No Repairs Required
Sell your Florida property as-is in any condition. Legal requirements, pricing strategies, and best options for distressed properties.
Selling as-is means offering the property in current condition with no repairs before closing. The buyer accepts all existing defects. Important: as-is does NOT mean you can hide problems. Florida law (Johnson v. Davis, 1985) still requires disclosure of known material defects not readily observable. As-is means you will not fix them - the buyer knows and accepts.
You must disclose known issues: foundation problems, water intrusion or mold, roof leaks, termite damage, Chinese drywall (common 2001-2009), sinkhole activity, flood history, environmental contamination, and polybutylene plumbing (1978-1995). Failing to disclose = fraud lawsuits even in an as-is sale.
As-is properties sell 10-30% below comparable move-in ready. Formula: As-Is Price = After-Repair Value minus Repair Costs minus Buyer Profit Margin. On $350K ARV with $50K repairs needed, expect $230K-$265K. Cosmetic-only issues reduce discount to 5-10%.
Four buyer types: (1) Cash investors - largest pool, buy any condition, close 7-14 days. (2) House flippers - renovation ROI focused. (3) Buy-and-hold landlords - renovate over time. (4) Adventurous homebuyers using FHA 203(k) or HomeStyle renovation loans.
Virtually any: hurricane damage, fire/smoke, water/mold, foundation cracks, roof failure, termites, outdated systems, code violations, unpermitted work, hoarder conditions, sinkhole damage (Florida has highest US activity), Chinese drywall, and condemned properties. Cash buyers purchase all of these.
Three options: (1) Agent with as-is language - broadest reach, 5-6% commission. (2) FSBO as-is - save commissions, do all work yourself. (3) Cash buyer - fastest, simplest, zero costs. Best for poor condition, time-sensitive, or complicated situations.
No. An as-is contract means the seller will not make repairs, but Florida case law (Johnson v. Davis, 1985) still requires a seller of a home to disclose known facts that materially affect its value and are not readily observable. Statutory notices also still apply, including the radon notice in section 404.056(5), Florida Statutes and the property tax disclosure in section 689.261, Florida Statutes.
Yes, for homes built before 1978. The federal lead-based paint disclosure rule requires the seller to disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards, provide available records and the EPA pamphlet, and give the buyer an opportunity to test, which a buyer may waive in writing. As-is wording does not remove that requirement.
General information about Florida law, not legal or tax advice. Confirm your situation with a Florida attorney or tax professional.
Yes. Disclose the mold but you are not required to remediate. Cash buyers regularly buy properties with mold.
Buyer may request one but it is informational only in as-is sales. Cash buyers typically waive inspections entirely.
Yes. Cash buyers purchase condemned properties. Buyer assumes code compliance responsibility.