If you’ve been browsing homes in Tampa (or you’re getting ready to list one), chances are you’ve seen the words “as-is” pop up in a listing description or contract. And if you’re like most buyers and sellers, your first thought might be:
“So… does that mean I can’t ask for anything?”
Or, “Am I stuck with every problem the house has?”
We’re Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz, and with 40+ years of combined real estate experience here in Tampa Bay, we can tell you this with confidence:
“As-is” does NOT mean “take it or leave it with no options.”
But it does mean you need to understand your rights, your risks, and your strategy—before you sign anything.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
The Real Meaning of “As-Is” in Tampa Real Estate
In Tampa real estate contracts, “as-is” means the seller is offering the home in its current condition—without agreeing upfront to make repairs, upgrades, or improvements.
That’s it.
It does not automatically mean the house is falling apart. In fact, we’ve seen plenty of beautifully maintained homes sold “as-is” simply because the seller wants:
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a smoother transaction
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fewer repair negotiations
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a cleaner timeline
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more predictable closing terms
In many cases, “as-is” is a strategy, not a warning sign.
“As-Is” Does NOT Mean You Can’t Do an Inspection
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we see in Tampa.
Even in an “as-is” contract, buyers typically still have the right to:
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schedule a professional home inspection
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evaluate the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundation, etc.
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review seller disclosures
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decide whether they want to move forward
So yes—you can still inspect.
And you absolutely should.
In our experience, inspections aren’t just about finding issues—they’re about understanding the home you’re buying and protecting your investment.
Can a Buyer Still Ask for Repairs in an “As-Is” Deal?
Yes. You can ask.
But here’s the key:
The seller is not obligated to say yes.
In an “as-is” transaction, buyers may still request:
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repairs
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credits toward closing costs
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a price adjustment
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a home warranty
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or other concessions
The difference is that the seller has positioned the deal as:
“We’re not planning to fix things, but we’re open to discussion if something major comes up.”
And that’s where having a strong local team matters.
We’ve negotiated countless “as-is” contracts across Tampa neighborhoods—from South Tampa to Carrollwood to Wesley Chapel—and we can tell you: there’s always room for strategy.
What “As-Is” Means for Sellers in Tampa
For sellers, listing “as-is” can be a smart move—especially if:
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the home is older
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repairs are likely to come up
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the seller doesn’t want to manage contractors
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the seller is out of state or handling an estate sale
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the goal is speed and simplicity
But here’s the truth we share with our sellers:
“As-is” doesn’t protect you from everything.
Sellers still need to:
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disclose known material defects (when required)
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avoid misrepresentation
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understand that buyers may walk away after inspection
The best “as-is” listings are the ones that are priced correctly and marketed clearly—so expectations are aligned from day one.
When “As-Is” Should Make You Pause (But Not Panic)
“As-is” doesn’t automatically mean trouble—but there are a few situations where we recommend extra caution:
major visible damage (foundation cracks, sagging rooflines, active leaks)
strong odor of mold or moisture
older roofs or outdated electrical systems
unpermitted additions or renovations
tenants still occupying the property with unclear terms
That doesn’t mean “don’t buy it.” It simply means:
Get the right inspections, ask the right questions, and negotiate with a plan.
The Lewkowicz Group Advice: “As-Is” Is a Contract Term—Not a Sentence
We always tell our clients this:
💡 “As-is doesn’t remove your choices. It just changes the conversation.”
If you’re a buyer, your power comes from:
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doing a thorough inspection
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understanding true repair costs
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knowing when to negotiate vs. walk away
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having someone in your corner who knows Tampa values street-by-street
If you’re a seller, your power comes from:
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setting expectations early
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pricing the home based on condition
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attracting the right buyer pool
protecting your timeline and bottom line
Final Thoughts: “As-Is” Can Be a Great Deal—With the Right Guidance
Tampa’s market moves fast, and “as-is” homes are often part of that speed. Some are hidden gems. Some need work. Some are priced aggressively for a reason.
The difference between a smart purchase and an expensive mistake usually comes down to one thing:
Having a trusted local expert who knows what to look for—and how to negotiate it.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling an “as-is” property in Tampa Bay, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz would be happy to help you understand what’s normal, what’s risky, and what makes sense for your goals.
Because in real estate, clarity is everything—and we’re here to make sure you have it.
