What to know when selling a house “as is” in Denver

Posted on June 17, 2024

Selling a house "as is" can be a smart decision for a wide variety of reasons. But before you commit, it's important to understand what is involved. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, and how to navigate the process effectively when selling your Denver house “as is.”

White house with white fence

What does it mean to sell a house “as is?”  

Selling a house "as is" basically means selling the property in its current condition, without making any repairs or renovations, or making any promises to the potential buyer that updates will be made. The seller discloses any issues with the Denver property's condition upfront, and the buyer can then offer a price on the house, considering this information.  

Selling a house "as is" doesn't mean hiding defects or issues with the house, even if the problems have been fixed. In fact, according to Colorado law, Denver sellers need to disclose any issues with the property in a seller’s property disclosure statement. Not doing so could lead to lawsuits down the road. 

Pros of selling a house “as is”
  • Quick closing and sale: By skipping the need for updates, repairs, staging, marketing, and showings, the sales process is sped up and closing is quicker. 
  • No prepping costs: Since you aren’t selling your Denver house the traditional way, there are no upfront expenses to prepare the house for market or to stage and photograph the house. 
  • Easier negotiations: Since the seller tells the potential buyer from the beginning that they are selling “as is” and that there will be no repairs or updates, the negotiation process is much simpler. Both parties are clear with each other from the start, and surprises rarely pop up to create conflicts. 

Cons of selling a house “as is”

  • Lower sale price: Buyers will most likely subtract the cost of necessary repairs when making an offer on an “as is” Denver house, so that the sale price won’t be as high as it could be if the repairs were made before selling. 
  • Fewer interested buyers: Many buyers would prefer to buy a house that is move-in ready with no work needed. Selling “as is” reduces the pool of buyers for your property and may mean that your house stays on the market longer. 

What are Minimum Property Requirements when selling a house “as is”?

Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are standards set by organizations like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure a property's “3 S’s”—safety, security, and structural integrity. If these standards aren’t met, a buyer probably won’t be approved for a government-backed loan.  

Can you sell a house without an inspection? 

Legally, you can sell a house in Denver “as is” without an inspection. People who are in the market for “fixer uppers” may do their own inspection or even pay for an inspection so that there are no unexpected surprises. Keep in mind that any defects found will need to be reported on the seller’s disclosure form. 

Alternatives to selling a house in its current condition 

If selling "as is" isn’t a good fit for you, there are alternative choices to consider: 
  • Make repairs and upgrades: Updating your house to sell will attract more buyers and get you a higher price. 
  • Partial repairs: Making fixes to the most important issues in your house and leaving the rest may help you sell your house. 
  • Rent out the house: Consider renting out the property and using rent money for renovations in the future. 

Should you sell your house without making repairs? 

Selling a house “as is” is a personal decision and depends on your circumstances and what you value. If you like the idea of selling your house fast, avoiding repair work, and avoiding the hassles of a traditional house sale, selling this way may be a great choice for you. Selling your house "as is" can provide a solution for many Denver homeowners. If you’re wanting top dollar from your home sale, it may be a better option for you to fix up your house before putting it up for sale on the traditional real estate market. 

How to sell a house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®

Going through the process of selling your Denver house "as is" is easy and convenient with We Buy Ugly Houses®. We’ve been in business nationwide for over 25 years, have purchased over 150,000 houses, and have a 95%* customer satisfaction rating from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey, as well as fantastic seller reviews. We’re the go-to off-market buyers in Denver, and we’re here to help.  

Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your house with one of our friendly Denver property specialists. We’ll take a tour and answer your questions, and we can sometimes give you a fast offer on the spot. Our property specialists understand the Denver market and can offer a quick price for your property, regardless of its condition.  

If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks—or, if you need longer, we’ll work with you to choose a closing date that fits your schedule. Reach out to us today to learn how easy and stress-free selling your house to us can be!