How Much Do You Lose Selling a House As-Is?

Because sale outcomes vary, there is no fixed amount homeowners lose when selling a property as-is. Market conditions, local pricing trends, and the home’s condition all play a role in determining the final sale price relative to a renovated or turnkey home. 

Selling a house “as-is” means selling a property in its current condition, with the seller not making or paying for repairs. Buyers can still schedule a home inspection, but they agree to pay for any necessary repairs if they decide to move forward with the purchase.

Example calculation: Say your home is in excellent condition and located in a high-demand area with a fair market value of $400,000. You might receive an offer at or above that price. If the same home needed major repairs and you chose to sell it as-is, a buyer might factor in the cost of those repairs and offer significantly less — for example, 10% to 20% below market value. In this scenario, that could reduce the sale price by roughly $40,000 to $80,000.

What factors influence the as-is sale price?

Several factors can determine how much you lose selling a house as-is, including the location, condition of the property and current market trends.

Condition of the property

The condition of your home is one of the biggest factors that can influence its sale price. Homes with only minor cosmetic flaws, like worn carpet, chipped paint or outdated light fixtures, might still sell for market value or close to it, since these updates are manageable for most buyers. This is especially a possibility in hot markets with limited options.

Selling as-is with more significant issues, however — such as a failing roof or HVAC system or outdated electrical systems — might mean you lose money.

On the flip side, appealing features like a newer kitchen or updated bathrooms, energy-efficient windows or a finished basement can offset the as-is value, even if other parts of the property need attention. Any home improvements or maintenance you’ve already completed can help reassure buyers that the home has been cared for, and potentially reduce the loss.

Location

Homes in high-demand neighborhoods often retain value even when sold as-is. A desirable school district; proximity to shopping, restaurants or major employers; or easy access to transportation can offset some buyer hesitation. In contrast, homes in less sought-after areas or with fewer nearby amenities may experience larger price reductions.

Comparable sales, or “comps”, also play a role. Real estate agents use recent sales of similar properties in your area to estimate fair market value. If comparable homes in great condition sold for $300,000, an as-is home with visible issues might need to be priced lower to attract buyers.

Market conditions

In a seller’s market, when buyer demand exceeds available inventory, competition can drive up offers, even for homes that need work. With fewer options to choose from, some buyers might be willing to overlook moderate repairs to secure a property, even if it means paying market value or more.

In a buyer’s market, however, when there are more listings than interested buyers, the dynamic changes. Buyers often have the leverage to negotiate, and homes that require repairs can linger on the market longer. In these conditions, a seller might have to reduce their asking price significantly to attract serious offers, or risk being passed over for a more move-in-ready option.

Type of buyer

Investors and house flippers are often drawn to as-is properties because they can renovate them for profit. These buyers tend to negotiate aggressively, looking for the lowest purchase price possible to maximize their returns.

On the other hand, buyers who plan to live in the home aren’t usually in a position to take on major updates. When the listing is being sold as-is, they might assume the property hides costly repairs or maintenance problems. This could prevent the buyer from making a higher offer, or even making an offer at all.

How much could I sell my house for?

Whether selling as-is or not, the amount of money you could sell your house for depends on your local market, the location of your home, its condition and other factors.

Start by exploring your selling options on Zillow, where you can see how your property compares to others nearby and decide whether listing traditionally, selling directly to a buyer, or exploring other routes makes the most sense.

Then, use Zillow’s Home Sale Proceeds Calculator to estimate your potential profit after fees, mortgage payoff, and price adjustments. It’s a simple way to get a clearer picture of how much you lose selling a house as-is, and how much you could take home from your next move.

Benefits of selling a home as-is

While selling a home as-is often means accepting a lower price, it can also simplify the process. For example:

No funds needed for pre-sale repairs

By selling as-is, you’ll skip the often expensive process of fixing up your home before listing. You won’t need to spend money on things like repainting or replacing appliances to attract buyers. This can be especially important if you’re short on cash or don’t want to take on additional debt before selling.

Little to no prep work

Selling as-is also eliminates the need to pay for a professional cleaner and stager to get your home ready to sell. These savings last for the time your home is on the market too, since you won’t need to spend time on nor pay for any upkeep, such as continued cost of the stager’s furniture. 

Faster to list 

Because you’re not waiting on contractors, estimates, permits or staging, you can list your home sooner, potentially shortening the time to closing. In many cases, as-is homes attract cash buyers who skip traditional financing. Those transactions can close even faster.

Broader appeal to buyers

An as-is property might attract a wider range of buyers, particularly investors, cash buyers or DIY enthusiasts looking for a project. These groups are often more flexible about property condition, and might even prefer homes they can renovate themselves. Positioning your property to appeal to these buyers can lead to a faster sale and less back-and-forth over details.

Fewer negotiation hurdles

Because you’re upfront about the home’s condition from the start, the terms of an as-is sale are usually clearer and simpler. Buyers understand they’re purchasing the property with full responsibility for any needed repairs. While there might still be some negotiating, you’ll avoid discussions about who will handle each fix, which saves time and stress.

When it makes sense to sell a house as-is

Selling as-is can be a smart move when time, budget or circumstances make repairs unrealistic. You might want to consider this route if any of the following apply:

• Financial constraints: You can’t afford the repairs needed to bring the home up to market-ready condition — or the repairs are so extensive that it doesn’t make financial sense to pay for them yourself. 
• Urgency: You need to sell quickly due to relocation, divorce, financial hardship or some other time-sensitive situation.
• Convenience: You prefer a straightforward sale without investing additional time or energy into preparing the home.
• Investor interest: If you know investors are interested in your property, you could save time selling to a buyer who’s prepared to renovate and can close quickly.
• Inherited or neglected property: You’ve inherited a property that needs more maintenance than you can manage, or you simply want to offload the property as soon as possible.

If any of these situations fit, selling your home as-is could help you move forward more easily, even if it means accepting a price lower than market value.