Should I Sell My House As-Is or Fix It First?
- Brad S.
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
When Selling As-Is Makes Sense in Maryland
Selling a house "as-is" means putting your property on the market in its current condition—no repairs, no renovations. Buyers are made aware they must accept the home with all of its existing flaws. For many homeowners in Maryland, especially those facing time constraints or financial limitations, this can be a smart option.
Situations when selling as-is is often ideal:
Inherited properties: Especially if the home is outdated or located far from where you live.
Pre-foreclosure or behind on payments: Speed is critical, and fixing up the property may be financially unfeasible.
Severe damage: Mold, structural issues, foundation problems, or extensive water damage can be costly to repair.
Landlord tired of renting: If the home has been a rental and needs a lot of cosmetic work, selling as-is can save stress and time.
Need to relocate quickly: Whether for military PCS orders or a new job, time can outweigh the value of improvements.
According to ATTOM Data Solutions, homes sold as-is or to investors generally close faster than retail sales and can save thousands in holding and repair costs.
The Case for Fixing It First
On the flip side, repairing and updating your home before listing can attract more traditional buyers and increase your sale price. In Maryland’s competitive real estate market—especially in areas like Anne Arundel County, Howard County, or suburbs of D.C.—a well-staged, turnkey property sells faster and for more.
Strategic repairs that offer high ROI:
Paint and flooring updates
Kitchen and bathroom touch-ups (e.g., replacing fixtures, refacing cabinets)
Curb appeal enhancements
Minor electrical and plumbing fixes
A 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by The Journal of Light Construction shows that minor kitchen remodels can return up to 90% of their cost in resale value in the Maryland region, while the highest-ticket items are garage and entry door replacement (up to 189% and 198% recoupment, respectively) and manufactured stone veneer at up to 150%.
However, the key word here is strategic. Overspending on upgrades that don't align with buyer expectations for your neighborhood can eat into your profits.
How the Maryland Market Affects Your Decision
Maryland has a mix of high-end and affordable housing markets, with pricing and buyer expectations differing sharply between Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and towns like Columbia or Annapolis. Understanding your local market is critical.
Things to consider:
Days on market (DOM): If homes in your area sell quickly regardless of condition, selling as-is may be just fine.
Inventory: In a seller’s market with low inventory, buyers are more likely to overlook cosmetic flaws.
Buyer type: Are flippers and investors buying in your area, or mostly first-time buyers who want move-in-ready?
VA loan considerations: If you want to attract VA-backed buyers (common near Fort Meade or Andrews AFB), know that homes must meet minimum property requirements.
Consulting with a local real estate agent who understands both retail and investor sales, like those at Salvato & Co. Real Estate, can help guide your strategy.
Pros and Cons: At a Glance
Strategy | Pros | Cons |
Sell As-Is | Fast closing - No repair costs - Less stress | Lower offers - May attract fewer buyers |
Fix & List | Higher sale price - Wider buyer pool | Upfront costs - Delays from renovations |
Hybrid Approach: Offer Both Options
Some sellers in Maryland choose to list their home as-is while still allowing for cosmetic upgrades if needed during the process. Others solicit a cash offer from a local investor while simultaneously exploring traditional listing options.
Working with a company like Salvato & Co. Real Estate allows you to explore both paths. As licensed agents and local investors, we can give you a side-by-side comparison: what you might net with a quick, cash as-is sale versus fixing and listing on the open market.
Bottom Line: What Should You Do?
Ask yourself:
Do I have the time and money to make repairs?
Is my house in a high-demand area with motivated buyers?
Would a quick sale relieve financial or logistical stress?
Am I okay with getting a bit less in exchange for speed and simplicity?
Need a Professional Opinion?
At Salvato & Co. Real Estate, we help Maryland homeowners evaluate all their options—with no pressure. Whether you want a fast cash offer or a traditional listing plan, we’ll give you honest feedback based on your goals, timeline, and property condition.
