Selling a house can feel like a fresh start—until you realize how expensive it can be to get your home ready for the market. Many homeowners underestimate just how much money, time, and stress come with repairs and upgrades when it’s time to sell.
What if you could sell your house without repairs instead?
In this guide, you’ll learn the hidden costs of fixing up a property before selling—and the smart ways homeowners skip the hassle, sell as-is, and move forward faster.
The True Cost of Selling a House with Repairs
Let’s break down why repairs eat into your profit more than you might think.
1. Pre-Listing Repairs
Before you even list, most real estate agents recommend tackling:
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Paint touch-ups
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Roof repairs
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Landscaping
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Fixing leaks, cracks, or worn floors
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Upgrading old appliances
Even “minor” fixes can add up quickly.
| Common Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Interior Painting | $2,000–$4,000 |
| New Carpet | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Roof Repair | $800–$5,000 |
| Kitchen Appliance Update | $2,000–$5,000 |
2. Buyer Inspections
Once you’re under contract, buyers typically order an inspection. If the inspector finds issues—mold, electrical problems, plumbing leaks—you may be on the hook for thousands in credits or repairs to close the deal.
3. Holding Costs
Every extra month you spend fixing up your home means more mortgage payments, utilities, taxes, and insurance.
Example: If your monthly carrying costs are $2,500 and repairs take 3 months, that’s $7,500 more out of pocket before closing.
4. The Stress Factor
Don’t forget: selling a house with repairs isn’t just expensive—it’s time-consuming and stressful. You’ll be:
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Scheduling contractors
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Managing delays
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Worrying about cost overruns
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Negotiating repairs with buyers
Why Some Homeowners Choose to Sell a House Without Repairs
The good news? You don’t have to fix everything to sell.
Thousands of sellers choose to sell houses without repairs every year, especially if they:
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Need to move quickly
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Can’t afford upfront repair costs
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Want to avoid the stress of renovation
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Inherited a property in poor condition
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Are facing foreclosure or major life changes
How to Sell a House Without Repairs: 3 Options
1. Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer
Cash home buyers specialize in buying houses as-is. They take properties in any condition—old roofs, outdated kitchens, water damage, you name it.
Benefits:
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No repairs or cleaning needed
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Close in weeks, not months
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Avoid agent commissions in many cases
2. Sell As-Is with a Real Estate Agent
You can list your house as-is with an agent. Just know:
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Your buyer pool may be smaller
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Offers may come in lower
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Lenders often won’t approve mortgages for homes with major issues
Still, this works well if your house only needs minor repairs you don’t want to tackle.
3. Sell Directly to an Investor
Investors buy houses in any condition to fix and flip or rent out. They typically pay cash and close fast—saving you from repair costs.
Example: Repair vs. As-Is Sale
| Scenario | Sell with Repairs | Sell As-Is |
|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $300,000 | $270,000 |
| Repairs Needed | $20,000 | $0 |
| Agent Fees & Holding Costs | $15,000 | $0–$5,000 |
| Net Profit | $265,000 | $265,000 |
The numbers can be surprisingly close—and you skip the headaches.
FAQ: How to Sell a House Without Repairs
Q1: Do I have to disclose issues?
Yes—always disclose known problems honestly. Selling as-is means you’re saying, “I won’t fix it,” not “I’m hiding it.”
Q2: Will I get less money?
Maybe—but you’ll also skip repair costs, time delays, and extra payments. For many sellers, it evens out.
Q3: Who buys houses as-is?
Cash buyers, investors, house-buying companies, and sometimes individual buyers looking for a project.
Q4: How fast can I close if I sell as-is?
Many as-is cash sales close in as little as 7–21 days.
Should You Sell Without Repairs?
If you want top dollar and have time/money for fixes, repairs may be worth it. But if you:
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Need cash quickly
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Want to avoid spending tens of thousands upfront
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Hate the idea of dealing with contractors
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Are fine with a slightly lower offer for the convenience
…then selling without repairs can be the smartest move.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house shouldn’t drain your savings or your sanity. By understanding the hidden costs of repairs—and knowing your options—you can decide if it’s better to fix up your house or sell it as-is and move on.
Ready to explore your options? Learn more about how to sell a house without repairs and see if it’s the right move for you this year.