Thinking About Selling Your House As-Is in 2026? Read This First

If you’re thinking about selling your house in 2026, you may be weighing an important question:

Should you sell your home as-is and skip the repairs or should you fix a few things first to attract more buyers and a higher price?

In today’s evolving real estate market, that decision matters more than it did a few years ago. Here’s what homeowners in Connecticut need to know before choosing a strategy.

More Competition Means Condition Matters Again

Housing inventory has been rising, giving buyers more options and more power to be selective. Realtor.com forecasts that the number of homes for sale will continue to increase, which means presentation and condition are once again major factors in how quickly and profitably a home sells.

That’s why most homeowners choose to make at least a few updates before listing.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about 65% of sellers complete minor repairs or improvements before selling, while only about 35% sell their home as-is.

When buyers have choices, they tend to favor homes that feel move-in ready even if they’re not perfect.

What Selling a House “As-Is” Really Means

Selling your home as-is means you’re telling buyers upfront that you won’t be making repairs before listing or negotiating fixes after the inspection.

That can absolutely make the process easier for you, fewer decisions, less coordination, and less upfront cost.

However, it also usually means:

• A smaller buyer pool

• Fewer showings

• Fewer competing offers

• More price negotiation

• A potentially lower final sale price

It doesn’t mean your home won’t sell. It just means you may be trading convenience for profit.

How a Local Agent Helps You Decide

There’s no universal right answer. The best choice depends on your home’s condition, your timeline, your budget, and your local market.

That’s where working with a knowledgeable Connecticut real estate agent makes a big difference.

At Joseph Malerba Real Estate, eXp Realty, we help sellers:

• Compare what your home may sell for as-is vs. lightly improved

• Identify which updates actually increase value and which ones won’t

• Understand buyer expectations in your specific town and price range

• Create a strategy that balances profit, timing, and stress level

If you sell as-is, we focus on highlighting your home’s strongest features:  location, layout, lot, and long-term potential so buyers see opportunity, not just repairs.

If you choose to make improvements, we help you focus only on the updates that deliver the highest return and appeal most to today’s buyers.

And with spring still being the peak home-buying season, there’s often enough time to make smart, simple updates without rushing.

The Bottom Line

Selling your house as-is can still be the right move in certain situations. But in many markets in 2026, skipping repairs may mean leaving money on the table.

You don’t have to fix everything but fixing the right things can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re considering selling your home in Connecticut and want help deciding the best approach for your situation, let’s talk.

📍 Joseph Malerba Real Estate, eXp Realty is here to help you choose the smartest path whether that’s selling as-is or positioning your home to attract the strongest possible offers.