Answers by Jazmin McDowell

Hi Michelle! You can absolutely sell your home "as-is," even if you still have a mortgage. Selling as-is simply means you're offering the property in its current condition without making repairs or improvements before closing. Buyers will still have the opportunity to conduct inspections, but you aren't agreeing upfront to fix anything. Having a mortgage is very common and does not prevent you from selling. At closing, your mortgage balance is typically paid off directly from the proceeds of the sale. If your home's value is greater than what you owe (plus any closing costs), you'll receive the remaining equity. If you're unsure whether you have enough equity or what your home might sell for in today's market, a local real estate professional can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your options before making any decisions! Best of luck!

Selling during the holiday season does come with a few things to consider. Typically, there are fewer buyers actively looking because many families are focused on travel, holiday gatherings, and end-of-year expenses. That can sometimes mean fewer showings, a little more time on the market, or less competition between buyers. The holidays can also make scheduling a bit more complicated. Inspections, appraisals, financing, and even closing timelines may take a little longer as everyone works around holiday schedules. The good news? Buyers who are shopping during the holidays are usually doing so because they have a reason to move. Whether it's a job relocation, a growing family, or a timeline they need to meet, they're often serious, motivated buyers, not just browsing. In many cases, that motivation can outweigh the slower pace that typically comes with the holiday season.

If you currently have an accent wall, a dark wall, or scuff marks, or stains, I would definitely suggest a touch up or a neutral color. Although it is not necessary, and it depends on the overall condition of the home, it is a fixer and people are going to come in and most likely do a lot of the work, I wouldn't recommend it, but a freshly painty interior does present cleaner, and brighter!