Can You Sell a House As-Is in Texas?
Are you wondering if you can sell your house “as-is” in Texas? Simply put, the answer is yes. Whether you have a fixer-upper or have recently inherited a family member's home, the goal is sometimes to avoid repairs, get a decent offer, and move on.
In reality, selling a house "as is" usually means accepting a lower offer, and it still doesn’t prevent buyers from negotiating the price. Let's look into what "as is" means and a few other facets of this type of sale.
What Does “As-Is” Mean?
“As-is” is a type of sale where it is clear that no improvements will be made to the property. The seller makes a choice not to accept any requests for repairs or provide any type of credit for fixes.
When selling a home “as-is” the ultimate condition of the property, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, should be accounted for in its entirety. A sale of this type may indicate the functionality and lifespan may not be too favorable for a roof, or appliances for example.
What Should Be Disclosed?
If you choose to sell your home “as-is” in Texas, you can’t necessarily sweep problems under the rug. You will still need to fill out a Seller’s Disclosure Notice prior to your home being listed by your Realtor. The form will walk you through documenting what you know about specific features in your home, conditions, and any problems that you as the seller are aware of.
The Seller’s Disclosure Notice will also ask you to fill out information regarding roof and wall defects, termite damage, previous flooding, and the list goes on. No matter the route you take to sell your home, it is required that you make these disclosures to the best of your ability and knowledge.
What Homes are Usually Sold “As-Is”?
It is highly likely that homes being sold “as-is” are the ones that are outdated, definitely not move-in-ready, or in sparkling condition. These sales are less attractive on the surface, but they are the type to attract investors searching for their next house to flip or buyers seeking a bargain because it may be in a great location or they see the potential it has to offer
. People tend to sell their homes “as-is” when they don’t want to hassle with contractors, put money into repairs and upgrades, or just want to get something off of their hands that they inherited. You can see how someone else's “trash” really could be someone else’s “treasure” in this case!
Selling “As-Is” With Your Realtor’s Help
When you go approach selling your home “as-is,” you will want to make sure the real estate professional you choose doesn’t shy away from this type of listing. They will need to have a good network of investor connections and can go the extra mile on marketing because you will most likely have a smaller pool of buyers.
Your Realtor may recommend you still make sure the house has a deep clean, decluttering, staging, fresh paint, and curb appeal. Although these efforts may seem minimal, they work in your favor in a big way and can provide you with more showings and a better return on investment.
Are You Ready?
You should now have some familiarity with some aspects of “as-is” home sales. Maybe you have a better understanding of if this is the best option for you. Whether you want to go this route and sell “as-is,” or if you’re ready to put in a little extra work to prepare your home to sell, our team at 316 Realty Group is ready to help. Reach out to us today and let us share with you our game plan!
