Short answerSell as is when repairs would cost more than they return, when you lack time or cash, or when the buyer pool is investors. Fix first when cheap safety or lender required items would otherwise block FHA, VA, and USDA buyers. Either way, as is does not remove Indiana's disclosure requirement or stop a buyer from inspecting.
What does as is really mean?
It means you do not plan to make repairs. Buyers can still inspect, ask questions, and walk away under their contract. You still disclose known conditions on the Indiana seller's disclosure form unless your sale is exempt. Ask a real estate attorney about your situation.
When does fixing first pay?
When small items would shrink your buyer pool. Peeling paint on a pre 1978 house or missing handrails can keep FHA, VA, and USDA buyers out until fixed. A few hundred to a few thousand dollars of work can open the house to many more buyers.
When does as is make sense?
Major systems at the end of life, structural issues, estates, or a seller who needs to move quickly. Price it to reflect the work.
The buyer's side: should I buy a house sold as is.
Frequently asked questions
Does as is mean I do not have to disclose?
No. As is does not remove the disclosure requirement unless your sale is in an exempt category. Ask a real estate attorney.
Can an as is house still sell to an FHA buyer?
Only if it meets FHA property requirements, or required repairs get done before closing.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.