Direct cash offer
Direct Home Offers buys the home itself, as-is. This path is built for fewer steps, no agent commission, and a closing date chosen with the seller.
Request a cash offerNational seller guide · Updated July 20, 2026 · 8 min read
Sell Your House As-Is for Cash—Without Repairs or Showings
Tell us about the property and get a written, no-obligation offer. Skip cleaning, staging, and repair projects—and decide whether the cash option fits your timeline.
- Two-minute property form
- No obligation
- You choose what happens next
See the option before deciding
Review the written price, timing, and terms without starting repairs first.
Two distinct selling paths
Choose speed—or pursue more proceeds.
Max Offer Program
For eligible homes, we help sell the property on the open market. It takes longer and includes disclosed program and selling costs, but may produce higher proceeds.
See how Max Offer worksWe explain the expected timeline, costs, and estimated proceeds for any available path before you decide. Neither option is required.
The short answer
Yes, you can sell a house in its current condition without completing repairs first.
Selling “as-is” describes the condition and repair expectations. It does not erase disclosure obligations or replace the purchase agreement.
State and local rules vary. Most pre-1978 homes also have federal lead-paint disclosure requirements. This page is educational, not legal advice.
Key takeaways
- Selling as-is means offering the property in its current condition—not hiding known problems.
- A cash option can reduce preparation, showings, and buyer-financing uncertainty.
- Compare net proceeds, contingencies, fees, and timing—not only the headline price.
- Requesting a Direct Home Offers offer is free and does not require you to accept it.
Start with the contract
What selling a house as-is actually means
An as-is sale tells the buyer that you do not plan to repair or improve the property before closing. The buyer can evaluate the condition and reflect the expected work in the offer.
The label alone does not waive inspections, contingencies, or required disclosures. Those details depend on the contract and the laws where the property is located.
Source: Zillow’s as-is and inspection guideA simpler offer process
How the as-is cash offer process works
Tell us about the property
Share the address and a few details about the home’s condition, occupancy, and your preferred timeline. You do not need to clean, stage, or start repairs first.
Review your written offer
We evaluate the property and available market information, then present the option in writing. Review the price, timing, and terms without pressure or obligation.
Choose your next step
If the offer fits, choose a closing timeline that works for you. If it does not, you can walk away and compare other paths.
Preparation choices
What you can usually skip—and what still matters
You can usually skip
- Renovations and cosmetic updates
- Deep cleaning and staging
- Repeated buyer showings
- Preparing the home for a traditional listing
- Repair negotiations when the written offer already accounts for condition
You should still review
- Known-defect and lead-paint disclosures that apply
- The written price and estimated net proceeds
- Inspection, financing, assignment, or other contingencies
- Who pays specific closing costs or fees
- Proof that the buyer can complete a cash purchase
- The title or escrow company handling the closing
Compare the whole outcome
Cash offer or traditional listing?
A cash offer is not automatically the best offer. Compare likely net proceeds, preparation, contingencies, and timing—not only the headline price.
Preparation
As-is cash option
Often little or no cleaning, staging, or repair work
Traditional listing
May benefit from repairs, presentation, photography, and show-ready condition
Buyer financing
As-is cash option
No mortgage financing when the buyer truly has cash
Traditional listing
Commonly depends on lender approval and appraisal
Showings
As-is cash option
Usually avoided
Traditional listing
Often part of marketing the property
Contingencies
As-is cash option
Can be fewer, but the contract controls
Traditional listing
Inspection, appraisal, financing, and sale-of-home terms may apply
Timing
As-is cash option
Can be flexible and faster when title and paperwork are ready
Traditional listing
Depends on market time, buyer financing, and contract terms
Price strategy
As-is cash option
Offer accounts for condition, risk, and the buyer’s costs
Traditional listing
Greater exposure may produce a higher gross price
Best fit
As-is cash option
Sellers prioritizing convenience, condition flexibility, or certainty
Traditional listing
Sellers able to prepare, market, and wait for the strongest open-market result
Want a real number to compare? Request a written, no-obligation offer before choosing a path.
Get my cash offerNo one-size-fits-all formula
What shapes an as-is cash offer?
Ask the buyer to explain the major assumptions behind the number. A clear answer helps you compare the cash option with listing, making repairs, or waiting.
- Recent comparable sales and local demand
- The home’s size, layout, and location
- Roof, foundation, mechanical, or structural condition
- The scope and cost of updates the property may need
- Occupancy, access, title, liens, or other transaction details
- Your requested closing timeline and the contract’s contingencies
When simplicity matters
Situations where an as-is option may fit
Major repairs
Avoid managing contractors or paying for work before you know your selling options.
Inherited property
Compare a simpler path for an outdated home, belongings, or an out-of-area estate.
Vacant or rented home
Reduce months of make-ready work and repeated access while respecting tenant rights.
Time-sensitive sale
Explore a clearer timeline around carrying costs, a move, or another deadline.
Life transition
Simplify a sale during relocation, downsizing, divorce, or a family change.
Convenience first
Choose one written option over preparing the home for the open market.
If the home is in strong condition and you have time to list, a traditional sale may produce a better financial result. The right choice depends on the written terms, likely net proceeds, and how much work and uncertainty you are willing to take on.
Protect your decision
Verify the cash buyer before you accept
A legitimate transaction should become clearer as you ask questions—not more confusing.
Read Zillow’s consumer guidance1
Get every term in writing
Confirm price, closing date, contingencies, fees, and who is signing as buyer.
2
Ask for proof of funds
Verify that the buyer has resources available to complete a cash purchase.
About proof of funds3
Use reputable title or escrow
Keep closing funds and paperwork with the licensed third party handling the transaction.
4
Do not pay an upfront fee
Pressure to pay for an evaluation or processing before closing is a warning sign.
5
Read the contract
Review assignment language, inspection periods, cancellation rights, and possible price changes.
6
Walk away from pressure
A no-obligation offer should leave you free to compare options.
Continue your research
Local and situation-specific guidance
Explore service areas
Browse available local pages and find the most relevant market guidance.
Read moreSelling as-is in Minnesota
Review statewide disclosure guidance and Minnesota-specific selling paths.
Read moreFacing foreclosure
Understand timing, lender communication, and sale options before a deadline.
Read moreSelling without a realtor
Compare the nine-step FSBO process with other selling paths.
Read moreQuick answers
Frequently asked questions
These answers provide national context. Verify state and local requirements before acting.
Can I really sell my house as-is for cash?
Yes. An as-is sale means the buyer evaluates the house in its current condition and the contract does not require you to complete agreed repairs before closing. You still need to follow applicable disclosure laws and review the written terms.
Do I need to clean out the house first?
Not before requesting an offer. Share the property’s current condition honestly. The written offer and purchase agreement should make clear what, if anything, must be removed before closing.
Will a cash buyer purchase a house that needs major repairs?
Many cash and investor buyers consider properties with deferred maintenance or major repair needs. The condition and expected work will affect the offer, so describe known issues accurately.
How fast can an as-is cash sale close?
A cash transaction can avoid mortgage underwriting and appraisal delays, but the actual closing date depends on title work, the contract, property details, and both parties’ readiness. You can share your preferred timeline when requesting an offer.
Are there fees or commissions?
Do not assume every cash offer uses the same fee structure. Review the written offer and estimated closing statement for commissions, buyer fees, seller-paid closing costs, taxes, liens, or other deductions. A Direct Home Offers offer is free to request and carries no obligation.
Am I required to accept the offer?
No. Requesting and reviewing an offer does not require you to accept it. Compare the price, terms, timing, and likely net proceeds with your other options.
Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is?
Usually, yes. As-is describes the property’s condition and repair expectations; it does not automatically cancel state or federal disclosure obligations. Requirements vary, so consult the appropriate local professional if you are unsure.
Sources and review
Built from current consumer guidance
Substantively reviewed July 20, 2026. State and local rules can change; confirm requirements for the property before signing a sale agreement.
See what an as-is cash option could look like
Share a few property details and receive a written, no-obligation offer to review. No repairs first. No pressure to accept.