When a home is inherited through a trust, one of the first and most difficult questions families face is:
Should we sell the home as-is, or invest money into fixing it up first?
There is no universal answer. The right decision depends on the property’s condition, your timeline, the trust’s financial situation, and your goals.
In Orange County, both approaches can work well when handled properly.
Option 1: Selling the Property As-Is
Selling as-is means you do not make repairs before listing the home. The buyer purchases the property in its current condition.
This option is often best when:
• The home needs extensive updates
• The trust does not want to invest additional funds
• The family wants to sell quickly
• The property has deferred maintenance
• Multiple beneficiaries prefer a faster resolution
In today’s Orange County market, many buyers—including investors and end-users—actively seek as-is properties.
The advantage is simplicity. You avoid managing repairs, contractors, and delays.
Option 2: Making Improvements Before Selling
In some cases, making strategic improvements can increase the final sale price and attract more buyers.
This might include:
• Interior and exterior paint
• Landscaping cleanup
• Carpet replacement or flooring updates
• Minor kitchen or bathroom improvements
• Professional cleaning and staging
These improvements can sometimes increase value significantly—but only when done thoughtfully.
Not all renovations produce a strong return.
The key is knowing which improvements matter and which do not.
The Most Important Question: What Is the Net Result?
The goal is not simply to get the highest price.
The goal is to achieve the best net outcome after time, cost, and risk.
Sometimes selling as-is produces nearly the same net result, without the stress and delays.
Other times, modest improvements can increase value meaningfully.
Each property is different.
What Most Families Don’t Realize
You do not need to figure this out alone.
A real estate professional experienced with trust and estate sales can:
• Evaluate the property condition
• Estimate as-is market value
• Recommend only high-ROI improvements (if any)
• Coordinate vendors if needed
• Help you avoid unnecessary expenses
This allows you to make a confident, informed decision.