Yes, you can sell your house as-is in California, and you can do it without making a single repair.
As-is means you sell the property in its current condition. You do not fix anything, you do not clean anything out, and the buyer takes it the way it sits.
I’m Eric Nerhood. Jackie and I have been buying houses across Southern California since 2012. I’m a licensed California real estate agent, DRE #01918543, and a former appraiser, so I can walk you through what your house is worth as-is and how I get to my number.
Here is the honest tradeoff. An as-is cash sale will not bring a full retail price. What it gives you instead is speed, convenience, and certainty: no repairs, no commissions, no closing costs on your side, and a close on the date you pick. If your house is in good shape and you want the highest possible price, listing with an agent is your best bet, and I will tell you that. If you want it done, here is how it works.
Most cash buyers hand you a number and hope you do not ask how they got it. I do the opposite. When I send you an offer, it comes in writing with every line shown:
That last line is the one other buyers hide. I put it in writing because you deserve to see how I got to your number. As a former appraiser, I can explain the value side too, not just assert it.
You pay none of those costs. When I buy your house I cover escrow, title, and closing costs, and there are no commissions. I carry the repair, holding, and resale costs on my end, because I am the one reselling it later, not you.
Simply put, selling your home as-is refers to selling your home without carrying out (or paying for) any major repairs ahead of time. This can save you a great deal of time, money, and energy when selling a house, as these duties become the responsibility of the buyer instead of the current homeowner. It also means that the seller is not liable for any ‘faults’ found within the home by the potential buyer, though they are often included in the listing description.
Sometimes, yes. If your house is in good shape and you can wait 60 to 90 days for a sale, an agent will usually get you more money than any cash buyer, me included. I tell sellers that on the phone all the time. It costs me the deal, and it is still the right answer for them.
An as-is cash sale makes sense when the house needs work you do not want to do, when the timeline matters more than the last few thousand dollars, or when the situation makes a 90-day listing more trouble than it is worth: an inherited house, a rental you are done with, a move you cannot delay. If that is you, that is exactly what I am for.
Here is the part a lot of as-is sellers get wrong. In California, selling as-is means you will not make repairs. It does not mean you can hide what you know. State law still requires you to complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement and tell the buyer about material problems you are aware of, even in an as-is sale.
That protects you as much as the buyer. Disclosing a known issue up front is what keeps a sale from turning into a lawsuit later. When I buy a house I expect the honest picture, warts and all, and I still buy it. You are not talking me out of the deal by telling me what is wrong. You are making the sale cleaner for both of us. Your escrow and title company walk you through the exact forms when the sale is underway.
It’s perfectly legal (and simple, with the right help) to sell your house as in California. You simply need to ensure that you carry out a California transfer disclosure statement, otherwise known as a TDS. If you are unfamiliar with a transfer disclosure statement, it’s a document used to paint an honest picture of the property’s condition for a potential buyer – it’s part of California law that sellers must present this to buyers or their real estate agents. It’s a document typically drawn up by a home inspector during a pre-listing inspection.
If you’re unsure of where to get started, a real estate attorney can help you with this task. With this document in place, it’s easy to sell your home in as-is condition in California.
Yes, it’s important to include a specific “as-is” clause in your real estate contract or purchase agreement when selling your home this way. This clause makes it clear to both parties that the property is being sold in its current condition, and that the seller won’t be responsible for any repairs after closing.
By having this language spelled out in writing—ideally, with the help of your real estate agent or attorney—you can avoid confusion or disputes down the road. It’s just another way to make the process transparent and straightforward, giving buyers full clarity on what they’re signing up for.
The number of people selling their home as-is in Southern California is rising yearly, made easier through companies such as Premier Property Buyers.
If you’re looking to sell a house as-is in California, reach out to Premier Property Buyers today. We’ll pay cash for your Southern California property, no matter its condition – you don’t need to deep clean the property beforehand. We’ll also ensure the entire selling process is as smooth and stress-free as possible, whether we’re drafting a purchase agreement or determining the value of your home. Unlike other cash companies, we pride ourselves on ensuring you get the best price possible when selling your home.
When considering an as-is sale in California, it’s important to understand how your approach can impact your bottom line. A move-in ready property will generally fetch a higher price than one sold as-is, but the difference in profit can vary widely based on your local market, the extent of repairs needed, and the desirability of your neighborhood. In some highly sought-after parts of Southern California, location alone can make a home’s condition less of a dealbreaker.
If maximizing your sale price is your top priority, working with an experienced real estate agent who understands as-is transactions can help you navigate the process. They’ll help you highlight your home’s potential, even if it needs work, and assist with showings. However, if your property is in rough shape or you simply want a quick, hassle-free sale, selling to a cash homebuyer like us can be the simplest route. We move fast—often closing in as little as a week or two—and you won’t need to spend a dime on repairs or even tidying up.
It’s worth noting, though, that speed and convenience sometimes come with a trade-off: homes purchased quickly for cash may not command full market value. Still, if you’re facing a tight timeline, relocating for a new job, or just want to avoid the headaches of traditional selling, our process is designed to put money in your pocket fast and with zero stress.
If you’re not in a rush, you might consider making only the most essential repairs—like fixing a leaky roof or updating a faulty HVAC system—to help boost your as-is price. A pre-listing inspection can help identify which fixes will make the biggest impact. Alternatively, if you have time and resources, postponing your sale to complete more extensive upgrades could maximize your profit. Some sellers even use a home equity loan or line of credit to fund these improvements before listing.
Ultimately, the best path depends on your goals, timeline, and the condition of your property. Our commitment is to offer a fair, competitive price and a seamless selling experience—no matter the situation.
There are many reasons why homeowners will opt for an as-is home sale over more traditional selling processes. For example, if extensive repairs are required, such as the rewiring of faulty electrical systems or dealing with plumbing systems, listing a property as-is means that the owner does not have to deal with these issues. This can help them save money and speed up the sales process, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to deal with the home selling process as quickly as possible.
If you’re at risk of foreclosure, selling a house as-is can also come in handy. This is because a successful sale will give you access to the money you need sooner rather than later – as time is often of the essence in these scenarios.
When considering an as-is sale, one common question is whether it’s worth tackling the major repairs before listing. While the whole point of selling as-is is to avoid time-consuming renovations, addressing significant issues—such as a leaking roof, major structural concerns, or an out-of-commission HVAC system—can sometimes help you secure a better offer.
Conducting a pre-listing home inspection can clarify which problems would most worry buyers and might even derail a quick sale. If you have the resources, fixing these “deal-breaker” repairs, while leaving cosmetic or minor fixes alone, can give buyers greater peace of mind. Ultimately, it may enable you to negotiate a higher price without committing to a full overhaul.
For sellers looking to streamline the sales process while protecting their bottom line, weighing the cost and urgency of major repairs is worth your attention.
As mentioned above, there are many benefits to selling your house as-is. For example:
Before committing to this process, you must weigh the benefits of selling as-is. That is, you must understand the differences between selling as-is and more traditional methods.
If your main goal is to secure the highest possible sale price, holding off on listing your home while you tackle much-needed repairs could be a smart move. By addressing issues—whether it’s updating the kitchen, patching up the roof, or freshening up tired interiors—you’re likely to make your property more appealing to buyers and potentially boost your asking price.
Of course, this approach isn’t for everyone. Consider whether you have the time, budget, and energy to oversee renovations. Some homeowners take advantage of their home’s equity through a loan or line of credit to fund upgrades, especially if they’re confident the improvements will pay for themselves in the final sale. Before making any big decisions, weigh the potential gain from repairs against the convenience and speed offered by an as-is sale.
Other Pros to Selling As-Is:
Possible Cons to Selling As-Is:
Other Considerations for Traditional Sales:
By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine which approach best meets your needs—whether you value speed and simplicity or are willing to put in a bit more effort for a potentially bigger payout.
PROBLEM: Homeowners must spend thousands on home repairs before selling their property.
A recent report from CBS News found that “home sellers typically spend around $5,400 sprucing up their houses before putting them on the market.” These prices will only rise if your property requires some serious TLC, such as if specific structural components need to be repaired or replaced as a matter of safety. However, this is money that many California home sellers do not have set aside.
However, selling a house as-is means you do not have to lift a finger regarding repairs or maintenance.
In fact, if your home is not in great shape, a traditional market sale can be even trickier. Most buyers aren’t looking for a major renovation project, and even those who are may find it difficult to secure financing for a home in poor condition. Lenders are often hesitant to approve loans for properties that need substantial repairs, placing another obstacle between you and a successful sale. If the required work is overwhelming, or you simply want to move on quickly, selling as-is offers a much smoother path. You don’t have to lift a finger regarding repairs or maintenance—skip the stress, save the cash, and move forward on your own terms.
PROBLEM: Home Sellers face many additional fees when selling their homes.
Closing costs and real estate agent fees can also drive up the cost of selling your home. However, when you work with a trusted as-is agent, any additional costs incurred during the sale of your home will be kept to a minimum. For example, sellers working with Premier Property will not have to pay realtor commission fees or closing costs.
PROBLEM: Homes stay on the market for months on end.
Following the traditional route, selling a house takes approximately 71 days, though it could take even longer if the buyer requests that repairs be carried out before they move in. When you need to facilitate a quick move, this is time you may not have on your hands. However, when selling an as-is property, you choose the closing date, which means you can easily access your cash.
Opting to sell as-is can eliminate the headaches of repairs, bypass the hurdles of picky lenders, and let you move forward without delay or extra cost. Whether your home needs minor touch-ups or major overhauls, selling as-is puts you in control—no waiting, no extra spending, just a straightforward sale on your schedule.
While the benefits of selling as-is are clear, it’s important to weigh them against the potential drawbacks:
Selling your home as fast as possible, with as little work as possible, can be tempting. But, while selling as-is does eliminate hassles, it will also usually result in less money in your pocket. Consider the pros and cons before you commit, and evaluate your financial goals and desired sale timeline. It may be worth your while to invest a bit of time and money in repairs in exchange for a much bigger payday at the closing table.
For the most part, the as-is sales process is similar to a more traditional real estate selling strategy.
It’s worth noting that a home sold in as-is condition typically will not fetch as high a price as one that is move-in ready. The profit difference between selling as-is and renovating before listing can be hard to pin down—it depends on local market conditions, the extent of necessary repairs, and even the desirability of your neighborhood. In hot markets or highly sought-after locations, the property’s condition may matter less, since much of the value is tied to location rather than cosmetics.
2. Potential buyers will visit the property and submit an offer accordingly.
3. Buyers and homeowners will negotiate the sales price. If the owner does not think they are being offered a fair price, they can reject the offer.
4. If the offer is accepted, the proper house-selling procedures will be followed. They may arrange for a house inspection to be carried out before signing the final contract. However, it’s important to note that the owner is not legally obligated to carry out any repairs should new maintenance issues come to light.
While selling as-is means the seller won’t be required to make repairs, buyers often still want to arrange a home inspection. This inspection is typically for the buyer’s peace of mind and to help them understand exactly what condition the property is in before finalizing the purchase. As a seller, you are not obligated to address any problems discovered during this inspection, but the information might influence final negotiations or the buyer’s willingness to proceed. Disclosing known issues up front can also help streamline the process and minimize surprises later on.
Overall, the as-is process gives sellers the benefit of a quicker, less stressful sale, while buyers can make informed decisions with full knowledge of the property’s current condition.
Many of those buying as-is properties are cash buyers. This means they already have the money to purchase your property at the right price without obtaining a mortgage or buyer’s loan. This reaps many benefits for the home seller. For example, there are fewer chances for a cash offer to fall through, as they already have access to the funds they need to buy a property. This often facilitates a quicker sale for California home sellers.
When it comes to as-is homes, securing traditional financing can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Lenders—think big banks and mortgage companies—tend to shy away from properties with significant issues. Their appetite for risk is limited. If a home needs major repairs or doesn’t meet basic safety standards, many lenders simply won’t back the loan.
As a result, buyers relying on a conventional mortgage may find themselves out of luck, shrinking the pool of potential purchasers for your property. This is one of the key reasons why cash buyers are so prominent in the as-is market—they can skip the red tape and make an offer stick where others can’t.
Another group you might encounter in the as-is property market are iBuyers, such as Opendoor or Offerpad. These are companies that leverage technology to make swift, all-cash offers—often providing a proposal within days of your inquiry. While iBuyers can close sales quickly and with minimal hassle, their approach is a bit more selective than that of typical cash homebuyers. Generally, iBuyers prefer homes that are in good shape and meet certain criteria; properties with major repair needs or in less desirable locations are less likely to get an offer.
In short, while both iBuyers and traditional cash buyers offer the convenience of a fast, cash transaction, iBuyers tend to work within tighter parameters. If your home requires extensive repairs, you might have better luck with a local cash buyer who specializes in as-is purchases.
With years of experience buying and selling properties throughout California, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sell their properties. As such, whether you’re attempting to avoid foreclosure or want to sell your home quickly, we’re here to help – and we have a track record of success that is sure to put your mind at ease!
Here are just a few testimonials from satisfied home sellers who have worked with Premier Property Buyers!
“I thought it was smooth as silk. Everything you said you were going to do, you did in a very timely manner and a very professional manner. This was by far and away the easiest and best transaction. And to have it all completed within 7-8 days is just phenomenal.” – Frank Delre, 491 Medford Ct, Long Beach.
“It was super easy. This is the way to go, to do it this way. You don’t have to clean the house. You don’t have to do anything; you just sit there and wait for your money to roll into escrow. You should go with these guys.” -Lisa Pelissier, 22662 Revere Rd, Lake Forest.
You can read more reviews and testimonials here.
There are many reasons why you should choose Premier Property Buyers when selling your home as-is. For example:
Yes. As-is means you sell the house in its current condition without making repairs. You can list it as-is with an agent, or sell directly to a cash buyer like me and skip the listing entirely.
No. I buy houses exactly as they sit. Leave what you do not want, take what you do. You do not need to fix, paint, clean, or haul anything away.
Usually, yes, and I will not pretend otherwise. An as-is cash offer is below full retail. What you save is repair money, agent commissions, closing costs, and months of waiting. For a lot of sellers that math comes out ahead, and I show you every line so you can decide.
Yes. In California an as-is sale does not remove your duty to disclose material problems you know about. You still complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement. Being upfront is what keeps a sale from becoming a lawsuit, and it does not scare me off as a buyer.
As fast as 7 days when the title is clean and you need speed. My average close is about 12 days. If you need more time, you set the date.
Not to sell to me. I do my own walkthrough and factor the condition into my offer. You are not on the hook for an inspection report or for fixing whatever it finds.
No. An iBuyer runs your house through an algorithm and often adds fees and repair deductions after the contract. I look at the actual house, show you my math, and the number I put in writing is the number I close on.
Houses that need work, inherited houses, rentals with tenants, fire or water damage, code or permit issues, and houses that will not qualify for traditional financing. If you are not sure yours fits, call me at 714-475-7526 and I will tell you straight.
Call or text me at 714-475-7526, or fill out the short form on this page. Tell me a little about the house and your situation. If it sounds like a fit, I will come out, walk the property myself, and get you a written offer, usually within a day of seeing it. No obligation, no pressure, and if I am not the right buyer for you, I will say so. If you want the step-by-step first, here is how it works.
Jackie and I are local. Licensed California real estate agent, DRE #01918543, and you can verify my license with the California DRE. Former appraiser. A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Buying houses across Orange County, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego since 2012.
Please submit your property information below now to receive a fair all cash offer.
Trusted By Southern California Homeowners
Please submit your property information below now to receive a fair all cash offer.
Trusted By Southern California Homeowners
