The current California residential purchase agreement contains language that all properties are sold in "as is" condition.  There are standard disclosures that are required in most situations.  

As far as surprises -- life is full of them.  Be aware.  Stay informed.  Complete due diligence.  Common sense is helpful too.  

No more than any other sale.  It makes sense to get a home inspection prior to any sale  

As Michael Jacobs says our CA contracts specify that sales are AS IS. That said, some buyers will ask for  repairs after having an inspection, which are, of course, negotiable with seller who may stick to selling it AS IS. Doing your due diligence as a buyer is essential so you know what you are getting!

A few surprises in every property.

Buyer found out it was on public water not a well as was thought.

seems like buyers can and will still ask for repairs...

"as is' ONLY means that the seller does not want to do repairs. 

It does not mean they will not and it also does not mean they are not willing to reducing the price.

So yes we have had surprises but not because the property is sold "as is"...the surprises come typically with the seller lying about something.

Eve

I recently had an experience with that - the seller failed to disclose a structural issue that they had even investigated (used the same structural engineer we did)!!  We got all of the buyers money back for them and found them another property!

Holy Moly .... YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mostly due to non-disclosure of material facts.  

Not personally

There are often surprises.

Yes. Major structural damage.

Oh so many! I suggested the seller tear it down

Hi, Kyle.

      Due diligence and proper inspections will prevent "surprises".

there are always surprises.....there are sometimes surprises after a home inspection!!!!!!!

That as-is doesn't mean as-is.  Oh, wait not a surprise.

Definitely. I have purchased many properties at trustee sale auctions where interior inspections were not available.

"As is" is an open invitation to a party with a bucket full of surprises!

No

No, never.

Yes, because there are far too many sellers that say "as is" but then they accept repair requests. So "as is" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone.

Never

Not so much, there has been a few.  I always expect the worse, when I find one that is not totally destroyed I get a smile on as I pass it on to my buyers.

Pack rats infesting the walls.

Yes, the Trifecta: (1) Buried Oil Tank (2) Failed Septic & (3) Freeze Damage

No.

Personally? No

Not much, since the buyers have to ''investigate'' and inspect regardless of the condition of the property. Most properties in CA are sold ''as is''. 

Kyle Beers Not as long as everybody understands the ground rules of what a property being sold "As Is" means. Education is key.

No ,No reason to be surprised  most bank owned properties are purchased this way just do your due diligence and if need be reneoigiate your contract or pull out.

Thanks

Kyle Beers - well, 'AS-Is' is what is as-is.

Sounds like Michael Jacobs has this topic covered! Again!!

Selling as is properties has taught me to not be surprised what shows up after the contract or after the closing.

I have seen some at times.  But that is the way it is.

NO

If you know what you are doing and how good the agent is.

100% sales completed are as is. 

No becasue every contract I di is subject to buyer approval of the inspection.

Surprises - Yes.

Because of 'AS-IS"? No.

AS -IS is a tool available that does not OBLIGATE the seller to make repairs.

NO, because whether buying or selling i check everything before so there are no surprises

No.

Yes...if something is not disclosed it does not hold up AS-IS. The correct use of the intended is : AS-IS AS-DISCLOSED. After that, all surprises are your own