Selling As-Is vs. Refreshing: What’s Really the Best Choice for an Estate?

When you’re handling the sale of an estate property, one of the first questions that comes up is: should we sell the home as-is, or should we take some time to clean it up and refresh it before listing?

It can feel overwhelming, but the answer isn’t always “just sell it quick.” As the Personal Representative (PR) of an estate, you carry a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its heirs—which means carefully weighing the financial impact of your decision.

What Selling As-Is Really Means

When cash investors make offers, they typically pay only 50–60 cents on the dollar. In plain terms, if you see a number on Zillow, expect an investor to offer about $100,000 less.

The Upside:

• No inspection contingencies

• No appraisal contingencies

• A fast, certain closing

The Trade-Off:

• Leaving tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table

That ease and peace of mind can be tempting—especially if the process feels overwhelming—but it’s not always the best choice when your responsibility is to maximize the estate’s assets.

Cleaning Up and Refreshing vs. MLS As-Is

Here’s the important distinction: selling “as-is” doesn’t always mean selling to an investor. You can still list the property on the MLS as-is, which exposes it to the full retail buyer market.

Even with no major updates, simple steps like:

• Decluttering and hauling away unwanted items

• Deep cleaning the property

• Fresh paint or carpet if needed

• Basic yard care and curb appeal touch-ups

…can go a long way toward attracting buyers and stronger offers.

Unless the home is severely damaged, hoarded, or unlivable, the best way to net the most money for the estate is almost always through the MLS.

What’s the Right Path for Your Estate?

If the home truly cannot be brought to marketable condition, a direct investor sale may be the most practical choice. But in most situations, taking the time to clean up, refresh, and list on MLS results in far better returns for the estate.

That way, you can feel confident you’ve fulfilled your fiduciary duty—ensuring the heirs get the maximum value from the property rather than giving it away simply to avoid the process.