How to Sell a House with Foundation Issues

Selling a house is a daunting task on its own. The task becomes even more complex when there are foundation issues. However, with careful planning and the right approach, you can successfully sell a house with a damaged foundation. In this article, let's discuss how you can do so.

In This Article:

• What Are Foundation Issues?
• How to Identify Foundation Issues
• Selling With Foundation Issues
• FAQs
• The Final Word

What Are Foundation Issues?

Foundation issues are structural problems that can impact the stability and integrity of your house's base. It can range from minor cracks in walls to more significant issues like sinkholes.

How to Identify Foundation Issues

Identifying foundation issues is a job that's best left to the professionals. There are licensed inspectors who specialize in foundation inspections. With that said, here are some signs of foundation issues:

Signs of exterior foundation issues:

• Cracks in exterior walls
• Cracks in concrete surfaces, such as driveways, garage floors, or walkways
• Foundation heaving
• Gaps around windows and doors
• Settling or sinking foundation
• Bulging walls

Signs of interior foundation issues:

• Cracks in interior walls
• Uneven floors
• Sticking doors and windows
• Unusual pooling of water in specific spots
• Leaning basement walls
• Leaning chimney
• Excess Mold growth (due to unproperly sealed windows and doors)

To hire the best inspector:

• Search online for local inspectors in your area that specialize in identifying settlement issues.
• Look for inspectors with at least a four-star review and good reviews.
• Shortlist the best inspectors based on experience, reviews, and certifications.
• Contact each inspector and get quotes from them.
• Compare the estimates and hire the best inspector.

Selling a House With Foundation Issues

You have two options when it comes to selling a house with foundation issues:

• Option 1: Fix the issue and sell the house
• Option 2: Sell the house as-is an investor or cash buyer

Option 1: Fix the Issue and Sell the House

Most foundation inspection contractors also offer foundation repair services and remediation. So, once they inspect, get repair quotes from them.

If the cost is reasonable, remedy the issue because it can increase the value of your property and attract more buyers when you go to sell. Fixing minor foundation issues is inexpensive. Ensure to document the work to reassure buyers that you have fixed foundation issues. Usually, the company will provide you with a warranty on the remediation performed.

Transparency is crucial to gain the trust of buyers. So, even if you fixed the foundation issues, don't hide that your property had it. Also, consider offering a warranty on foundation repairs to make your property more appealing and mitigate buyer's concerns about future issues. If the foundation repair company offers a warranty, ask to see if it’s transferrable to the new buyer.

Option 2: Sell the House As-Is

If the cost of fixing the foundation issue is too high, you can sell your property as-is.

Be transparent with the buyer when selling a property with foundation issues. These issues are easy to spot during a property inspection, so trying to hide them will only sour your relationship with the buyer. No one likes to get cheated, so there's a high chance that you lose the deal.

Homes with existing foundation issues, even if repaired will typically sell for less on the retail market. Knowing this is crucial for cash buyers looking to fix and flip the property.

Here's how you can sell your house as-is with foundation issues:

• Set a realistic asking price: Selling a house with foundation issues may limit your pool of potential buyers to cash buyers. Depending on the severity, foundation issues can significantly affect the property's market value. So, price your property accordingly.
• Disclose the issue: Transparency is crucial for successful real estate transactions. So, disclose the foundation issues when you list your house for sale. This will also save you time by attracting the right buyers from the start.
• Be open to negotiations: Since your home has foundation damage, buyers will most likely negotiate based on the needed repairs. Feel free to obtain a quote before selling, so you can provide any prospective buyers with an accurate estimate to remedy the situation.
• Legal protection: Before closing a sale, make sure to consult with a real estate attorney to ensure you comply with all legal requirements for selling a property with foundation issues. It protects you from potential disputes in the future. This usually is done in the form of Seller Disclosures.

FAQs

Can foundation problems be a deal-breaker for buyers?

It can be a deal-breaker for individual home buyers. However, it won't affect investors or flippers as much because repairing foundation damages is part of their investment strategy.

How long does it take to sell a house with foundation problems?

Homes with foundation issues take longer to find the right buyer. However, the exact time can vary depending on the issue, location, and your asking price.

Should I provide the buyer with foundation repair quotes?

We highly recommend providing buyers quotes for foundation repairs as it makes the deal more transparent. It also helps the buyer make an informed decision.

The Final Word

If you suspect your property has fallen victim to foundation issues, don’t panic. Hire a licensed inspector to inspect your property to understand the severity of the situation. If the damage is minor and cost-effective, we recommend immediately fixing to prevent any further damage and to preserve property value. If the issue is severe, price your property competitively to attract cash buyers.

If you need help selling a house with foundation issues, get in touch with Everyday Home Buyer. We purchase your property as-is and pay for all of your closing costs. We have extensive experience in acquiring, fixing, and flipping damaged properties as an investment strategy. We never offer more than we intend to pay. So, you don't have to worry about price reductions before closing the deal.