What to know before selling a house “as is” in San Antonio

What to know before selling a house “as is” in San Antonio

Selling a house "as is" can be a solution for homeowners who don’t wish to invest time and effort in their house before selling. Before deciding to sell with this method, make sure you’re well prepared and informed. Understanding the housing market and setting expectations is important. Let’s look at what to expect when selling a house “as is.”

Weathered house in the woods

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

Selling a house "as is" in San Antonio means you’re offering it for sale exactly as it stands, without making any repairs or upgrades. This is a popular choice for homeowners who lack the time or interest to fix up their property before selling. By listing a house "as is," you’re telling buyers that what they see is what they get. Any problems found during an inspection are theirs to handle, not yours.

What selling “as is” doesn’t mean

Many people think selling a house "as is" means they don't have to mention any problems with the property, but that's not true in Texas. The law requires sellers to give a statement about the property's condition. According to Houzeo, “A Texas seller's disclosure form is a kind of standard checklist form containing material defects and features of the property.”

This statement, known as a Statement of Disclosure form, lists any issues like structural defects, water damage, mold, asbestos, radon, lead paint, pest infestations, HVAC problems, and foundation issues. Not being honest on this form can lead to legal trouble.

Pros of selling a house “as is”

Selling a San Antonio house "as is" can be a smart and efficient choice for many homeowners. Whether you're looking to skip repairs, need to sell your house quickly, or simply want to avoid the hassles of a traditional house sale, this approach has several clear benefits:

  • Quick sale and easy closing: One big perk of selling a house "as is" is how fast the deal can happen. Since you don't have to worry about making repairs or renovations, the sale can go through quickly. This is especially helpful if you need to sell fast.

  • Straightforward negotiations: When you sell "as is," the condition of the house is clear from the start. This makes negotiations easier since everyone knows that no repairs will be done. It cuts down on the back-and-forth that often happens, making the process smoother and simpler.

Cons of selling a house “as is”

Let’s look at the drawbacks of selling a house in its current condition and how they might affect your sale.

  • Lower sale price: One major downside is that you'll probably get a lower sale price for your San Antonio house. Buyers usually expect a discount to cover the repairs they'll need to make. To figure out your home's value, estimate the repair costs and subtract that from the price of similar, updated homes in your area.

  • Fewer interested buyers: Another drawback is that fewer people may be interested in your home. Many buyers want move-in ready houses and might shy away from one that needs work. But some buyers, like investors or DIY enthusiasts, could still be interested, especially if they can get a good deal.

What are “Minimum Property Requirements?”

Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are guidelines set by lenders like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Association (VA) to make sure a home is safe, secure, and in good shape. These standards need to be met for buyers to get an FHA or VA mortgage. According to Investopedia, “MPRs are designed to ensure that the property is in acceptable condition for the buyer and that it meets the minimum safety and livability standards.” If your San Antonio home doesn’t meet these standards, it might be harder for buyers to get a loan.

Can you sell a house “as is” without an inspection?

Even if you’re selling a San Antonio house "as is" and don’t get an inspection, most buyers will still want one to see the true condition of the property. An inspection helps buyers understand exactly what they’re buying so that they can make a smart decision. However, if you’re selling to an “as is” buyer like We Buy Ugly Houses®, you might be able to skip the inspection. “As is” buyers, who are often investors, frequently buy homes without needing an inspection.

Alternatives to selling a house “as is”

If you're unsure about selling your house "as is," there are other options to consider. You could make a few small cosmetic repairs to boost your home's appeal and possibly raise its sale price. Alternatively, you could sell to an “as is” buyer who buys homes in almost any condition, like We Buy Ugly Houses. This can offer similar benefits to selling "as is" on the open market, but with a smoother and quicker process, and a direct sale.

Should you sell your house in its current condition?

Selling a house "as is" can be a great option if you need to sell quickly or don't want to spend the time on house repairs. It’s especially useful for selling an inherited house that needs work, selling properties needing major fixes, or if you need to relocate fast. If the work of repairing your home is more trouble than it’s worth, selling "as is" might be the easiest and most practical choice.

How to sell a house without making repairs or updates

Thinking about selling your house "as is?” We Buy Ugly Houses in San Antonio can make it easy and stress-free. Just reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation. Our friendly property buyer will visit your home, answer all your questions, and may be able to give you an offer right away.

If you like our offer, we can sometimes close the deal in as little as 3 weeks—with no real estate fees, no hidden costs, and no commissions. If you need more time, we’ll try to work that out. We’re reputable house buyers in San Antonio with great seller reviews, and we can handle properties in almost any condition, from flood damage to cracked foundations and mold issues. Contact us today to start the smooth and speedy process of selling your house "as is!”

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.