Key Takeaways
- A house with a major structural problem typically sells for 10 to 20 percent less than a property that has no such issues
- If you fix it before selling, you may attract more buyers but you will need to invest time and money
- Another option is to sell it as it is to a cash home buyers, which is a fast and simple solution, for example through We Buy House As-Is
- Traditional sales may still work if priced right and marketed well
- Making a sound financial decision is necessary for a person who is pondering whether to do the repairs or to opt for quick cash deals
Blog Objective:
To guide homeowners on how to successfully sell house with structural problems — including understanding market realities, evaluating options from repairs to speedy sales, and leveraging trusted buyers such as We Buy House As-Is to sell my house fast even with significant issues.
Introduction
Selling a home with major foundation cracks, roof issues, or structural instability can feel overwhelming—especially if your goal is to sell house with structural problems and move on quickly. Many homeowners believe that they need to fix everything when they want to list their home, but it may not be the case at all. From making selective fixes to choosing faster alternatives, there are multiple ways to navigate the process. If you are facing time constraints, financial pressure, or simply wish to sell my house fast, knowing your choices will allow you to make a confident and informed decision with less stress and fewer surprises.
Do You Know?
According to the research by Revive shows that properties sold “as is” typically sell for 10% to 20% lower than that of similar move in ready ones because buyers tend to worry about the cost of repairs and the risks involved. Source
Understanding the Challenge: Structural Issues and Buyer Preferences
In today’s market, most of the buyers prefer homes that are ready to move and free of major structural concerns. A house that requires total renovations or has foundation problems could be sold at a much lower price, or even remain unsold for a longer period of time.
The reason behind this is that lenders might be afraid to give mortgages on houses with severe damages thereby lowering the number of buyers to be financed. The result? Sellers often face low offers or long waiting periods before closing a deal. That’s where cash home buyers enter the picture — especially if your goal is to sell house with structural damage without investing in costly repairs.
How You Can Sell a House with Structural Issues
Option 1: Repair Before Selling — Is It Worth It?
If you have enough money, fixing the damages to the structure before selling can make your home more attractive to the usual buyers:
Pros of Fixing First
- Higher Sale Price Potential: A well-repaired home might attract more offers.
- Financed Buyers: With structural issues resolved, lenders are more likely to approve mortgages.
- Broader Buyer Pool: There will be more buyers who are willing to bid when the house is in a good repaired condition.
Cons of Repairing
- Upfront Costs: Structural repairs especially to foundations, beams, or major systems can be really pricey.
- Time Delay: Repairs add weeks or even months to your timeline.
- Uncertain ROI: You may not fully recoup what you spend on fixes when you sell.
Before committing to repairs, get multiple quotes from licensed contractors and evaluate whether the estimated increase in sale price justifies the cost or not.
Option 2: Sell As-Is to Cash Home Buyers and Skip Repairs
For many homeowners wanting speed and certainty, selling as is to cash home buyers is an attractive alternative. One of the companies that specialize in buying homes is We Buy House As-Is, which will buy a property no matter what condition it is in. Therefore it is unnecessary to repair cracks, change rotten beams, or get the home ready for sale.
Why This Works
- Quick Closings: You can sell my house fast, sometimes even within 7 to 15 days.
- No Repairs Required: House can be sold in as is condition even with major problems.
- Simplified Process: Cash buyers generally handle inspections and close faster than financed deals.
- Lower Fees: Selling directly can reduce or eliminate agent commissions and certain closing costs.
Offers might be less as compared to the market listings, however the ease and quick turnaround normally make up the difference primarily if your main focus is to get rid of repair troubles and long negotiations.
Option 3: Traditional Sale With Strategy
If you still want to pursue a conventional sale with a realtor, here’s how to do it strategically:
- Be Transparent:
Reveal the structural problems completely. Buyers appreciate honesty, and concealing issues might cause you legal problems eventually.
- Price Competitively:
Keep a reasonable price for your home depending on the condition. If you set the price too high, potential buyers will return away, but if you price the home wisely, you can expect quicker offers.
- Market the Potential:
Some buyers and investors are on the lookout for fixer uppers that contains great bonus. To draw in those buyers, emphasize the positive features along with the benefits of the neighborhood.
- Use Professional Help:
Partner with real estate agents who have the experience and know how to list homes with structural problems. They will be able to guide you on the best staging and pricing strategies.
How to Choose the Best Route
The following is a haste guide in order that you can make improved decision:
- Need cash fast? → When selling to cash buyers such as We Buy House As-Is, you are able to close within a short period of time without having to make repairs, display the house, or wait until financing is found. This is a good solution if you are facing foreclosure, relocation, or urgent financial needs.
- Have funds and time for repairs? → Making major repairs before selling might attract more buyers and get you a higher price, but you have to pay for those repairs yourself and be patient.
- Looking for a balance? → Set your price at market value and make only the necessary changes to the home can help you bring in real estate investors or buyers who are willing to make the repairs.
Ultimately, the best route depends on your timeline, financial flexibility, and tolerance for risk and inconvenience.
Final Thoughts
There is no need for selling a house with structural damage to be a stressful or dragging situation. Depending on your decision to fix the damages, hire professionals in real estate or go the way of selling a house with structural problems to cash home buyers, a solution is always available for meeting your goals. For a stress free process and the chance to sell my house fast without repair, We Buy House As-Is is a reliable source of converting your property into cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques1. Do I have to repair the structural damage if I want to sell my house?
Ans: If you decide to put your house up for sale as a “fixer upper” or sell to house buyers for cash, you are free to sell it without making any repairs.
Ques2. How much less might I get selling a house with structural problems?
Ans: Properties sold “as is” typically sell for about 10 to 20% less than homes that have been fully repaired.
Ques3. What are cash home buyers?
Ans: Cash home buyers are investors who buy properties outright with cash, often not requiring the buyer to get a mortgage or do any repairs, thus expediting the transaction.
Ques4. Do I still need an inspection if selling as is?
Ans: This will be buyer dependent, however, a large number of cash home buyers might not require a formal inspection.
Ques5. Is selling to a cash buyer such as We Buy House As-Is safe?
Ans: Yes legitimate cash buyers will offer you a fair offer and often complete the transaction quickly without any hidden charges.