If you’re thinking about selling your California home as-is, you might assume it means zero costs — just hand over the keys and walk away. But even when you skip repairs, there are still a few expenses to plan for.
The good news? Selling as-is dramatically reduces your financial burden compared to a traditional sale. You’ll save on renovations, staging, and agent fees — and you can often close in a matter of weeks instead of months.
In this article, we’ll break down the true costs of selling a house as-is in California, what you can skip entirely, and how to keep more money in your pocket.
(For a complete overview, see our 2025 Guide to Selling a House As-Is in California.)
What Does “Selling As-Is” Mean?
Selling a home as-is means you’re offering the property in its current condition — no repairs, no updates, and no promises to fix anything before closing.
Buyers know they’re getting the home exactly as it stands, and they typically factor that into their offer price.
This approach is especially popular with:
- Homeowners facing foreclosure or probate
- Landlords with problem tenants
- Families selling inherited or hoarder homes
- Sellers who can’t afford costly renovations
The key advantage? You save time and money by skipping repairs and marketing expenses.
Average Costs of Selling As-Is in California
Even with no repairs, selling a house still involves some costs. Let’s break them down so you know what to expect.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate agent commission | 4%–6% of sale price | Optional |
| Closing costs (escrow, title, recording) | 1%–3% of sale price | Yes |
| Holding costs (utilities, insurance, taxes) | Varies by timeline | Yes |
| Transfer tax and escrow fees | ~$1,000–$3,000 | Yes |
| Repairs and cleanup | $0 (if sold as-is) | No |
| Staging and photography | $0–$1,500 | Optional |
| Cash buyer discount | 10%–30% below market value | Depends on buyer |
Let’s go over what these mean — and where you can save the most.
1. Agent Commissions (Optional)
If you list your as-is home on the MLS with a real estate agent, expect to pay a commission of 4% to 6% of the final sale price.
That’s roughly $30,000–$45,000 on a $750,000 California home.
💡 However, if you sell directly to a cash buyer, you skip commissions altogether — instantly saving thousands.
Example: A Los Angeles homeowner sold their as-is property for $650,000 directly to an investor. By avoiding a 5% commission, they kept an extra $32,500 in profit.
2. Closing Costs
Even in as-is sales, you’ll still have closing costs, which usually include:
- Escrow and title fees
- Transfer taxes
- Document recording fees
These typically range from 1% to 3% of the sale price.
On a $600,000 home, that’s roughly $6,000 to $18,000 — though many cash buyers cover these costs for you.
👉 Tip: Always confirm if your buyer pays “all closing costs” before signing. It’s one of the biggest money-savers in as-is transactions.
3. Holding Costs While the House Sits
Until the home officially sells, you’re still responsible for:
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Utilities (water, gas, electric)
- HOA dues (if applicable)
- Basic maintenance
The longer it takes to sell, the more these costs add up.
Example: A homeowner in San Diego took six months to sell traditionally, spending over $7,800 on taxes, insurance, and utilities. A cash sale would have eliminated nearly all of that.
If you sell quickly — especially to a cash buyer — you can reduce holding costs to just a few hundred dollars. For insurance and maintenance cost insights, the California Department of Insurance provides resources to help homeowners budget accurately.
4. Repairs and Cleanup (Optional)
Here’s where as-is sellers save the most.
Traditional home prep often includes:
- Roof or plumbing fixes: $5,000–$20,000
- Interior paint: $3,000–$7,000
- New flooring: $5,000+
- Landscaping: $2,000+
When you sell as-is, you skip all of this.
You don’t even need to remove junk or furniture — investors buy houses in any condition, including hoarder homes, fire-damaged houses, and code violation properties.
5. Staging and Marketing (Optional)
Home staging and professional photos can make a big difference in traditional sales — but they’re unnecessary for most as-is listings.
Skipping these expenses can save you $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Instead, focus on transparency: provide honest descriptions and current photos so investors can assess the property accurately.
6. Price Discount for Condition
Here’s the biggest tradeoff: buyers will offer less for a home sold as-is.
Typically, expect 10% to 30% below market value, depending on condition.
But remember — you’re saving thousands in repair costs, holding costs, and agent fees, which often balances things out.
Example:
A family in Glendale faced $60,000 in needed updates. Rather than spending the money, they sold as-is for $500,000 (about 15% below market) and closed in two weeks — saving months of stress.
7. Transfer Tax and Escrow Fees
In California, sellers usually pay transfer taxes unless otherwise negotiated. The state transfer tax rate is $1.10 per $1,000 of the sale price.
So for a $700,000 home, that’s $770.
Escrow and title fees vary but typically total around $2,000 to $3,000 combined.
These are standard whether you sell as-is or traditionally — but cash buyers often cover them as part of the deal.
Total Cost Summary
Here’s how selling as-is compares to a traditional sale:
| Expense Type | Traditional Sale | As-Is Sale (Cash Buyer) |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs & cleanup | $15,000–$60,000 | $0 |
| Agent commissions | 5%–6% | $0 |
| Closing costs | 1%–3% | $0–2% |
| Holding costs | $3,000–$10,000 | $0–$1,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,000–$80,000+ | $0–$5,000 |
Selling as-is can easily save you $20,000 to $75,000 — and sometimes even more.
Hidden Costs Sellers Forget
Even in as-is transactions, a few small costs may sneak in:
- Outstanding property taxes or liens: Must be paid at closing.
- Mortgage payoff: Deducted from sale proceeds.
- Moving expenses: Plan for $1,000–$3,000 if relocating.
- Probate or title clearing fees (if applicable).
These are normal parts of the sale process, but planning ahead helps prevent last-minute surprises.
How to Reduce Your Selling Costs Even Further
✅ Sell Directly to a Cash Buyer
Skip agent commissions, inspections, and delays. Cash buyers close in as little as 7–14 days and pay most (if not all) closing costs.
✅ Avoid Repairs Entirely
Don’t sink money into fixes buyers won’t value. Investors price homes based on after-repair value (ARV), so cleaning or minor upgrades rarely change the offer much. According to the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report, many renovations return less than 60% of their cost — meaning it’s rarely worth the expense when selling as-is.
✅ Negotiate Fees Early
Before signing, confirm in writing which party covers escrow, title, and transfer taxes. Most investors (including us) cover them completely.
✅ Stay Current on Taxes and Utilities
Paying small ongoing bills prevents late fees and liens that could delay closing.
When Selling As-Is Makes the Most Sense
Selling as-is is especially smart if:
- You need to move or liquidate quickly.
- The property needs significant repairs.
- You’re dealing with probate, inheritance, or divorce.
- You want a guaranteed close with no financing delays.
In California’s competitive housing market, many sellers find as-is sales bring faster relief and lower total costs than traditional listings.
Example Case Study
A couple in Riverside inherited a home filled with clutter, roof damage, and old wiring.
A realtor quoted them $65,000 in repairs to list it on the MLS — plus $30,000 in commissions.
Instead, they sold the home as-is to a cash buyer for $475,000. The buyer covered closing costs and closed in 12 days.
After paying off the mortgage, the couple walked away with $445,000 — without lifting a finger.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house as-is in California doesn’t mean “no costs” — but it does mean far fewer costs and far less stress than traditional selling.
You’ll still have small fees like escrow or taxes, but you avoid the big-ticket expenses: agent commissions, repairs, and months of holding costs.
At Mrs. Property Solutions, we specialize in buying homes as-is across California — no cleaning, repairs, or waiting required.
We pay all cash, cover closing costs, and can close in as little as 7 days.
If you’re ready to sell quickly and skip the expensive repairs, reach out today for a fair, no-obligation offer.
📞 Call or text (602) 376-8391 — or visit our site to get your cash offer now.