What Does "Selling As Is" Actually Mean in Manteca?

A lot of sellers hear "as is" and think it means "sold, no questions asked." It doesn't. Here is what the words really cover.

You're offering the home in the condition it's in today, and you're telling the buyer you won't make repairs. That is the whole definition.

The buyer can still inspect. Most buyers hire an inspector. What the inspector finds can still change the deal.

The buyer can still ask. You're allowed to say no. They're allowed to ask, and to decide whether to go forward if you do.

You still tell them what you know. In California, sellers give buyers written disclosures about problems they're aware of. Calling the sale "as is" doesn't cancel that.

It helps when you'd rather not spend time or money on repairs before you list. You say so up front, and the price reflects the condition of the house. That price is the part that makes it work. A home priced as if it were perfect, but sold "as is," is asking buyers to overlook something they can see.

If the buyer is using a loan, the lender may have its own rules about a home's condition. Those can matter more than anything you and the buyer agree on. Ask me early, so you don't find out in week three.

Do I have to tell buyers about problems if I sell as is?

Yes. You tell them what you know.

Will I get less?

It depends on the house and the price. I'll tell you what I think before you decide.

Can I still fix a few small things?

Yes. I wrote about which ones are worth it in the article on fixing up before you sell.

Who decides?

You do. I give you my opinion and my reasons.

Call or text me and tell me about the house. I'll look at it with you and say what I'd do. You can also read the full list of what I'd fix first, and what I'd leave alone, in my last article.

I'm Carolyn Cardoza, a Broker Associate and REALTOR® with Realty 1 Team in Manteca. If you would like to talk it through, contact me. You can also read more about selling your home or how I sell a home.