If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, you might find yourself stuck trying to decide between two different options:

Do you sell it as-is to keep things simple — no repairs, no extra effort?
Or do you put in a little work upfront so it shows better and potentially sells for top dollar?

In 2026, that choice matters more than ever — and it’s worth understanding why. Here’s what you should know.

More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again

Over the past year, more and more homes have been hitting the market — and that trend isn’t slowing down. In fact, a Realtor.com forecast says inventory could jump another 8.9% this year. Why does that matter? Because when buyers have more choices, they can afford to be picky again. And that means the little details are starting to matter a lot more.

That’s exactly why most sellers decide to make a few updates before putting their home on the market.

What Selling As-Is Really Means

Homes that are move-in ready usually draw in more buyers and stronger offers. But when a place needs work, fewer people are eager to take it on — which can lead to fewer showings, fewer offers, more time sitting on the market, and often a lower final sale price.

That doesn’t mean your home won’t sell — it just means you might not get as much for it as you could have.

How an Agent Can Help

So, what’s the right move? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to your home and what’s happening in your local market.

If you sell as-is: Your agent will focus on highlighting your home’s strongest features — like the location, layout, and size — so buyers see the potential, not just the to-do list.
If you make repairs: Your agent can help you decide which updates are actually worth your time and money, based on your budget and what today’s buyers care about most.

The good news is, you still have time. Spring is usually the busiest season for homebuyers, which means there are a few months before demand really ramps up. That gives you breathing room to tackle any repairs without feeling rushed — and still list at just the right time.

At the end of the day, the decision is yours. Whichever route you choose, your agent will market your home to attract as many buyers as possible — and in today’s market, that kind of expertise really makes a difference.