To Fix or Not to Fix? How to Decide Before You Sell
Team Olivieri
Friday, January 16, 2026
If you’re planning to sell this year, you might be asking yourself:
Should I sell as-is and keep things simple — or make a few updates first to get top dollar?
That decision matters more than it has in a while. Here’s why.
And when buyers have options, condition counts.
That’s why many homeowners do small updates before listing. According to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, about two-thirds of sellers (65%) make minor repairs or updates, while only one-third sell as-is.
Even simple tweaks — a fresh coat of paint, better lighting, or new hardware — can make a big difference.
Homes that shine and feel move-in-ready usually attract more interest, more showings, and stronger offers. On the other hand, as-is listings tend to appeal to fewer buyers, spend longer on the market, and often sell for less.
It doesn’t mean your place won’t sell. It just means it might not sell for as much as it could have.
If you decide to sell as-is:
We’ll highlight your home’s strongest features — location, layout, lot size — to help buyers focus on the potential instead of the projects.
If you decide to make updates first:
We’ll help you pinpoint which fixes actually matter to buyers in your price range so every dollar works harder for you.
And don’t worry — there’s still time to make changes if you want to hit the spring market, when buyer activity usually peaks.
Before you decide, let’s talk through your options, your timeline, and your goals. Whether we market your home as-is or polished and move-in-ready, our strategy will make sure it gets noticed — and sold.
Should I sell as-is and keep things simple — or make a few updates first to get top dollar?
That decision matters more than it has in a while. Here’s why.
More Homes = More Competition
Across Southern Ontario, inventory has been slowly climbing. Realtor.ca data and national forecasts suggest we’ll see even more listings this year — meaning buyers have choices again.And when buyers have options, condition counts.
That’s why many homeowners do small updates before listing. According to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, about two-thirds of sellers (65%) make minor repairs or updates, while only one-third sell as-is.
Even simple tweaks — a fresh coat of paint, better lighting, or new hardware — can make a big difference.
What “Selling As-Is” Really Means
Selling as-is signals to buyers and agents that you won’t handle repairs before or after an inspection. It’s a stress-saver in some cases — no contractors, no extra bills — but there’s a trade-off.Homes that shine and feel move-in-ready usually attract more interest, more showings, and stronger offers. On the other hand, as-is listings tend to appeal to fewer buyers, spend longer on the market, and often sell for less.
It doesn’t mean your place won’t sell. It just means it might not sell for as much as it could have.
How the Right Agent Helps You Decide
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best move depends on your property, your neighbourhood, and your goals. That’s where an experienced agent comes in.If you decide to sell as-is:
We’ll highlight your home’s strongest features — location, layout, lot size — to help buyers focus on the potential instead of the projects.
If you decide to make updates first:
We’ll help you pinpoint which fixes actually matter to buyers in your price range so every dollar works harder for you.
And don’t worry — there’s still time to make changes if you want to hit the spring market, when buyer activity usually peaks.
Bottom Line
Selling as-is can be the right choice in some situations, especially if you need to move quickly. But in today’s more competitive market, skipping updates might cost you.Before you decide, let’s talk through your options, your timeline, and your goals. Whether we market your home as-is or polished and move-in-ready, our strategy will make sure it gets noticed — and sold.
We would like to hear from you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always looking forward to hearing from you! We will do our best to reply to you within 24 hours !