If you’re preparing to sell your home, one question comes up quickly: fix it up or sell as-is?
For many Baltimore homeowners, it’s not a simple decision. With older rowhomes, high contractor costs, and unpredictable timelines, repairs can be expensive and risky. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and tolerance for uncertainty.
What Does Selling As-Is Mean?
Selling a house as-is means putting it on the market in its current condition without making repairs before closing. Under Maryland law, sellers must still disclose known material defects, but they are not required to fix them.
Homeowners typically consider selling as-is when the property has:
- Roof or foundation damage
- Water intrusion or mold
- Outdated plumbing or electrical systems
- Code violations
- Significant cosmetic wear
Rather than investing additional money into renovations, the seller prices the home accordingly and moves forward.
When Fixing Before Selling May Make Sense
There are situations where repairs can increase your final sale price. If the issues are minor and mostly cosmetic, improvements like fresh paint or updated flooring can make a strong first impression.
However, larger repairs introduce financial risk. Structural work, major system replacements, or water damage remediation often cost more than expected, especially in Baltimore’s aging housing stock.
Beyond repair expenses, you must factor in holding costs, agent commissions, and the possibility that market conditions shift during the renovation process.
Fixing a house before selling can improve value, but it also extends your timeline and increases your upfront investment.
Why Many Sellers Choose to Sell As-Is
For some homeowners, predictability matters more than maximizing every dollar. Selling as-is can offer:
- No upfront repair expenses
- Fewer inspection negotiations
- A faster closing timeline
- Less stress managing contractors
This option is particularly appealing during major life transitions such as divorce, inheritance, relocation, or financial hardship, when simplicity and speed are priorities.
A Straightforward Option for Baltimore Homeowners
If repairing your home feels overwhelming or financially risky, Dominion Properties offers a practical alternative.
We purchase homes throughout Baltimore in their current condition, no repairs required, no commissions, and no hidden fees. You choose the closing date that fits your schedule.
After evaluating the property, we provide a clear, no-obligation cash offer. If it works for you, we close on your timeline. If not, there is no cost and no pressure.
The Bottom Line
Deciding whether to fix your house or sell as-is depends on your goals. Renovations may increase value, but they also increase time, expense, and uncertainty. Selling as-is prioritizes simplicity and control.
If you’re unsure which path makes sense, understanding what your Baltimore home could sell for in its current condition is often the most practical place to start.