How Much Do You Lose Selling a House As-Is?
Last updated: February 2026
Max Cohen
Licensed General Contractor · FL Home Buyers
Quick Answer
As-is sales typically go for 10-30% below market value. But when you subtract repair costs, commissions, and holding costs from a traditional sale, the net proceeds are often surprisingly similar, and you get your money months faster.
The Real Math: As-Is vs. Fix-and-Sell
Let's compare a $250,000 market-value house that needs $40,000 in repairs:
| Item | Fix & Sell | Sell As-Is |
|---|---|---|
| Sale Price | $250,000 | $185,000 |
| Repair Costs | -$40,000 | $0 |
| Realtor Commission (6%) | -$15,000 | $0 |
| Closing Costs (3%) | -$7,500 | $0 |
| Holding Costs (3 months) | -$6,000 | $0 |
| Net Proceeds | $181,500 | $185,000 |
In this example, selling as-is actually nets $3,500 MORE, plus you save 3-6 months of time and stress.
The math changes depending on the repair amount. When repairs are under $15,000 and cosmetic (paint, carpet, landscaping), fixing first usually wins. When repairs are $30,000+ and structural (roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing), selling as-is almost always comes out ahead on a net basis.
Florida's As-Is Contract Clause
In Florida, the standard FAR/BAR residential contract includes a specific as-is provision (often referred to as the "As-Is" rider or addendum). When a seller lists as-is, the buyer acknowledges they're accepting the property in its current condition. But there's a common misconception: selling as-is in Florida doesn't mean you can hide known defects.
Under Florida law, sellers must disclose known material defects even in an as-is sale. Material defects are issues that affect the value, health, or safety of the property. You don't have to fix them, but you do have to disclose them. Failure to disclose can result in the buyer rescinding the contract or pursuing damages after closing under the Johnson v. Davis (1985) standard.
When Does Fix-and-Sell Win?
Fixing before selling makes sense when:
- Repairs are cosmetic and cheap (paint, carpet, landscaping under $5,000)
- You have the cash and time to manage renovations (most Florida renovations take 6-12 weeks with permits)
- The market is hot and you'll make back 150%+ on repairs
- You live in the house and can oversee contractors directly
When As-Is Wins
- Major repairs are needed (roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- You need cash quickly and can't wait 3-6 months for renovations plus listing
- You live out of state or don't want to manage contractors from a distance
- The house has code violations or unpermitted work (common in older Florida homes built before 1980)
- You're dealing with an inherited, divorce, or distressed property
- The house needs a new roof, and Florida's insurance crisis makes it hard to insure older roofs (many carriers won't cover roofs over 15 years old)
What FL Home Buyers Covers
When you sell to us as-is, we cover everything the buyer normally pays in a traditional sale. That means:
- Zero closing costs: We pay title insurance, doc stamps, recording fees, and any title search costs
- Zero commissions: No listing agent, no buyer's agent, no 5-6% fee
- Zero repair obligations: As a licensed General Contractor, Max Cohen knows exactly what repairs cost. We don't pad our estimates or lowball because we're guessing.
- Zero holding costs: We close in 7-14 days, so you stop paying mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees almost immediately
Want to see the math for your specific situation? Call (561) 258-9405 or get a cash offer. We'll walk you through both scenarios with real numbers for your property.