How to Sell a House As-Is in Atlanta (Without Making Repairs)

Don't want to fix up your house before selling? You're not alone. Many Atlanta homeowners choose to sell "as-is" — meaning the property is sold in its current condition, with no repairs or improvements made by the seller.

Whether your home needs minor updates or major renovations, this guide explains everything you need to know about selling as-is in Atlanta.

What Does "Selling As-Is" Mean?

When you sell a house as-is, you're telling buyers: "What you see is what you get." You won't make any repairs before closing — even if issues are discovered during inspection.

Important clarifications:

• You still must disclose known defects (Georgia law requires this)
• Buyers can still get inspections
• Buyers can still negotiate — you just aren't obligated to make repairs
• It doesn't mean you're hiding problems

Reasons to Sell As-Is

• Financial constraints: Can't afford repairs
• Time pressure: Need to sell quickly (job relocation, divorce, foreclosure)
• Inherited property: Don't want to invest in someone else's home
• Extensive damage: Repairs would cost more than they're worth
• Distance: Live far away and can't manage renovation
• Investment property: Just want to exit quickly
• Avoiding hassle: Simply don't want to deal with contractors

Common As-Is Property Issues

We buy houses with all kinds of problems:

• Roof damage or leaks
• Foundation issues
• Outdated electrical or plumbing
• HVAC problems
• Water damage or mold
• Fire damage
• Cosmetic issues (old carpet, dated kitchens)
• Code violations
• Structural problems
• Pest infestations

Your Options for Selling As-Is

Option 1: List As-Is with a Real Estate Agent

You can list your property on the MLS and market it as an "as-is" sale.

Pros:

• Exposure to more buyers
• Potentially higher offers

Cons:

• Still pay 5-6% agent commissions
• Many buyers avoid as-is listings
• Financing may be difficult for damaged homes
• Can still take months to sell
• Buyers often lowball as-is properties

Option 2: Sell Directly to a Cash Buyer

Cash buyers like Femme Investments specialize in as-is purchases.

Pros:

• Close in 7-14 days
• No commissions or fees
• No inspections (we buy regardless of condition)
• No cleaning or repairs — leave belongings behind if you want
• Certainty — no financing contingencies

Cons:

• Offers below full market value

How Much Less Will I Get Selling As-Is?

It depends on the property's condition and how you sell:

As-Is on Market: Typically 5-15% below fully repaired value

As-Is to Cash Buyer: Typically 15-30% below market value

But consider the full picture:

• Agent commissions you'd pay: 5-6%
• Repair costs you'd spend: $5,000 - $50,000+
• Holding costs while listed: $1,000-3,000/month
• Time and stress: Priceless

Georgia Disclosure Requirements

Even when selling as-is, Georgia law requires you to disclose known material defects. This includes:

• Structural problems
• Water intrusion issues
• Environmental hazards (lead, asbestos)
• Problems with major systems
• Boundary or easement issues
• Any known defects that affect value

Selling as-is doesn't mean hiding problems — it means you won't fix them.

Tips for Selling As-Is

1. Price it right: Acknowledge the condition in your asking price
2. Be upfront: Disclose what you know about the property's issues
3. Target the right buyers: Investors and cash buyers are your best bet
4. Consider multiple offers: Get quotes from several cash buyers
5. Don't over-improve: If selling as-is, don't spend money on repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a house with code violations as-is?

Yes! Cash buyers like us regularly purchase properties with code violations. We handle the violations after purchase.

What if my house has mold?

We buy houses with mold. Many traditional buyers won't touch mold, but cash buyers can handle it.

Do I need to clean out the house?

Not with us. Take what you want and leave the rest. We'll handle the cleanout.

What if there's a lien on the property?

We can work with properties that have liens. The liens get paid at closing from the sale proceeds.