Can you sell a house as-is in California?

Questions homeowners ask next

Do I have to make repairs to sell in California?

Repairs are generally negotiable between you and the buyer, and you can offer the home as-is. A buyer's lender may require repairs before funding. State law requires the seller of a single-family home to give the buyer a written statement of smoke alarm compliance, with exemptions such as court-ordered transfers (Health and Safety Code section 13113.8), and the seller of property with a water heater to certify in writing that it is braced (Health and Safety Code section 19211). Civil Code section 1102.1 states that delivery of the Transfer Disclosure Statement may not be waived in an as-is sale. Ask a California attorney which requirements apply to your property.

What disclosures are required for an as-is sale?

Usually the same ones as for a sale that is not as-is: the Transfer Disclosure Statement under Civil Code section 1102 and, where a mapped hazard zone applies, the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement under Civil Code section 1103, unless an exemption in Civil Code section 1102.2 applies to your transfer. An as-is clause does not by itself end disclosure duties (Civil Code section 1102.1). Ask a California attorney which forms apply to your sale.

Will buyers still inspect an as-is home?

Usually yes. As-is buyers commonly keep an inspection contingency so they can confirm the condition, and they may cancel or ask for a price adjustment or credit based on what they find. A pre-listing inspection can help you price the home realistically and prepare your paperwork before buyers inspect. Read the inspection deadlines in the purchase contract with care so you know when a buyer can still cancel.

Do investor buyers pay less for as-is homes?

Often, because they take on repairs, risk and holding costs, and they may plan to resell. Compare that kind of offer's net proceeds with a realistic open-market range after subtracting the repairs and costs you would otherwise pay. A written opinion of likely price from recent comparable sales gives you a baseline for that comparison. Read the contingencies and cancellation terms carefully before accepting any offer.

What repairs are worth doing before listing?

Safety items, active leaks and obvious defects that would show up in an inspection come first, followed by cosmetic work such as paint, cleaning and landscaping that improves listing photos. Major remodels rarely return their full cost before a sale. Get written bids so you know the real cost of each item, then price each option against comparable sales before spending.