Selling a house “as-is” means the buyer agrees to purchase the property in its current condition without the seller making any repairs. For homeowners with properties that need significant work, an as-is sale can save thousands of dollars and months of hassle.
But selling as-is in Illinois comes with specific rules and considerations that every seller should understand.
When you sell a house as-is, you’re telling the buyer that you won’t make any repairs. The buyer is accepting the property with all its flaws — known and unknown. However, as-is does NOT mean you can hide known problems.
Illinois law requires sellers to fill out a Residential Real Property Disclosure Report, disclosing known material defects. This applies even in an as-is sale. You must disclose issues you know about, like foundation problems, water damage, mold, or lead paint. You just aren’t required to fix them.
Selling as-is is the right move when the cost of repairs would outweigh the additional sale price, when you don’t have the funds for repairs, when the property has been vacant and has deteriorated significantly, when you’ve inherited a property and don’t want to invest in it, or when you simply need to sell quickly and move on.
Here’s the reality: most traditional buyers don’t want an as-is property. They want a move-in-ready home. Even if you find a buyer willing to take the property as-is, their lender may require repairs before approving the mortgage. FHA and VA loans are especially strict about property condition requirements.
This is why most as-is sales in Illinois go to cash buyers — investors like 3rd Shift Homes who have the funds to close without a lender’s approval and the expertise to handle properties in any condition.
Get multiple offers if possible. Make sure you’re working with a buyer who actually has the cash to close (ask for proof of funds). Understand your property’s value by looking at comparable sales in the area. And be honest about the property’s condition — trying to hide problems will only create legal issues later.
We buy houses in any condition across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. When we make an offer, it’s based on the property’s current condition and comparable sales in the area. There are no surprise renegotiations at closing. Our offer is our offer.
Learn more about selling your property as-is:
We buy houses in any condition throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, including Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard, Schaumburg, Joliet, Valparaiso, Crown Point, and more. Get your cash offer today →
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