When your property has code violations, selling it can be highly stressful, and it can be exhausting to deal with them. It will be challenging to find a buyer when your house does not meet housing regulations, regardless of why you want to sell it.
The good news is that you can sell real estate relatively quickly if you follow a few steps. Here are some tips on selling a home with code violations in Charleston, SC.
Can You Sell a House with Code Violations?
In short, yes, it is possible to sell a house with code violations. However, to avoid fines, you or the buyer must make the property code compliant before selling it. This is because mortgage lenders won’t approve a mortgage for a house with significant code violations.
Each city jurisdiction has its requirements for sellers before selling their homes. For example, closet lighting may need to be replaced so the bulbs are completely enclosed. In most cases, these upgrades are easy and relatively inexpensive.
When selling a home with code violations, it’s best to get a thorough home inspection to determine whether the problems can be easily fixed. It is a legal requirement in most states for the seller to disclose any code violations before selling a house to the buyer.
What Codes Should You Look Out For?
Your local city jurisdiction will be able to tell you which building codes you need to follow. Typical code violations that require repairs include:
- Electrical Panels: Most older homes have outdated electrical systems. In addition to being inefficient, they can also be hazardous to residents. Consequently, most mortgage providers require sellers to upgrade their electrical systems to be code-compliant before listing their homes.
- Plumbing Issues: Plumbing problems can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. A home can become uninhabitable if it suffers too much water damage. The seller may need to conduct a home inspection to ensure all plumbing systems are working correctly.
- Pests: Pest-infested homes are naturally difficult to sell because they pose a serious health and safety risk. Pests need to be exterminated from the property before being listed for sale.
What Are Your Options to Sell a House with Code Violations?
As mentioned above, selling a house with code violations is not impossible. You have three options to do so.
Fix the Problems
In most cases, fixing the problem yourself is the easiest way to go. Even though you’ll need to spend money, bringing your house up to code will make it easier to sell. Usually, code violations can be fixed quickly and cheaply. However, electrical or plumbing issues can be more expensive to repair.
Lower the Asking Price
When the seller does not want to fix the code violations, the buyer is responsible for doing so. Sellers may not have trouble convincing someone to cover costs if the issues are minor. By lowering your asking price, you can entice them to buy, and a lower price will allow them to raise the funds they need to make the home code compliant.
However, the buyer may have difficulty obtaining a mortgage if the house has code violations, so it’s usually only a good option if the repairs don’t cost a lot of money.
Work With a Cash Buyer
If you want to sell your home quickly and without spending money to make it code-compliant, it is best to sell “as-is” to a cash buyer. In contrast to traditional buyers who may find properties with problems and code violations unappealing, cash home buyers in Charleston, SC, offer an upfront cash offer and save you the hassle of fixing up the property.
Sell My House Fast in Charleston, SC
There is no doubt that trying to sell a property with code violations can be challenging. With Favor Home Solutions, you don’t have to worry about cleaning, repairing, or fixing your home. We buy houses as-is, without fees, commissions, or hassles, so you can get the fair cash offer you deserve in record time.
Make sure you don’t get overwhelmed when you need to sell my house fast in Charleston, SC. We can provide you with a no-obligation cash offer and close the deal in as little as 7-10 days. Contact us today!
