Process and Advantages of Selling a Home ‘As-Is’ in Washington State

If you’ve ever looked around at an outdated kitchen, a leaky roof, or an overgrown yard and thought, “There’s just too much to fix,” you’re not alone. It can feel overwhelming just thinking about where to start, let alone how much it might cost. We recently helped a homeowner whose Sammamish property suffered significant damage during the Bomb Cyclone last November — and they were relieved to discover they didn’t have to make a single repair.

The good news is, you can sell your home “as-is” too — no painting, no staging, no contractors, and no costly surprises.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what selling “as-is” means, explain how the Georgia Buys process works, and break down the benefits of this route (including why so many homeowners across Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and beyond are choosing off-market sales). We’ll also take a realistic look at when listing on the market is the better path.

What Does It Mean to Sell a Home on the MLS?

Selling a home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) means putting your property on the open market, typically with the help of a real estate agent. It’s the traditional route most homeowners are familiar with—and for good reason.

The MLS broadcasts details and photos of your home to thousands of agents and buyers. It often appears on popular public sites like Zillow and Redfin, which can drive competitive interest and potentially higher offers. It involves frequent home tours by agents and buyers, open houses, manicured landscaping, etc.

This option is usually best if your home is in good condition, you’re not in a rush, and you’re aiming to get top dollar. Just keep in mind: listing on the MLS often involves repairs, staging, showings, and paying agent commissions (typically 5–6%) that can quickly eat away at the extra money you were hoping to get by selling on market.

For the right property in the right market, it can be well worth it.

What Does It Mean to Sell a Home “As-Is”?

When you sell a home “as-is,” you’re telling buyers: what you see is what you get. You’re not making repairs, upgrades, or cleaning the place out (yes, even if the garage is stacked with boxes from the ’90s).

This is especially helpful for:

Inherited homes that haven’t been updated in decades
Rental properties with tired tenants or damage
Properties impacted by fire, water, wind, trees, hoarding, etc.
Situations where time, money, or energy is limited

The beauty? You can walk away without lifting a finger, or a paintbrush.

The Georgia Buys “As-Is” Selling Process

At Georgia Buys, we’ve simplified the entire process so homeowners can move forward confidently, quickly, and without stress. Here’s how it works:

You Reach Out

Give us a call or fill out a quick form on our website. We just need a few basic details, no need to dig up paperwork or photos.

We Call You

We’ll learn more about your situation, the property, and what you’re looking to achieve. Whether it’s a fast close, a longer leaseback, or help relocating, we’re flexible.

We Evaluate the Property

We’ll either schedule a quick walkthrough or evaluate the home virtually. No need to clean up. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to help.

You Get a Cash Offer

We’ll send you a fair, no-obligation cash offer. No commissions, no closing costs, and no hidden fees.

You Choose the Closing Date

Want to close in 10 days? Need 45? You’re in control. We work on your timeline.

You Move On, Stress-Free

No repairs, no showings, no drama. Just cash in your hands and one less thing to worry about.

Why Sell “As-Is” Off-Market in Washington?

Selling your home off-market to a cash buyer like Georgia Buys can make a lot of sense, especially in today’s housing climate. But don’t just take our word for it. Local companies across Washington echo similar benefits.

No Repairs, No Cleaning
- Whether it’s a cracked foundation, a dated bathroom, or a house full of stuff, we take it exactly as it is. We make it clear that sellers skip the hassle and expense of repairs altogether.
Skip the Showings
- No staging. No strangers walking through your home. You avoid the invasion of privacy that comes with traditional MLS listings.
Close on Your Timeline
- Whether you need out in under 30 days or need the peace of mind that your home has a buyer that will not close for the next year, we are here to support your timeline. That means you can plan your move around your life.
Avoid Agent Fees
- There are no commissions when you sell directly to an investor.
Certainty & Speed
- You don’t have to wait around wondering if the buyer’s financing will fall through. Cash means no banks, no appraisals, and far fewer unknowns.

But Wait, Should I Still List My Home?

In many cases, yes. If your home is in great condition, located in a high-demand neighborhood, and you have the time and flexibility to prepare it for market, selling on the MLS can result in higher offers from retail buyers.

At Georgia Buys, we help homeowners explore both options. We’ve worked with homeowners who started with us off-market and eventually listed, and vice versa. The important thing is figuring out what you need most right now.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

	MLS Sale	Off-Market Cash Sale
Prep Work Needed	Lots (repairs, cleaning, staging)	None
Time to Close	30–60+ days	Flexible: as fast as 7 days, or as long as 1 year
Certainty of Close	Moderate (may fall through)	High (cash, no financing risk)
Costs & Fees	6–10% of sale price	Zero agent fees, flexible closing costs
Best For	Homes in great condition	Fixers, inherited, or urgent sale scenarios

Real-Life Scenarios: When “As-Is” Sales Make the Most Sense

Divorce or Separation – Quick sale allows both parties to move forward
Inherited Homes – Avoid expensive clean-outs and probate delays
Pre-Foreclosure – Beat the clock and protect your credit
Out-of-State Owners – No need to travel back and forth
Major Repairs Needed – Skip the expense and sell “as-is”

Can I Still Get a Fair Price?

Yes. “As-is” doesn’t mean giving your house away.

We base our offers on what the home could be worth once repaired, then subtract the cost of renovations, closing expenses, and our margin. That’s it. No lowballing or funny business.

We’re transparent about how we arrive at our numbers, and we encourage homeowners to compare. Some even take our offer to their agent just to verify it’s in the ballpark (spoiler: it often is).

If our offer does not capture the value that you are looking for in the sale of your home, you have committed to nothing other than a second opinion. Our service is not right for everybody, and we will never pretend that it is.

The Easy Choice

Selling your home “as-is” isn’t the right choice for everyone, but for many Washington homeowners, it’s the path of least resistance with the most peace of mind.

At Georgia Buys, we’re proud to work both on and off-market. Our only goal is to help you make the right decision for your home, your family, and your future.

Whether your place is pristine or a bit of a project, we’ll meet you where you’re at, no pressure, just options.