“As is” may sound like a good idea – like putting on your sweatpants rather than getting dressed for a New Year’s Eve dinner party at your CEO’s home! You know you can do it, but is it really a good idea? Will there be long term consequences? Selling your home “as is” may be costly in Bethesda MD in 2026 and in fact may make it more difficult to sell your home instead. Written by Lise Howe, Associate Broker, RLAH, licensed in DC, MD and VA and expert at turning those diamonds in the rough into treasured transactions with minimal expense and pressure to you.
If you’re planning to sell your home this year, you might be wrestling with a familiar question:
Do you list it “as‑is” and keep things simple—no repairs, no projects, no stress? Or do you invest a little time and effort into sprucing it up so it shines and attracts top‑dollar offers? Will you save money by skipping the repairs or will “as is” be costly in Bethesda in 2026?
In 2026, that choice matters more than it has in recent years. Here’s why.
More Homes on the Market Means Condition Matters Again
Inventory has been rising, and Realtor.com expects the number of homes for sale to grow another 8.9% this year. With more options available, buyers regain the ability to be selective. That means the details—those little fixes and cosmetic touches—start to matter again.
It’s no surprise, then, that most sellers choose to make at least a few improvements before listing. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 65% of sellers completed minor repairs or updates before putting their homes on the market, while 35% sold their homes completely as‑is.
High‑ROI Updates That Make a Real Difference
If you’re considering making improvements, the good news is that you don’t need a full renovation. Small, strategic updates often deliver the biggest return. Here are a few high‑ROI updates that consistently pay off:
- Fresh interior paint: Neutral colors instantly brighten a space and make it feel clean and move‑in ready.
- Simple landscaping upgrades: Mulch, trimmed shrubs, and seasonal flowers boost curb appeal without breaking the bank.
- Updated lighting fixtures: Modern, warm lighting can transform the feel of a room.
- Minor kitchen refreshes: Think new cabinet hardware, new appliances, a stylish faucet, or updated backsplash—not a full remodel.
- Bathroom touch‑ups: Re‑caulking, replacing a vanity mirror, or swapping out dated fixtures can make the space feel new.
These improvements are relatively inexpensive, but they help your home stand out in photos and in person. Rest assured that I have a long list of contractors who can make these changes for you at minimal expense.
How to Decide What’s Worth Fixing
Not every project is worth your time or money. Here’s how to make smart choices:
- Focus on first impressions: Buyers form opinions quickly. Prioritize the entryway, living room, and curb appeal.
- Fix anything that signals neglect: Loose doorknobs, leaky faucets, cracked tiles—small issues can make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.
- Skip major renovations: Big projects rarely offer a full return and can delay your listing timeline.
- Lean on your agent’s expertise: A local real estate professional knows what buyers in your area care about most—and what they’ll overlook.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presenting your home as well‑cared‑for and move‑in ready.
Thinking About Selling This Year?
If you’re considering a move in 2026, now is a great time to start planning. A quick walkthrough with a trusted real estate professional can help you identify which updates will matter most—and which ones you can skip. Getting a home ready to go on the market can seem daunting, particularly when you have so much else going on in your life – if you weren’t going through changes, you wouldn’t be moving – Right? What is important to remember is that you don’t have to go it alone. You also don’t have to spend a bucket of money – and even if your repairs exceed your budget, I have ways around that so that you can pay at closing. Just remember that “as is” may be costly in Bethesda in 2026 with all the increased inventory and you can actually make better choices than that!
FAQS
Q. Can I sell my home in Bethesda “as is”?
A. Yes you can but you may not want to. You don’t have to do a full rehab. You just have to be better than your competition.
Q. What kinds of improvements should I plan on making?
A. You want to have fresh paint, a clean home and clean windows, some fresh landscaping if you have outdoor space, and newer appliances and lighting.
Q. How do I find contractors that won’t charge an arm and a leg.
A. I have a full list of contractors who are VERY reasonably priced and I will be happy to share them with you.
Q. What if I can’t pay the contractors until I get my money from the sale of the house?
A. Amazingly, I have a solution for that too! Just give me a call at 240-401-5577 or email me at lise@thelisehowegroup.com.