As-Is vs. Market-Ready: What Does It Really Mean and Why Should You Care?

FSBO, CMA, VA, FHA...sometimes, the real estate jargon can be confusing, but the often-used terms "as-is" and "market-ready" seem pretty self-explanatory, right?

Wrong. There is more to these two descriptors than meets the eye. As a seller, you must fully understand the pros and cons of selling your home "as-is" vs. "market-ready," or it could cost you time and money.

What does it mean to sell a house as-is?

When it comes to selling "as-is," what you see is what you get, literally! The buyer purchases the home in its current condition, for better or worse, and the seller is not responsible for any repairs.

The seller could be motivated to do an "as-is" deal because they need to sell their home and move quickly, or simply lack the funding to complete repairs. 

What does market-ready mean?

Think white cabinets, granite countertops, updated flooring...market-ready homes catch buyers' eyes (and offers) with upgraded features. These renovated listings are all set for staging and showing.

Especially in today's fast-paced real estate environment, buyers typically snatch up market-ready homes as fast as they can. 

Can you sell your house as-is with a realtor?

The short answer is yes. 

But buyers are on the hunt for updated, move-in-ready homes, so your house could linger on the market for months before the right buyer comes along. Plus, the longer your property sits on the market, the greater the possibility you will have to drop the price.

If you’re thinking of selling your home as-is with a realtor, here are a few things you need to consider.

The hassle of inspections, contingencies, and price drops

In real estate transactions, buyers usually arrange a home inspection. A qualified inspector will check out the condition of the property, assessing different parts of the home:

• heating and cooling systems
• plumbing
• electrical work
• water
• sewage
• evidence of insect, water, or fire damage

If the inspector finds issues with the home, this could cause the buyer to renegotiate the price or add contingencies to the contract. Buyers can even cancel the contract if the inspection reveals undisclosed problems.

Inspections can lead to a massive plummet in the asking price and more time lost in negotiations. 

Selling your home as-is can be a great option if the property is in poor condition or you do not want to waste time haggling over contracts and pricing.

Verdict:

If you want to sell your damaged or older home as-is, listing with a Realtor is not the route to take. While market-ready properties should breeze through inspections and pass right on to the closing table, as-is homes can become entangled in contingencies and price negotiations. As a result, the home could sit on the market for months, wasting your time and money.

What about selling a house as-is to a cash buyer?

Here is the good news: partnering with an all-cash buyer allows you to sell your home for the money you deserve in the time frame you need. 

At Simply, we designed our company with the seller in mind. We make homeowners the best possible offer for their property, as is. 

Check out these other advantages to partnering with Simply:

No inspections

Remember how inspections with Realtors can lead to contingencies and price drops? When you sell your home as-is to a cash buyer, you can skip this step! 

Here's how it works: Give us all the details on your property. Then, one of our Simply Local Experts will schedule a quick walkthrough, and you receive your offer on the same day!

No contingencies

At Simply, we operate with no strings attached. This means no contingencies to worry about and no buyers dependent upon bank approval. 

Our real estate professionals work closely with you throughout the entire process to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way, and you are free to call off the deal at any point.

Competitive offer

Why do we offer more than other cash buyers? Because it is the right thing to do. Fair cash offers show respect for the hard work and equity that you have invested in your home. 

You do not have to worry about any repair costs or closing expenses, and you are free to negotiate your offer.

Short timeline

Maybe you have to relocate for work, or your aging parents need to sell their home and move closer to family. Simply, we know that sometimes life can get crazy, and you need to move fast.

We make our initial offer in 30 seconds and close on your schedule (whether that's in seven days or 60 days!) 

That means no fees, no showings, no cleaning, and no repairs. Just a quick and easy process in which we treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.

Verdict:

With cash buyers, as-is means as-is. You do not have to deal with the hassle of inspections or contingencies. Simply guarantees a competitive offer and closes on a timeline that works for you.

Selling as-is for cash: a Simply better deal

Skip the stress of selling with a Realtor and request your free quote from Simply today! In just 30 seconds, we'll let you know if your home is the right fit for us.