Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is
By Selling January 14, 2026
If you are thinking about selling your home in 2026, you may be weighing two very different options.
  • Do you sell your home as-is and keep things simple. No repairs. No projects. Less upfront effort.
  • Or do you make a few strategic improvements so your home shows well, attracts more buyers, and sells for the strongest possible price.
In today’s housing market, that decision matters more than it has in years, especially here along the North San Diego County coast.

At Shafran Realty Group, we list and sell more homes in our local coastal communities than the vast majority of agents. Because of that, we see buyer behavior changing in real time, not months later in national headlines.

Here is what homeowners in our market should know.

More Competition Means Condition Matters Again

Inventory has been rising across the country, and forecasts from Realtor.com suggest more homes could come to market in 2026. We are seeing the same trend locally throughout North San Diego County Coastal.

As buyers gain more choices, they also regain the ability to be selective. That means condition, presentation, and first impressions matter again.

After several years where homes sold quickly regardless of condition, today’s buyers are slowing down, comparing options, and paying closer attention to details. Homes that feel move-in ready are standing out. Homes that need work are being negotiated harder or passed over.

That shift is one reason many sellers are choosing to make at least some updates before listing.

According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors, about 65% of sellers completed minor repairs or improvements before selling. Only 35% sold their homes as-is. In our local coastal market, that preparation often translates directly into stronger offers and better terms.

Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is

Thinking About Selling As-Is? Here’s What That Really Means

Selling as-is means you are telling buyers upfront that you will not make repairs before listing and that you may not negotiate repairs after inspection. That can simplify the process, but it also limits your buyer pool.

In North County Coastal, move-in ready homes tend to attract more showings, generate more competition, and sell closer to or above market value. Homes that need work typically appeal to a smaller group of buyers, often investors or buyers expecting a discount.

That does not mean an as-is home will not sell. It simply means you may be leaving value on the table, especially in neighborhoods where buyers expect a certain level of finish and presentation.

Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is (2)

How Shafran Realty Group Helps You Decide

There is no single right answer for every homeowner. The best choice depends on your home, your timeline, your budget, and how buyers are behaving right now in your specific neighborhood.

This is where working with a true local expert matters.

If selling as-is makes sense, we focus on positioning your home around its strongest features, location, layout, lifestyle, and long-term potential, so buyers see opportunity rather than obstacles.

If making improvements is the smarter path, we help you identify which updates actually move the needle and which ones are unlikely to deliver a return. Our advice is based on what buyers are responding to today, not generic checklists.

Timing matters too. Spring remains the strongest selling season in many North County Coastal communities, and there is often still time to make strategic updates without overdoing it.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to sell your home as-is or invest in updates, it is worth understanding what today’s North County Coastal buyers are truly paying a premium for.

A short strategy conversation with Shafran Realty Group can help you see how your home would perform in the current market and which approach is most likely to put more money in your pocket.

If you are planning to sell in 2026, let’s connect and map out the smartest strategy for your home and your timeline.

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