Should I Sell My Home As-Is or Make Repairs First?

by Sonja Zoet

This Is One of the Most Common Questions Southern MN Sellers Ask

Selling “as-is” can save time.
Making repairs can bring a higher price.

So what should you do?

The answer depends on your timeline, your home’s condition, your budget, your market competition, and the type of buyers your home will attract.

As a listing specialist serving Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Janesville, Lake Crystal, Mapleton, and surrounding areas, I help sellers determine the most profitable strategy — not just the easiest one.

At The Zoet Group | Real, Smarter Real Estate Starts Here — especially when decisions impact your bottom line.

Step 1 — Evaluate the Home’s Current Condition

Before deciding, we assess:

Age of mechanicals
Roof condition
Flooring and carpet
Paint
Kitchen & bath condition
Windows
Plumbing & electrical
Exterior maintenance
Curb appeal
Functionality

Some homes benefit from repairs.
Some do NOT.
Some simply need cleaning and staging.

I help you determine which items impact value — and which do not.

Step 2 — Determine Your Ideal Buyer Type

Different buyers value different things.

✔ First-Time Buyers

Prefer move-in ready. Minor repairs pay off.

✔ Move-Up Buyers

Expect updated kitchens/baths. Staging is critical.

✔ Investors

Love as-is listings. No repairs needed.

✔ Out-of-State Buyers

Prefer clean, updated, modern presentation.

In smaller towns like Mapleton, Good Thunder, Nicollet, Amboy, and St. Clair, buyers often expect modest updates but appreciate well-maintained homes even more.

Step 3 — Analyze Cost vs. Return

Not every repair generates profit.
Examples of high-return improvements:

Fresh interior paint
Carpet replacement
Deep cleaning
Lighting updates
Landscaping touch-ups

Examples of low-return improvements:

Full kitchen remodel
Major bathroom remodel
Window replacement
Large exterior projects (unless required)

Small updates can make a big impact — especially in photos.

Step 4 — Understand the Power of Presentation

Even when selling as-is, presentation matters.

I help you prepare with:

Staging
Decluttering
Neutral paint
Professional photos
Drone images (for acreage & curb appeal)
Zillow Showcase (YES, even for as-is listings!)

Why Zillow Showcase matters for as-is homes:

Showcase makes even modest or outdated homes look:

Cleaner
More appealing
Professionally presented
Premium in search results

Buyers stop scrolling — and THAT increases your offer odds.

Step 5 — Compare As-Is Value vs. Improved Value

I run two pricing models:

1️⃣ As-Is Market Value

A realistic price based on current condition.

2️⃣ Improved Market Value

A price supported by light, achievable updates.

We’ll review:

Expected days on market
Likely buyer type
Offer strength
Inspection risks
Net proceeds
Market competition

This lets YOU make an informed choice.

Step 6 — Consider Timeline

If you need to sell quickly, as-is may be best.
If maximizing equity matters more than speed, light updates may pay off.

Some of my clients choose a hybrid approach:
✔ Minor updates + professional marketing + Zillow Showcase
✔ Skip expensive renovations
✔ Protect profit while maintaining speed

This method works extremely well in Southern MN.

Step 7 — Inspection & Appraisal Considerations

If your home needs major repairs, selling as-is may reduce negotiation headaches.

If your home is in good shape, small improvements can help:

Pass inspections
Reduce negotiation requests
Increase appraisal success
Improve buyer confidence
Increase multiple-offer likelihood

The Bottom Line

There is no one-size-fits-all answer — but there is a best strategy for your specific home, price range, and goals.

With intelligent preparation, clear cost/return analysis, and premium marketing (including Zillow Showcase), you can protect your time, reduce stress, and maximize your final sale price.

At The Zoet Group | Real, I help you make confident, strategic decisions — because Smarter Real Estate Starts Here.

Sonja Zoet | The Zoet Group | Real
Smarter Real Estate Starts Here