How to Sell Your House Fast in California Without Making Repairs
If you're dealing with a house that needs work—but you don't have the time, money, or energy to fix it up—you're not alone. Whether your property has been inherited, has problem tenants, or is falling behind on mortgage payments, there are ways to sell your house fast without making a single repair. In California's fast-paced and competitive market, this is more common than most people think.
Let’s walk through your real options, how they work, and how to make the right call for your situation.
Can You Sell a House As-Is in California?
Yes, you absolutely can. In California, there’s no legal requirement to fix up your home before selling it. You are allowed to sell “as-is,” which means you're offering the property in its current condition—no upgrades, no painting, no patching the roof.
That said, the path you take will affect how quickly the home sells, how much you walk away with, and how much stress you go through to get there.
Your Options for Selling a Home Without Repairs
List It on the Market As-Is With a Real Estate Agent
You can list your property with a local agent and note that it’s being sold “as-is.” This will attract buyers looking for a deal or investors willing to do the work themselves. Here’s what to expect:
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Pros: Potential for higher offers if the home is in a desirable area
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Cons: Still involves showings, inspections, long closing timelines, and possible renegotiations after inspection
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Best for: Sellers with time on their side and a home in a decent location
Sell It Yourself (FSBO)
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) means you’re taking care of everything—marketing, showings, paperwork—on your own. While this avoids agent fees, it can be a full-time job.
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Pros: No commissions
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Cons: Time-consuming, legally risky if disclosures aren’t handled properly
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Best for: Sellers who are experienced or have a buyer already lined up
Work With a Cash Home Buyer or Investor
This is often the simplest route when you’re dealing with serious repairs, timeline pressure, or a distress situation like foreclosure, probate, or inherited property.
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Pros: No repairs, no cleaning, no showings, fast closings (7–14 days is typical)
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Cons: Offers are usually below market, since the buyer is handling repairs and resale risk
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Best for: Sellers prioritizing speed, simplicity, or needing to offload a problem property
Find What It's Like Working with Semi Homes
Why Some Sellers Choose a Home Buying Company
Not every seller wants to paint the walls, clear out furniture, or wait 60+ days for a buyer’s loan to go through. Life doesn’t always allow that kind of timeline—especially if you’ve inherited a home across the state, have an uncooperative tenant, or are trying to avoid foreclosure.
That’s where home buyers like us come in. We specialize in buying homes as-is—no repairs, no closing costs, no commissions. It’s not always the highest offer, but for many homeowners, it’s the easiest way to move forward and regain peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a house with code violations or damage?
Yes. In California, you can legally sell a house with code violations, fire damage, mold, or structural issues. You’ll just need to disclose those conditions, and a cash buyer will often still purchase it as-is.
How fast can I sell a house in California without repairs?
If you’re working with a direct buyer or investor, it’s possible to close in as little as 7 days. Traditional sales can take 30–60+ days even when selling as-is.
Will I still need to clean out the house before selling it?
Not necessarily. Many home buying companies will handle all the cleanup and leftover items for you, which is helpful for inherited homes or when downsizing.
What if I have tenants in the property?
In California, selling a property with tenants is possible but can be tricky. An experienced investor will know how to handle it legally and respectfully.
How do I know if a cash offer is fair?
Look at recent sales of similar homes in your area with repairs completed, then subtract repair costs and selling fees. A fair cash offer accounts for those expenses and the risk the buyer is taking on.
Need to Sell a House in California Without Repairs?
If you're overwhelmed, short on time, or just want a clean exit, you don’t have to go it alone. Companies like ours help sellers throughout California move on quickly and with less stress. Whether you need to close fast or just want to avoid the hassle, we’re here to help you weigh your options—no pressure, no obligation.
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