Sell Your House Fast Without Repairs: The As-Is Walkthrough & Closing Checklist
Selling a house can feel overwhelming, especially if it needs repairs. Maybe you’ve got a leaky roof, outdated wiring, or a yard that’s seen better days. The good news is you don’t have to fix it all to sell. Many homeowners are now choosing to sell their homes as-is, meaning you skip the repairs, avoid contractor headaches, and still close fast.
If you’re wondering what “as-is” really means, how the walkthrough works, and what happens before closing, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide you can actually follow.
What Does “As-Is” Really Mean When Selling a House?
Selling a home as-is means you’re selling it in its current condition, without making repairs or renovations before closing. The buyer accepts the property exactly as it sits, issues, wear, and all. You don’t have to worry about replacing appliances, repainting, or even deep cleaning unless you want to.
This doesn’t mean the buyer ignores problems. It just means you’re being upfront that you’re not doing the fixing. The buyer factors the condition into their offer and takes care of any updates after the sale.
Many sellers choose this route because:
They don’t have the time or money for repairs.
The house has damage from fire, water, or age.
They’re moving quickly for a new job or relocation.
They inherited a property that needs too much work.
Whatever your reason, selling as-is can save time, reduce stress, and still get you to closing with cash in hand.
Step 1: Setting Expectations and Gathering Basic Info
Before you start showing your home to potential buyers, take a few minutes to get organized. Gather basic information about the property, such as:
The year it was built
Square footage
Any known issues (like roof leaks or plumbing problems)
Property taxes and HOA fees, if applicable
You don’t have to make a long list of flaws, just be honest about what you know. Buyers appreciate transparency, and it helps avoid surprises during the walkthrough.
If you’re working with cash home buyers, they’ll often ask about these details during the first call or meeting to get a clear picture of your property’s condition.
Step 2: The As-Is Walkthrough, What Really Happens
The walkthrough is one of the easiest parts of the process. It’s not a formal inspection like what traditional buyers do with agents and inspectors. Think of it as a quick visual check so the buyer can confirm what they’re offering on.
Here’s what typically happens:
Scheduling: The buyer or their local representative schedules a convenient time to visit your home. This usually happens within a day or two of initial contact.
Quick Tour: They’ll walk through each room, take some photos, and note any obvious repairs or updates needed.
No Pressure: There’s no need to stage the house or hide flaws. They expect imperfections, it’s part of buying as-is properties.
Condition Confirmation: The walkthrough helps the buyer verify what they already know from your description or photos.
Most walkthroughs take 15–30 minutes. If you live out of state or can’t meet in person, some buyers can do a virtual walkthrough using a video call or recent photos.
Step 3: Getting a Fair Cash Offer
After the walkthrough, the buyer typically gives you a cash offer. This is based on the home’s current condition, location, and the cost of any repairs they’ll handle after purchase.
Because the sale is as-is, you don’t pay for repairs, cleaning, or closing costs in most cases. The offer you receive is what you can expect to take home, minus any taxes or existing liens.
When comparing offers, remember:
A cash offer closes faster because there’s no waiting on mortgage approval.
There’s less paperwork and fewer delays.
You can often pick your own closing date.
If the number works for you, you’ll sign a short purchase agreement outlining the price, terms, and closing timeline.
Step 4: Title Search and Paperwork
Once the agreement is signed, the buyer’s title company or attorney begins checking the property’s title. Their job is to confirm you legally own the house and there are no major claims or liens against it.
If there are any outstanding debts attached to the property, like unpaid taxes, HOA fees, or judgments, they’re usually handled at closing. The title company pays them off directly from your sale proceeds, so everything is clean when ownership transfers.
You don’t have to do anything complicated here, just respond promptly if the title company requests information or signatures.
Step 5: Preparing for Closing
This part moves much faster than a traditional home sale. There’s no need to fix anything or wait for an appraisal. Once the title is clear, the closing can be scheduled, sometimes within a week.
During this time, the title company prepares all the final documents. These usually include:
A settlement statement (shows all costs and your final payout)
The deed transfer
Any payoff authorizations (if you have a mortgage)
You’ll have a chance to review everything before signing. If you’re selling remotely, you can use a mobile notary or e-sign documents online.
Step 6: Closing Day, Signing and Payment
On closing day, you’ll sign the documents that transfer ownership. Once that’s done, the buyer’s funds are released from escrow, and you get paid.
Most sellers choose a wire transfer so the money hits their account the same day. If you prefer, you can request a certified check.
That’s it, your house is officially sold. No open houses, no months of waiting, and no repair bills.
What You Don’t Have to Worry About in an As-Is Sale
Selling as-is means you skip many of the stressful parts of a traditional sale. Here’s what you can cross off your list:
No repairs or upgrades. You don’t have to spend a dime on fixing anything.
No staging or deep cleaning. Buyers expect lived-in conditions, not showroom-ready homes.
No appraisals or loan delays. Cash buyers don’t need lender approval.
No agent commissions. You’re dealing directly with the buyer.
No back-and-forth negotiations. The offer is simple and straightforward.
This is why many homeowners, especially those in a rush or dealing with older homes, find as-is sales to be the easiest route.
Checklist: How to Sell Your House Fast As-Is
Here’s a simple checklist to keep your process on track:
Before the Walkthrough:
Gather key property details (year built, square footage, taxes, etc.)
Make a list of known issues (roof, plumbing, foundation, etc.)
Remove or secure valuables
Take a few photos of each room if you plan to do a virtual walkthrough
After the Offer:
Review the purchase agreement carefully
Ask about the expected closing date
Confirm whether closing costs are covered
Provide any requested documents to the title company
Before Closing:
Decide how you want to receive payment (wire or check)
Make arrangements to move or remove personal belongings
Leave keys, garage remotes, or gate codes for the buyer
That’s really all it takes. The process can move as quickly as you’re ready. Some sellers close in a week, while others take a few weeks to organize their next move.
Common Questions About Selling As-Is
1. Will I still need to pass an inspection?
No formal inspection is required for an as-is sale. Most buyers just do a brief walkthrough to confirm the home’s condition matches your description.
2. Can I sell if my house has code violations or damage?
Yes. Many cash buyers specialize in purchasing homes with issues, fire damage, leaks, mold, or outdated systems.
3. Do I have to clean out the house completely?
Not usually. You can leave unwanted items behind, and the buyer handles removal after closing.
4. What if my house still has a mortgage?
That’s fine. The title company uses part of your sale proceeds to pay off your loan during closing.
5. How long does it take to close?
Most as-is sales close in 7–21 days, depending on title work and scheduling.
Why Selling As-Is Works for Many Homeowners
Selling your home as-is can make sense when time, cost, or condition stand in your way. Instead of juggling contractors, repairs, and endless showings, you move straight to a fair offer and a fast closing.
For many people, it’s about peace of mind. You can sell quickly, avoid the stress of fixing things, and move on to whatever’s next, without delays or surprises.
When you understand each step, the walkthrough, title process, and closing, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to expect from start to finish.
