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All the Information You Need Before Buying As Is Home

If youve been hunting for a home, you have likely stumbled across the expression buying as is home. In real estate, this refers to cases where the homeowner intends to sell their property in its current condition, with the buyer ultimately being responsible for any repairs, upgrades, or improvements once they purchase the home. In other words, what you see is what you get.

Buying as is home listings are typically associated with sellers who want to move quickly and avoid all of the hassle that comes with needing to repair it. Some common motivations include the house being foreclosed on, property that was inherited but not needed, or the homeowner simply wanting a quick, uncomplicated transaction so they can move on with their lives. Is buying an as is home a good option for you? Lets take a further look at what this type of real estate deal involves and weigh the pros and cons.

What Does As Is Mean in Real Estate?

During a conventional sale, there is an expectation that the seller will fix major issues as part of the negotiation process. But when a buying as is home is listed, it means none of these requests are up for discussion. However, it doesnt mean the buyer cant negotiate the price. In fact, its quite common for the homeowner to sell below the list price, especially if its obvious the property is in need of repairs.

When buying as is home, you should prepare for the possibility of encountering:

• A leaking or damaged roof
  
  
• Structural damage or signs of mold/mildew
  
  
• Rodent or insect infestations
  
  
• Plumbing issues
  
  
• An outdated or non-functional HVAC system
  
  

To be clear, this doesnt mean the home will be in terrible shape. In some cases, the seller just might not have the financial resources to make repairs, or theyre sending a message that they dont have time to deal with lengthy negotiations. Nonetheless, youre accepting the home in its current state, disrepairs and all.