Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is in El Paso, TX? Read This First.

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options:

• Do you sell it as-is and make it easier on yourself? No repairs. No effort.
• Or do you fix it up a bit first – so it shows well and sells for as much as possible?

In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know.

More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again

Over the past year, the number of El Paso homes for sale has been climbing. And this year, a Realtor.com forecast says it could go up another 8.9%. That matters. As buyers gain more options, they also re-gain the ability to be selective. So, the details are starting to count again.

That’s one reason most sellers choose to make some updates before listing. 

According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling (the blue and the green in the chart below). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is:

What Selling As-Is Really Means

Selling as-is means you’re signaling upfront that you won’t handle repairs before listing or negotiate fixes after inspection. That can definitely simplify things on your end, but it also narrows your buyer pool.

Homes that are move-in ready typically attract more buyers and stronger offers. On the flip side, when a home needs work, fewer buyers are willing to take it on. That can mean fewer showings, fewer offers, more time on the market, and often a lower final price.

It doesn’t mean your house won’t sell – it just means it may not sell for as much as it could have.

How an Agent Can Help

So, what should you do? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s going to depend a lot on your house and your local market.

And that’s why working with an agent is a must. The right agent will help you weigh your options and anticipate what your house may sell for either way – and that can be a key factor in your final decision. 

• If you choose to sell as-is: They’ll call attention to the best features, like the location, size, and more, so it’s easy for buyers to see the potential, not just the projects.
• If you decide to make repairs: Your agent can pinpoint what's really worth the time and effort based on your budget and what buyers care about the most.

The good news is, there's still time to get repairs done. Typically speaking, the spring is the peak homebuying season, so there are still several months left before buyer demand will be at its seasonal high. That means you have time to make some repairs, without rushing or stressing, and still hit the listing sweet spot.

The choice is yours. No matter what you end up picking, your agent will market your house to draw in as many buyers as possible. And in today’s market, that expertise is going to be worth it.

Bottom Line

While selling as-is can still make sense in certain situations, in some markets today, it may cost you. So, no, you don’t have to make repairs before you list. But you may want to.

To make sure you’re considering all your options and making the best choice possible, let's have a quick conversation about your house.

The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

Would-be El Paso homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back.

According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up often.

Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right now.

But here’s what you need to know.

Even though a lot of people assume you need flawless credit to buy a house, that’s not necessarily the case.

You Don’t Need Perfect Credit To Buy a Home

So, where’s this myth come from? Part of the confusion stems from the fact that the typical homebuyer today does have a fairly strong credit score. In fact, according to data from the NY Fed, the median credit score for all buyers is 775.

But that doesn’t mean you need a score that high to qualify.

Looking at recent El Paso homebuyers, a number were able to get a mortgage with scores below that threshold. Data shows 10% of scores were around 660. Which means some were higher than that and some were lower, but the median in that lowest 10th percentile was around that range (see graph below):

So, even if your score isn’t as high as you want, that doesn’t automatically close the door. FICO explains there is no universal credit score you absolutely have to have when buying a home:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use . . .”

The best thing to do is to talk to a trusted lender to see what’s possible for you. Because a portion of buyers are buying with scores in the 600s – and maybe that means you can too.

Bottom Line

Your credit score is important. But that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.

If credit has been the reason you’ve been waiting to buy a home, it might be time to take another look at your options. If you want help understanding where you stand and what your next step could be, connect with a local lender.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start the conversation.

Millennials and Retirees Shape El Paso Housing Demand

In El Paso, 2026 demand is being pulled in two clear directions by key demographics: Millennials and Retirees.

Millennials (now aged 30-45) are the primary first-time homebuyer force. They are driving demand for:

Affordability: El Paso's relatively low cost-of-living is a magnet. They seek starter homes in areas like the East Side and Lower Valley for value, and renovated historic properties in Manhattan Heights or Kern.

Practicality: Many are starting families. They prioritize functional spaces, 3-bedroom floor plans, and good school districts over luxury finishes.

Convenience: Proximity to Fort Bliss (for military/federal families), I-10 access, and emerging commercial corridors is key.

Retirees (both local downsizers and incoming "sunbirds") are shaping a different market:

Right-Sizing: Empty-nesters are selling larger Westside homes to buy low-maintenance properties—think single-story homes, townhomes in Westlake, or secure condo complexes.

Lifestyle & Healthcare: Demand is high for active-adult communities and areas with easy access to medical hubs (like near The Hospitals of Providence), walkability, and amenities.

Climate & Cross-Border Appeal: Our mild winters and cultural richness attract retirees from colder, more expensive states. Some also value the proximity to Juarez for dental/medical services.

The 2026 Intersection:
This creates a dynamic market. Millennials are competing for the same mid-range, single-family homes that retirees are selling. Meanwhile, new construction is trying to serve both: building affordable starter homes and developing active-lifestyle communities. The pressure is on inventory—having the right product for each group.

Bottom Line for El Paso: Our market isn't monolithic. Millennials are pushing demand for affordable, convenient family homes, while retirees are driving demand for low-maintenance, accessible lifestyle properties. Understanding these dual engines is key to navigating 2026's real estate landscape. Visit www.epcasabyowner.com and find your dream home in El paso, TX.

El Paso, TX Property Taxes Impact Mortgage Payments

In Texas, we have no state income tax, so property taxes are a primary funding source for local services—they are significant. In El Paso County, the combined tax rate (city, county, school district, etc.) typically ranges from 2.2% to 2.7% of your home’s appraised value annually.
When you secure a mortgage, lenders don’t just calculate principal and interest. They use an escrow account to also collect money for property taxes (and insurance) monthly. This ensures your tax bill is paid automatically when it comes due each year.
Here’s the direct effect on your payment:
Your monthly mortgage payment (PITI) includes: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. The "T" is your property taxes, divided by 12 and added to each payment.
Example: On a $300,000 home with a 2.5% tax rate, annual taxes are ~$7,500. That adds $625 per month to your mortgage payment, on top of principal and interest.
Appraisal changes matter: Even with a fixed-rate loan, your payment can increase if the El Paso Central Appraisal District raises your home's taxable value, causing your escrow portion to rise.
Key El Paso Considerations:
Homestead Exemption: Always file this! It reduces your home's taxable value for school taxes by $100,000 (as of 2024) and caps annual value increases, softening the tax burden.
Voter-Approved Debt: Tax rates can change based on local bond elections, affecting future payments.
Shopping Budget: When pre-approving, we must focus on your total monthly PITI payment, not just the loan amount. High taxes mean less of your budget goes toward the house price itself.
In short, El Paso's property taxes are a major, non-negotiable component of your mortgage payment. They make monthly costs higher than in lower-tax states, but careful planning and using all exemptions help manage this. Let's discuss your budget with specific tax estimates for your preferred neighborhoods. Visit www.epcasabyowner.com and find your dream home in El Paso, TX.

1. Preparation & Financing: Start by checking your credit and getting pre-approved by a local lender or credit union (like GECU or UFCU). This determines your budget and shows sellers you’re serious. El Paso's market is relatively affordable, but competition varies by neighborhood.

2. Hire a Local Realtor: A knowledgeable Casa By Owner El Paso agent is crucial. They understand the nuances of areas like the Westside, Eastside, Northeast, or historic districts, and can guide you through offers and negotiations, which often move quickly.

3. House Hunting & Making an Offer: View properties with your agent. When you find the right home, your agent will help you draft a competitive offer. In Texas, you’ll use standard TREC contracts. Your offer may include an option fee (typically $100-$300) for a negotiated “option period” (often 7-10 days) to inspect the property and back out if needed.

4. Inspections & Appraisal: During the option period, hire a licensed inspector. El Paso-specific issues can include soil conditions, foundation concerns (due to expansive clay), and plumbing. Your lender will also order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value matches the loan.

5. Closing Process: Texas is a title attorney state. Once the contract is executed, a title company (like Rio Grande Title) handles escrow, title search, and closing. You'll finalize your loan, purchase homeowners insurance, and complete a final walkthrough.

6. Closing Day: Sign the extensive stack of closing documents at the title company. You’ll pay closing costs (typically 2-5% of the purchase price) and receive the keys. Congratulations, you own a home in El Paso!

Key Local Note: Property taxes in El Paso County are a significant consideration, as they impact your monthly payment. Rates vary between school districts (e.g., EPISD, SISD, YISD). Your Realtor will help you understand the total cost of ownership.
Visit www.epcasabyowner.com and find your dream home in El Paso, TX.