You can sell a house as-is without an inspection, and a lot of sellers do when they’re hoping for a quicker sale.
But selling as-is isn’t always as simple as it sounds. While encouraging buyers to waive an inspection contingency can save time and money upfront, it could come with some trade-offs: like fewer offers or legal repercussions if you’re not honest with buyers.
Whether you’re selling a home in San Jose, CA or Boston, MA, let’s break down what it means to sell a home as-is, when it makes sense, and how to do it the right way.
What does selling “as-is” mean in real estate?
Selling a house as-is means the home is going on the market in its current condition, and you as the seller will not be making repairs or offering credits. The buyer is agreeing to take the home as it comes.
When a home is being sold as-is, it’s usually a strategy to sell quickly, or for sellers who don’t have the time, budget, or desire to renovate or make repairs.
Add in a waived home inspection contingency, and things get even more straightforward. The buyer can usually still hire a home inspector if they want, but the purchase won’t hinge on what turns up on the report. This is known as waiving the home inspection contingency, which normally allows buyers to back out and recoup their earnest money if significant issues are found.
Essentially, waiving the contingency means no repair requests, no re-negotiating, and less back-and-forth.
But selling as-is doesn’t let sellers completely off the hook. In most states, sellers still legally need to disclose any known issues with the property, like a leaky roof, foundation damage, or past flooding.
When does it make sense to sell as-is without an inspection?
Buying or selling a home as-is without an inspection isn’t the best option for everyone, but it doesn’t always mean red flags. As-is sales can be a common selling strategy in certain situations.
It might make sense to sell as-is without an inspection if:
- The home needs significant repairs that you can’t or don’t want to take on.
- You’re in a hurry to sell, like during a divorce, financial hardship, or an out-of-state move.
- You’re selling to an investor or cash buyer who’s familiar with fixer-uppers.
- You are offloading a rental property.
- You inherited a home you don’t want to invest in.
- You’re willing to lower the price in exchange for a faster, less complicated sale.
Some first-time buyers might be willing to waive the inspection contingency to try and get a good deal or compete against other offers. Non-traditional buyers, like investors, cash buyers, and house flippers, might skip a home inspection altogether for a quick turn-around, especially if they’re already expecting repairs.
In short: If time, cost, or simplicity matters more than getting top dollar for your home, selling as-is might be the right fit.
The pros and cons of selling a home as-is with no inspection
Selling as-is can be a major time-saver, but it’s not without trade-offs.
On the plus side, you skip the cost and hassle of repairs, avoid drawn-out negotiations over inspection findings, and can often close much faster. This could be especially appealing if you need to sell quickly, don’t have the budget for updates, or are dealing with a property you inherited or used as a rental.
The downside? You’ll likely sell for less.
Buyers tend to expect anywhere between 10–30% below market value to account for repairs and any risks, and without the protection an inspection contingency provides, you’ll also face a smaller pool of potential buyers.
Investors, flippers, or cash buyers will probably be more drawn to as-is home sales, since buyers using traditional financing may run into issues—some lenders require a home to meet certain standards before approving a mortgage.
Tips for a successful as-is sale without an inspection
Even if a buyer waives the inspection contingency, allowing them to do an inspection for their own peace of mind is a smart move. Not only can it build trust, but it might help the sale go more smoothly.
Some buyers even need an inspection to secure homeowner’s insurance. Blocking inspections altogether could limit your already small buyer pool even more.
But selling as-is doesn’t have to mean going into the selling process blind. These tips can help protect you and attract the right buyers:
- Price it right: Work with a real estate agent who knows how to value homes in their current condition.
- Disclose honestly: You’re still legally required to share major known issues, and transparency helps build buyer confidence and avoid purchase delays.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection: Some sellers get their own pre-listing inspection to show buyers exactly what they’re getting into.
- Highlight the positives: Whether it’s a great layout, big lot, or prime location, include any valuable information about the home that’s considered an asset, not just what needs fixing.
So, should you skip the inspection and sell your home as-is?
If you’re selling a property that needs TLC, want to sell quickly, or don’t want to invest in pre-sale prep, selling as is without an inspection might make sense. Just know it’s not a shortcut to skipping disclosures, and you may need to adjust your expectations around the final sale price and how much buyer interest there will be.
Still unsure? A Redfin real estate agent can help you understand your market, weigh the risks, and figure out the best path forward.
FAQs
Will I lose money selling a house as-is?
Homes sold as-is might go for 10% to 30% less than similar homes in better condition. The cost of repairs and the risk of hidden problems are factors which can lower buyer offers. That said, selling as-is can save you time, stress, and upfront repair costs, so for some sellers, the trade-off is worth it.
Can buyers still inspect an as-is home?
Unless otherwise stated, buyers still have the right to a home inspection, even on a home being sold as-is. The difference is that the seller isn’t required to fix anything or offer credits, and buyers might waive the home inspection contingency that protects their right to back out of a deal after the inspection.
Can I legally sell a house without disclosing problems?
No. In most states, sellers must disclose known issues with a home, even in an as-is sale. Problems with the foundation, roof, HVAC system, plumbing, or pest infestations—anything that could affect the home’s value or safety—must be communicated to the buyer.