If your Winnipeg home needs work, compare what you’d keep after a private as-is sale, a public as-is listing, and a listing after light preparation. Start with recent comparable sales and an honest estimate of repair costs. The highest sale price can leave you with less money once you factor in the work and the extra time you’ll own the home.
Three ways to sell a home that needs work
1. Sell privately in its current condition
A private sale can suit a seller who wants fewer showings or a specific closing date. Ask for a written offer and compare the price, conditions, closing date, and estimated proceeds with what a public listing could achieve.
2. List publicly as-is
A public listing can reach buyers who are looking for a project. Start with comparable sales of homes in similar condition and discuss how you’ll describe the property and handle showings. An offer with a higher price may also have conditions or a closing date that matters to you.
3. Do targeted work before listing
Get quotes before committing to work. Cleaning, clearing clutter, or addressing small maintenance items may be worth considering. For a larger job, such as a roof or foundation repair, compare the quote and expected timeline with how much the work is likely to change the sale price.
Compare what you’d keep
For each option, start with an estimated sale price and subtract the prep, repair, and selling costs that apply. Include the extra costs of holding the property while work is underway, such as utilities, insurance, and property taxes.
For example, if light prep could add $15,000 to the sale price and cost $8,000 to complete plus $3,000 in extra carrying costs, the difference would be $4,000 before any change in other selling costs. These figures illustrate the comparison and are hypothetical.
What to bring to a first conversation
Bring your preferred closing date, a list of known issues or unfinished work, any quotes you already have, and how much time you’re comfortable spending on preparation. Those details make it easier to compare the options using recent sales and a realistic timeline.
Addison Herosian is a Winnipeg REALTOR® with Peters Herosian Group at Real Broker Manitoba Ltd. His background includes local real estate investment and home construction. See how Addison compares your Winnipeg as-is sale options or explore the team’s Winnipeg home-selling resources.
