If you’re planning to sell your home this year, you might be weighing two big options:
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Do you list it as-is and keep things simple? No repairs, no hassle.
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Or do you invest in a few updates first, so your home shines and sells for top dollar?
In 2026, making the right choice matters more than ever. Here’s what we want you to know.
More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again
The number of homes for sale has been climbing, and Realtor.com forecasts another 8.9% increase this year. With more choices, buyers can afford to be pickier—so the details really count again.
That’s why most sellers decide to make a few updates before putting their home on the market.
According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling (the blue and the green in the chart below). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is.
What Selling As-Is Really Means
Selling as-is means you’re letting buyers know upfront that you won’t be making repairs or negotiating fixes. It’s less stressful for you, but it may mean fewer buyers are interested. Move-in-ready homes tend to attract more buyers and receive stronger offers. If your home needs work, some buyers will pass, which can mean fewer showings, fewer offers, a longer time on the market, and a lower sale price. That doesn’t mean your home won’t sell—it just might not sell for as much as it could.
How We Can Help
So, what’s the right move? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your home and your local market. That’s where working with a great agent (like the DianeandNiki.com team!) makes all the difference. We’ll help you weigh your options, estimate what your home could sell for in each scenario, and support you every step of the way.
- If you choose to sell as-is: We’ll spotlight your home’s best features, like location, size, and layout, so buyers see the potential, not just the projects.
- If you decide to make repairs: We’ll help you figure out which updates are actually worth your time and budget, based on what buyers in our area care about most.
The good news?
There’s still time to tackle repairs if you want to. Spring is usually the busiest homebuying season, so you’ve got a window to make improvements without rushing—and still list at just the right time.
The choice is yours. No matter what you decide, our team will market your home to attract as many buyers as possible. In today’s market, that expertise makes a real difference.
Selling as-is can make sense for some sellers, but in today’s market, it could end up costing you. You don’t have to make repairs before you list, but it’s worth considering. Want to talk through your options and make the smartest choice for your situation? Let’s have a quick conversation about your home.
