Should You Sell an Inherited Home As-Is or Make Repairs?

Inheriting a home in Florida often brings a mix of emotions and decisions, and one of the early questions families face is what to do with the property. Should you invest in repairs before selling, or is an as-is sale the better path?

There isn’t a universal answer, but there are factors that can help guide you toward the option that protects your time, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Before You Decide: Take the Pressure Off

Many families assume they must make the home “market-ready” by updating kitchens, replacing flooring, or tackling cosmetic improvements. In reality, most inherited homes do not require major renovations to sell successfully.

Your true goal is simple:

Sell the property in a way that minimizes stress, avoids unnecessary expenses, and fits the estate’s timeline.

When Repairs Might Make Sense

Making updates can be worthwhile under the right circumstances. This approach may be beneficial when:

• The home is structurally sound

• Needed improvements are mostly cosmetic

• The neighborhood favors move-in-ready homes

• You have access to a repair budget or estate funds

Potential Benefits of Completing Repairs

Strategic updates, fresh paint, new lighting, and updated flooring can help the home present brighter, cleaner, and more appealing to traditional buyers. In some cases, these improvements may contribute to a higher sale price or a quicker offer from buyers seeking a move-in-ready option.

Potential Drawbacks of Making Repairs

Repairs come with real considerations:

• Extended timelines, which may conflict with probate requirements

• Upfront expenses that some estates cannot easily absorb

• Vendor management and the unpredictability of repairs

• Limited return on investment, especially when updates exceed what the market will pay

For local families with time and resources, minor repairs can be manageable. For out-of-state heirs or families feeling overwhelmed, the repair path often adds more stress than value.

When Selling As-Is Is the Better Choice

Many inherited properties are sold as-is, especially when families prefer a simpler, faster process. An as-is sale may be the best choice if:

• The home needs significant work

• Family members are managing the process from out of state

• The estate needs to move forward quickly

• There is limited desire or ability to take on renovations

Pros of Selling As-Is

• Faster timeline

• Lower costs

• No contractors or project management

• Reduced emotional burden, especially when the home still contains belongings

Cons of Selling As-Is

The sales price may be lower compared to repaired homes in the area, and marketing an as-is property requires a thoughtful approach to avoid low-ball offers and maximize buyer interest.

The good news? Homes that haven’t been updated in decades still sell well when positioned correctly. 

How to Decide: Four Key Factors

When I guide families through this choice, we look at four practical pieces:

1. Timeline — How soon does the estate need to resolve the property?

2. Budget — What funds are (or aren’t) available for repairs?

3. Condition — Is the home simply dated, or does it truly need major work?

4. Stress Level — How much time and energy can you realistically commit?

When these pieces are evaluated together, the right path becomes much clearer.

My role is to help you compare both options using real market data, local trends, vendor estimates, and the estate’s needs, not to push you into repairs or an as-is sale. Every situation is different, and the decision should reflect what works best for your family.

If You’re Unsure Which Direction to Take

If you’re navigating an inherited home and weighing the choice between repairs and an as-is sale, you’re not alone. With calm guidance and straightforward information, I can help you work through each option and how it could affect your timeline and outcome.