What Does "As Is" Mean in Real Estate?

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Real Estate



Technically, when a real estate agent lists an "as is" home for sale, it

means that the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition,

and will make no repairs or improvements before the sale (or

negotiate with the buyer for any credits to fund these fix-its). The term

“as is” is rarely tacked on a property listing that is perfect and

move-in ready.



On the contrary, people often sell "as-is" homes that are in disrepair,

because the homeowners or other sellers can’t afford to fix these

flaws before selling (which would help them sell the home for a higher

price).



Alternatively, a home may have been through foreclosure and is now

owned by a bank, or property is part of an estate and the property

inheritors or an estate agent who has little idea what could be wrong

with it but do need to sell.



So, whatever the reason, the current sellers aren’t able or willing or able to fix up

a home before it sells. They just want to sell the real estate and

move on. All of this means that the buyer of this house inherits any

problems a home may have.



When a real estate agent lists as home to sell “as is,” that doesn’t

change the legal rights of the buyer or seller. The listing agent must still have

the seller disclose known problems, and the buyer can still negotiate

an offer with the final sale, contingent upon a real estate inspection. 

In this case the buyer is left with a "take it or leave it" situation.  Your

trusted real estate advisor can be an invaluable asset when trying to

sell or buy in any situation providing resources, tools and confidence

in the decision making processes. Reach out to discuss further, I am always happy to help!