What does selling a house as-is mean in Ohio?
It means the seller does not make repairs or give repair credits, and the buyer accepts the house in the condition it is in. As-is does not mean hiding problems: Ohio sellers of most one-to-four family homes still complete the residential property disclosure form about what they know.
The disclosure form comes from ORC 5302.30. Some sales are exempt, including sales by an estate, court-ordered sales, and certain transfers within a family or a divorce. A buyer who receives the form after signing can cancel within three business days, so it is best handed over early.
Can I sell as-is and still get a fair price?
Yes, if the price reflects the work the house actually needs, and nothing more. A fair as-is offer starts from what the house would be worth repaired and subtracts the real cost of the repairs and the buyer's costs. Ask any buyer to show you that math.
I walk the house with you, estimate the work, and explain how I got to the number. If a couple of inexpensive fixes and a listing would get you more, I will tell you.
What can I leave behind?
Anything you do not want: furniture, clothes, tools, the contents of the basement and garage. Take what matters and leave the rest. I handle the cleanout after closing, and nothing is deducted from the price for what you leave.
For houses that are packed full, see selling a house full of belongings.
As-is to a cash buyer, or as-is on the MLS?
You can list a house as-is with an agent, but most buyers still need a mortgage, and lenders often will not lend on a house with serious defects. That can mean low offers, repair demands after the inspection, or a loan that falls through. A cash buyer removes the lender from the deal.
If your house only needs cosmetic work, listing as-is may work well. If it needs a roof, a furnace, foundation work or has open code orders, a cash sale is usually more certain.
What kinds of houses does Greg buy as-is?
Houses that need major repairs, houses with foundation or fire damage, houses full of belongings, rentals with tenants, vacant and boarded houses, and houses with code violations or back taxes, as well as perfectly livable houses whose owners just want a simple sale.
See repairs, foundation problems and fire damage for the details on each.
"That time came, we met, and I was extremely pleased with the offer and terms. Best part was I didn't have to do anything other than take the stuff I wanted and left the rest. Very smooth and honest transaction."
Greg Carpenter is a licensed real estate agent in Ohio. When Deforest Solutions makes you an offer, Greg is buying the house for himself, not as your agent.