn Prospective Buyers Away

As-is sellers are generally motivated to sell quickly. The cost and time associated with repairs may deter buyers, lengthening the sales process. Some potential purchasers would prefer to spend a little more on a home that’s move-in ready and won’t entertain an as-is listing as an option.

The Buyer Can Be Denied A Loan For An As-Is Home

For most conventional mortgages, lenders require that the home be habitable. Defects such as worn flooring and damaged interior walls can be acceptable. Government-backed home loans like FHA, USDA, or VA loans come with minimum property requirements. Always review a mortgage’s terms and conditions before thinking about purchasing an as-is home.

Takeaway

  • Most buyers want a home that is immediately habitable with little to no work for the new homeowner; however, more sellers are putting their homes on the market as-is to avoid the need to fix up the place- at times still getting more than their asking price.
  • Homes sold as-is are required to adhere to state and federal disclosure standards.
  • An as-is house listing means the seller will not be responsible nor interested in entertaining the responsibility for any repairs before the final sale.
  • An as-is listing may refer to only certain aspects of the house, like, foundation repair, an old chimney, or an inoperable pool.

Matt Myatt invites you to spend some time looking at his featured listings and is here to answer any questions you have about Outer Banks and North Carolina real estate.