This is a question I hear a lot, and the honest answer is: it depends on the issue. Cosmetic things are usually worth fixing. Bigger structural, mechanical, or safety issues deserve a closer look before you decide.
A few things that generally hold true:
If a repair could hold up a buyer's financing, it's worth handling before you list. Many loans require a working furnace, no active roof leaks, and no exposed electrical hazards. Illinois also requires sellers to complete a Residential Real Property Disclosure Report, so even if you sell as-is, known issues still need to be disclosed. Selling as-is isn't the same as skipping disclosure.
Cosmetic wear, worn carpet, dated paint, an older but working kitchen, usually isn't worth fixing. Most buyers plan to update those things anyway, and would rather adjust the price than inherit your choice of finishes. And if you do go the as-is route, pricing needs to reflect that. A home marketed as-is but priced like a fully updated one is going to struggle.
Selling as-is can make real sense for an inherited property, a home that needs more work than your timeline or budget allows, or a situation where speed matters more than squeezing out the highest price. In those cases, being upfront about condition in the listing tends to bring in the right buyers, often investors or renovators, and cuts down on back and forth after inspection.
Curious what this means for your home? Book a free conversation at tinyurl.com/talk2mari or text your suburb to 630-267-1808.
Full guide: Should You Make Repairs Before Selling or Sell As-Is?
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