Selling a House That Needs Major Repairs: Your Options Explained

You've finally decided to sell your house, but there's a problem: it needs work. Maybe the roof is past its prime, the foundation has cracks, or the kitchen looks like it hasn't been updated since the 80s. You're facing a big question: should you invest in repairs before selling, or sell as-is?

For many Texas homeowners, the answer might surprise you. Let's break down your options and the real math behind each choice.

The True Cost of "Fix It Then Sell"

The conventional wisdom says you should fix up your house to get top dollar. But here's what that actually looks like in 2026:

Now add to that: 3-6 months waiting for contractors, the stress of managing renovations, and the risk that you won't recoup your investment. Studies show homeowners typically recover only 50-70% of renovation costs at sale.

What "As-Is" Really Means

When you sell as-is to a cash buyer like Coastal Cash Buyers, you're saying: "This is the house, take it or leave it." We handle:

• Foundation issues – cracks, settling, pier and beam problems
• Roof damage – leaks, missing shingles, storm damage
• Water damage – flooding, mold, plumbing failures
• Outdated systems – old electrical, plumbing, HVAC
• Cosmetic issues – dated interiors, carpet, paint, fixtures
• Code violations – unpermitted work, safety issues

You don't need to fix anything. You don't even need to clean. We buy houses in any condition.

Real Math: Fix vs. Sell As-Is

Let's look at a real example. Say you have a house worth $250,000 in perfect condition, but it needs $40,000 in repairs:

In this scenario, selling as-is actually puts $11,000 more in your pocket – plus you save 4+ months of time and stress. Every situation is different, but the math often favors as-is sales.

When Does Fixing Make Sense?

To be fair, there are situations where repairs might make sense:

• Minor cosmetic updates under $5,000 with clear ROI
• Hot seller's market with multiple offers above asking
• You have time (6+ months) and cash reserves
• You enjoy managing renovation projects

But if you need to sell quickly, don't have cash for repairs, or simply want to avoid the hassle – selling as-is is usually the smarter choice.