Not every Brooklyn house needs a renovation before it sells. Some owners do not have the time, money or energy for repairs, and some houses need more work than makes sense to do before a sale. Selling “as is” means you offer the house in its current condition, and the buyer prices in the work. Here is how to decide, and how to do it well.
As Is vs Repair First
| Sell as is | Repair, then sell | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Little or none | Repairs, staging, carrying costs |
| Time to list | Weeks | Often months |
| Buyer pool | Renovators, investors, some end users | Wider, including financed buyers |
| Price | Reflects needed work | Can be higher, not certain |
| Risk | Lower effort, lower price | Cost overruns, delays |
In New York, “as is” usually means you are not agreeing to make repairs. You still need to be honest. Your attorney will advise on disclosure and on what the contract should say.
When As Is Makes Sense
- The house needs major work, such as a new roof, boiler, wiring or a gut renovation.
- You are settling an estate and want a simpler sale; see selling an inherited home.
- You are downsizing and want a quicker, lighter process.
- You do not want to carry the house for months while work is done.
Small Steps That Still Pay Off
Even an as is sale benefits from a few low cost steps: clear out clutter, clean, fix obvious safety issues, and make sure every room can be seen. Good photos and an accurate floor plan help buyers judge the work. See staging tips and mistakes to avoid.
Expect Buyers to Inspect
Most buyers will still bring an inspector and a contractor. Knowing the big issues ahead of time, perhaps with your own pre-listing inspection, helps you price realistically and avoid surprises in negotiation.
Check the Paperwork
Open permits, violations or a certificate of occupancy that does not match the house can matter more to a buyer than worn floors. Read selling with open permits or violations.
Pricing an As Is House
An as is price starts from recorded sales of similar houses, then adjusts for the work needed. We explain the method in what is my Brooklyn townhouse worth. Be cautious of anyone who promises a fast cash price without showing how they got there; compare it with what the open market may offer.
Photos in this article are illustrative images from the 555 Properties LLC library unless a caption names a specific property.
Talk With Valerie
Valerie Sebbag, Licensed Real Estate Broker at 555 Properties LLC, has more than 30 years of client-facing experience and more than 12 years in real estate. If you are thinking about selling, request a private, no-cost valuation or read about our seller services. You can also see our closed sales.
