What is the meaning of “as-is” on a real estate listing?

“As-is” means like it sounds.

If a used car is listed “as-is” by the car dealership, then the buyer takes the car “as-is” after paying. Any issues found with the car afterwards is the responsibility of the new owner and not the dealer because it was listed “as-is”.

A home listed with “as-is” generally means the seller does not want any follow-up responsibilities once the purchase transaction exchanges hands. For example, if the washer and dryer is found to be broken on inspection, the seller is still selling the house w/ broken washer and dryer “as-is”, and they will not be replacing them with working washer and dryer units.

“As-is” protects the seller from further involvement once a purchase transaction completes. As a home buyer, it is usually better to avoid “as-is” listings unless it is an undervalued foreclosure sale.

Most foreclosures are bought and sold “as-is” where the seller will not fix anything.