If you’re looking to sell your home, naturally you want to sell it for the best possible price (and a little profit wouldn’t hurt, either). But selling a home can be a complicated and stressful process with so many things pre-occupying your mind, the least of which is your home flooring.

But for most homeowners, overlooking your home flooring is a major faux-pas. In some cases, the floors of your home can actually make or break a home sale. When you are staging your home or putting it on show with little-to-no furniture, this is when your flooring becomes most apparent. 

So, just how important is flooring when selling a house? Here are the most important factors to consider. 

What Types of Floors Sell Homes? 

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking your flooring, even if your mind is clouded with a million other intricacies and tasks during a home sale. Your home flooring counts — you may not notice it as much because you’ve looked at it every day for a number of years.

But the reality is that it’s one of the first things all potential buyers see when they walk through your front door. If your flooring is neglected and looks like it needs too much work, many homeowners will walk away from the sale. 

Yes, there are a number of remodeling projects to consider before you put your house on the market. But re-doing your flooring is not to be overlooked. 

So, if you were to rip up your old flooring or carpeting, what type of flooring should you invest in? 

Hardwood Flooring 

Research shows that there are a few key characteristics home buyers are willing to pay extra for. And one of those is hardwood floors — in fact, up to 54 percent of buyers are willing to fork out extra for this feature. 

But bear in mind that not all hardwood flooring is created equal. There are certain styles that most homeowners of today tend to prefer, such as wood floors with a rustic-chic feel.

Hardwood flooring that is especially popular includes styles that are hand-scraped, those that look a little more worn, or have an engineered look and feel. 

How Important Is Flooring When Selling a House? 

Now, you may be wondering whether you have to replace all the flooring in every single room of your home. This would be a massive (and expensive) undertaking that you may not have the budget for. 

But the good news is that not every single room in your home needs to have the perfect flooring. So, when it comes to the importance of flooring when selling your home, you only have to consider a few key areas. 

Should You Replace Carpets Before Selling a House?

If your bedrooms have carpeting, you can usually come away with a decent home sale and you don’t have to worry too much about them. But you want to have your carpets expertly cleaned and all stains removed before putting your home on the market. 

When it comes to other areas of your home, consistency with your flooring is what really counts. 

Whatever you do, you want to avoid multiple, inconsistent layers of flooring throughout your home. Especially in high-traffic or highly visible areas such as between your kitchen and lounge area. 

Key areas of your home to focus on include your kitchen, main living areas, and your hallways. In these spaces, your flooring should be consistent. Some of the most popular options include hardwood flooring, as mentioned, wood laminate, or wood vinyl. You want to avoid carpeting in these areas wherever possible. 

If you’re going to install hardwood or wood laminate flooring, opt for consistent color and pattern between these key spaces, too.

What To Consider When Re-Flooring Your Home 

If the floors in your home are in sub-par condition, this is the best time to tackle them head-on. Real estate experts believe that bad flooring is one of the top reasons home buyers do not follow through with a sale. 

Keep in mind that it’s pretty hard to come back from floors that show a lot of wear and tear — especially in key areas of your home. No amount of cleaning or stain removal may be able to bring them back to life. 

But before you rip up your flooring and start from scratch, here’s what to look at first: 

1. Assess Your Carpeting With a Critical Eye 

Should you replace carpet to sell a house? Not always. As mentioned earlier, carpeting works in a home only if it’s in good condition and confined to certain areas, such as your bedrooms. Most home buyers are happy to accept a home sale with good quality carpeting. 

But, the key to assessing the state of your carpets is to look at them as if you were a home buyer. In this case, you’ll need to be hyper-critical. Remember that home buyers are seeing your carpeting with fresh eyes, for the first time. 

When assessing your carpets, ask yourself these key questions: 

• How would you really feel if you saw your carpets for the first time? 
• Would you be willing to walk barefoot throughout your carpeted rooms? 
• Would you let your children, i.e. a small infant crawl and play on these floors?
• Are your carpets really on-trend in terms of preferred styles and colors of today? 

If you have doubts about any of your answers to these questions, it may be time to consider fresh carpeting or a flooring replacement. A good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind is that your carpets should always look fresh. 

2. Do Your Existing Hardwood Floors Need Some TLC? 

If your home already has hardwood flooring, this is great news. But before you put your house on the market, you’ll have to take a long, hard look at your flooring quality. While hardwood flooring sells homes, it won’t do anything for your home sale if they’re in dire condition. 

You might not have the funds to completely re-do your hardwood flooring, but there are plenty of options to revive your flooring without breaking the bank. There are a number of conditioning treatments and other fixes that can re-inject new life into hardwood flooring. You just need the right products and an expert to finish them off for you.

Here are a few tips to ensure your hardwood floors are a key selling factor: 

• Ensure your flooring is in good condition with minimal creaking, areas of sagging, and warping 
• Clean and condition areas that are particularly worn down

At the end of the day, a home with hardwood flooring is a real asset in today’s world. If you’re lucky enough to already have this feature in your home, do everything you can to maintain and preserve it for the best possible home re-sale.

3. Think About Synthetic Wood Options 

In today’s day and age, synthetic wood flooring looks almost like the real deal. In some cases, it’s difficult to differentiate between real hardwood and synthetic wood floors.

This is because synthetic applications evolve all the time and there are plenty of budget-friendly options on the market, too. One of the most popular and fail-proof options you could go for is luxury vinyl if you plan on re-flooring before you sell. 

Synthetic wood flooring is some of the best home flooring because it’s cost-effective and there are tons of options in terms of colors and textures. They are also simple to install and have great longevity. Some luxury vinyl options also offer pet-proofing and scratch-resistant properties. 

Final Thoughts: Your Flooring and Home Value 

It’s a no-brainer that hardwood flooring is one of the best home flooring options to consider. But you may not have the budget and with so many other costs associated with selling a home, an alternative like luxury vinyl is also a great choice. 

Yes, hardwood flooring adds the greatest value to your home, but this is not to say that you will lose a home sale if your home doesn’t have them. After all, your home could have many other beautiful key features that sell it. 

What you should keep in mind is that today’s average buyer prefers hard surfaces throughout the home, over carpeting. If you need to replace carpeting, vinyl/wood laminate is also the best choice if you’re on a budget.  

If you’re in doubt about the condition of your floors and how they may affect your home sale, call in the help of a real estate agent. Ultimately, they have a world of knowledge to offer on what would work best for your home. They can also offer the best suggestion that will guarantee you the most money in your home sale. 

A real estate agent will also be brutally honest with you and let you know if your home flooring has passed its expiration date — especially if you can’t see it! 

Sell Your Home Fast, With iBuyer

So, how important is flooring when selling a house? As you can tell from this blog, it’s a pretty big deal. Take your time to carefully consider the impact of your flooring and weigh up your options before you splash unnecessary cash on re-flooring. 

If you’re looking for a quick home sale, iBuyer is your go-to. Learn more about how you can receive a cash offer on your home or get a home valuation to determine your best sale price with us.

The post How Important Is Flooring When Selling a House? appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Did you know that more than 60 million people in the US are served by septic systems? The highest percentage of homes that have septic systems are found in New England. In states like Maine and New Hampshire, about one-half of all properties utilize these individual systems.

If you’re thinking about selling a property with a septic tank, you might be wondering if it makes the process any more complicated.

In some regions of the country, particularly rural or suburban locations that aren’t served by a centralized public sewer system, having a septic system is quite common. However, selling a house with a septic tank might change the process of selling a bit than if you were connected to the public system.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about selling a house with a septic tank and what it entails.

What Is a Septic System?

Septic systems are wastewater treatment structures that are installed underground. Using a combination of proven technology and nature to treat your household’s wastewater, they typically consist of a drain field and a septic tank.

You might hear septic systems referred to by a number of different names, including:

• Individual sewage disposal systems
• Private sewage systems
• Decentralized wastewater treatment systems
• Cluster system
• Package plants
• On lot systems
• On-site wastewater treatment systems

Septic systems are not connected to a centralized or public sewer system. For this reason, they’re common in rural areas.

What Kind of Maintenance Is Required to Keep a Septic System in Good Condition?

The wastewater that comes from our laundry, kitchen, and bathroom has to be treated to neutralize or remove pollutants and pathogens. These include things like nitrogen and phosphorus.

In public sewer systems, wastewater flows into pipes that get progressively larger until they arrive at a wastewater treatment plant. When you have a septic system, this treatment is happening right on your property.

Commonly, septic systems have a septic tank, a drain field, and the main drainage pipe. Drain fields are also referred to as soil absorption fields. There might also be additional components such as electrical float switches and pumps.

The septic tank itself is often made out of polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete. It is a watertight container that is buried underneath the ground. In the tank, liquid wastewater is separated from organic matter, solids, and floatable material.

The liquid wastewater then moves onto the drain field. From there, it disperses through the soil. The solids and other material that is left in the septic tank will stay there until you have a professional septic service pump your tank.

It typically takes between one to two days for solids to settle in a septic tank. However, the settling time decreases as the tank fills up.

When a septic tank reaches more than one-third of the liquid depth, it’s time for the tank to be pumped.

If the drain field is overloaded or the tank is overdue for drainage, problems can occur. This can cause sewage to flow into the ground, cause flooding, or cause sewage to backflow into the home.

It’s a good idea to have your home’s septic tank and system inspected every three years. You’ll also want to have it pumped every three to five years. How often you need to do it will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the tank and the size of your household.

Are you wondering if you should sell your house now? Check out this article to learn whether or not the time is right for you.

Selling a Property With a Septic Tank: Is It Required to Get It Inspected?

If you are listing the home on the open market, you’ll want to talk to a real estate agent about what is required in your state. Increasingly, mortgage companies have been wanting septic tank inspections so they can know whether or not there’s a potential issue with it.

An inspection might not be necessary, though, if a seller can show that the tank has been serviced and pumped recently.

A home inspector also might request a septic system inspection if they notice that there are some signs of issues. This includes things like backflow in the drains or slow-flowing toilets.

What Is Involved in a Septic System Inspection?

You can hire a qualified private contractor to inspect your septic system. In some places, the local health department also might provide this service for a fee.

Usually, an inspection will involve finding the underground tank’s location. This might mean using a sketch of the property and system that was made during the permitting process. Or it can mean flushing a small radio transmitter down the toilet, which is then removed once they locate the tank.

The inspector will then use a long, hollow pole that is known as a Sludge Judge to measure the level of solids in the tank. They will also check the other components in the tank.

A number of factors will determine how much this inspection costs. They usually cost between $100 and $250. It could cost more than this, though, depending on your location, how deep the tank is, and whether or not an inspector has to uncover it.

It’s important to understand that the cost of having a septic tank inspected is quite small compared to the potential cost of paying for repairs. To replace a drain field, for example, can cost you anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000.

Is a House Marketed Differently If It Has a Septic System?

People who are looking to purchase rural property are often aware of the fact that they usually have septic systems. However, it can be good to let buyers know if part of the septic tank has been updated or replaced.

What Can Cause a Septic System to Fail?

If your septic system is having problems, you’ll want to hire a plumber that specializes in septic. They’ll be able to determine what needs to be done to your system. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of septic tank issues.

You Neglected to Maintain the System

As mentioned earlier, your septic system should be pumped and inspected every 3 to 5 years. You might be able to just do a deep clean of your septic tank to help reverse the failure of the system. However, if you grossly neglected the system, this likely won’t work as a solution.

The System Was Damaged By Outdoor Landscaping or Tree Roots

Outdoor landscaping in the wrong place or tree roots looking for nutrients and moisture can damage your system. Roots can grow nearby or into the system and damage or cross components. This can happen directly or indirectly, with roots sometimes compacting the soil and damaging pipes or preventing proper discharge.

It can also be problematic to install a car park or a paved driveway too close to a drain field.

You might be able to repair the system rather than replace it, depending on what was damaged. It typically costs around $1,500 to replace a damaged or crushed pipe.

The Tank Wasn’t Installed Correctly

There is little you can do if your tank was installed incorrectly to keep it from failing. It’s possible that it’s not watertight, in a bad location, or it’s the wrong size.

If you have to replace the drain field to help prevent failure, it means digging up the entire system and replacing it. This can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the location of the system and its size. This only works, though, if the tank can be repurposed.

If you have to install a whole new system, it can cost between $8,000 and $25,000. Repairing a system typically costs, at most, $10,000.

Too Much Water Is Entering the System at Once

Your home septic tank was designed to manage a certain amount of water based on how big the home is. If you use more water than the capacity of the tank, it can overwhelm the system. This can mean that wastewater backs up into the drains, pipes, or the home.

To fix this, you’ll want to pump and clean the system. You might have to replace the full system, though, if it’s simply too small for your home.

Are you wondering how to sell a property if it’s distressed? Click here to learn more.

Selling a House With Septic Tank Problems

If you want to sell your home and you know the septic system has issues or has failed completely, you have a few different options.

Selling a House on the Open Market

First, you’ll want to look into what the laws are in your area. In some places, it’s illegal to sell a home with a septic system that isn’t up to code. This can vary between counties as well as states.

If you live in a place where the septic system must be up to code to sell it, then you’ll have to fix it before the sale.

If you go the route of replacing the septic system, you’ll want to get an estimate of the cost. How much it costs will depend on the cost of permitting in your area as well as the size of the system. On average, you can expect to pay:

• Between $600 and $3,000 for the tank
• $1,000 or less for the permitting
• Between $3,000 and $9,500 for the new system installation
• Between $1,200 and $4,500 for land prep and excavation

You also might consider whether or not there is a sewer line that you can hook your house up to that has been installed since your house was built. This requires that you decommission your septic tank and new plumbing lines are installed on your property. There also might be connection fees and permitting fees that your municipality or city charges.

It can cost anywhere between $1200 and $4800 to connect your house to the public system. The associated fees can cost anywhere between $500 and $20,000 depending on your location.

Selling a House As-Is

If the cost of fixing or replacing your septic system made you gasp, there is another option.

You might consider selling your house as-is. When you go this route, you are selling to a cash buyer who isn’t relying on financing from a lender.

Investors will be familiar with whether or not a house with a failed septic system can be legally purchased as an investment property in your area. Also, if your septic system only has problems, but hasn’t completely failed, an investor might still be interested in the property.

When you sell a house as-is, you don’t have to make repairs before selling. Instead, the buyer is planning on making the repairs in order to sell the house for a profit or rent out the property.

If you find the house selling process stressful, as many people do, you will be relieved to know that selling a house as-is is a much more hassle-free process. It can happen faster and in a much more seamless way, allowing you to get on with your life without the constant headaches of selling a house.

Are You Ready to Sell Your House?

If the idea of dealing with all of the hassles of selling a house makes you start to feel a bit ill, there is a quick and easy way you can sell your home. Selling a property with a septic tank doesn’t have to be too much complicated than selling a more traditional house, but if there are any issues with the septic system it can start to get messy fast.

When you sell to a trusted iBuyer, you don’t have to make any repairs, deal with any showings, or participate in the long-drawn-out process of a buyer receiving financing.

Are you wondering how much your house could sell for? Click here to get your free home value today!

The post Selling a Property With a Septic Tank appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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Today’s buyers want move-in ready homes. With busy schedules, fewer DIY skills than previous generations, and the rising costs of building materials and labor, buyers are more motivated than ever to purchase homes that don’t need any work. 

This isn’t great news for homeowners selling a house with a bad roof or otherwise in need of work. Fortunately, however, it doesn’t mean that every homeowner facing common roofing problems needs to replace their roof before they can hope to sell. 

If you’ve been wondering “should I replace the roof before selling a house?” here’s what you need to know. 

The Cost of a New Roof  

Realtors love new roofs because they make a convenient selling point. Buyers love them because they make insurers and mortgage lenders happy and increase the chances that they’ll get to spend what little savings they have on “fun” upgrades rather than boring but necessary infrastructure projects. 

For existing homeowners, however, roofs tend to be nothing but a headache. The average cost to replace a roof is around $7,000. Actual costs can be much higher depending on:

• Geographic location
• Roof condition
• Roofing material
• Roof slope and features 

Large, steep roofs can cost as much as $100,000 to replace. 

To make matters worse, while replacing a roof can impress would-be buyers, it has a depressingly low rate of return on investment. Homeowners who put a new roof on their property typically recoup less than 60 percent of their investment when they sell. This is far below the average return for truly valuable, high-impact renovations.  

Thus, based on the financials alone, it doesn’t make sense to replace a roof before selling a house.

Hidden Costs of New Roofing 

Of course, the upfront cost of replacing a roof is only one piece of the bigger story. Replacing a roof carries a variety of hidden costs, as well. 

Time

Americans across the board are facing a time crunch. Most homeowners seeking to sell simply do not have the spare hours to:

• Research roofing materials, costs, and providers
• Contact numerous providers for inspections and quotes 
• Take time off from work to be around while roofers strip off their old roof and install a new one

Making that time can entail using up precious vacation days from work or putting off other critical pre-sale tasks.

Timing 

Traditionally, the housing market is at its most robust during spring and summer. Families prefer to move when their children are between grades and when the weather is accommodating. Buyers don’t want to move around the holidays or when winter weather makes the process of moving unpleasant and potentially dangerous. 

Unfortunately, across much of the nation, spring and summer are also the most feasible times to replace a roof. This means that sellers who decide to put a new roof on may have to delay posting their homes for sale. This can cause them to miss key sale windows in their market. 

Timing can also be a problem for homeowners struggling under the weight of a home they inherited or who need to sell their house to complete a divorce or other legal proceedings. Waiting to put a new roof on can saddle these property owners with months of additional expenses in the form of:

• Maintenance
• Mortgages
• Insurance
• Taxes 

Associated Costs 

Replacing a roof often comes with secondary or related costs as well. Homeowners may find that they need to repair damage to the support structures of their roof or that replacing the roof exposes damage from leaks and other sources. They then have to fix those problems, too, before they can finish the roofing project and sell their homes. 

Impact of Bad Roofing on Home Sales

If replacing the roof on a home before selling is such a terrible bargain for sellers, many homeowners wonder, does that mean they can just sell their homes with a bad roof? 

Frustratingly, the answer tends to be “not if you want to sell via the traditional real estate process.”  To understand why, you simply need to look at the standard homebuying requirements.

Inspection 

Before any traditional buyer can purchase a home, the property must be inspected. This is because homebuyers who need a mortgage can only purchase properties that meet lender standards. 

Lenders require that homes meet standardized safety and habitability requirements. They also require that buyers purchase insurance on their homes. 

Roofing is such an integral part of a home that:

• Inspectors must examine and report on the state of the roof 
• Insurers may refuse to fully insure a property with a roof in poor repair 
• Lenders will not approve a mortgage for a property with a roof in poor repair 

Costs

Many homebuyers dig deeply into their savings for a downpayment on a home. This leaves them without the financial reserves to tackle big house projects like roofing for some time after they purchase their new home. As a result, they will shy away from homes that promise to need new roofs or other major renovations in the next five years or so. 

Compromises 

All of these factors ultimately make selling homes that need new roofs challenging. Buyers, their mortgage lenders, their insurers, and their agents will all push for sellers to replace a roof or substantially drop the price of the home to compensate. This can leave sellers feeling as though they are trapped in a no-win situation. 

A Word About Disclosure

It is not uncommon for sellers to wonder if they can try to sell their house anyway and hope that buyers and inspectors don’t notice the state of the roof until after the sale is complete. While this question is understandable, the idea is not viable.

First, in every traditional sale, a home inspector must review and record the state of the roof. This is a non-negotiable part of the process for buyers who need mortgages and home insurance. 

Second, all states have some form of disclosure law. While these laws can vary slightly, they are all the same in that sellers who conceal housing problems or fail to disclose known defects can later be sued by the buyers. 

Property owners whose roofs are in poor repair must address the problem directly. 

Cash Buyers: The Better Alternative For Selling a House With a Bad Roof

Property owners struggling under the weight of a bad roof can feel backed into a corner. Traditional sales are troublesome and replacing their roofs is unrewarding. What alternatives does that leave? 

Enter cash buyers. These investors make cash offers on houses. This enables them to buy houses without the traditional restraints that other buyers face.

No Mortgages 

Cash buyers do not need to qualify for mortgages. This means that they can purchase homes that do not meet standard inspection criteria, including homes with bad roofs. It also means that they can close on homes faster because they do not have to wait on mortgage lenders to process paperwork related to the sale.

No Commissions  

Cash buyers also work with sellers directly. This cuts out all of the middlemen involved in traditional sales. Cutting out the middlemen eliminates fees and keeps costs down. 

All of that saved money can then be split between buyers and sellers, enabling cash buyers to give sellers the best possible prices for their homes.  

No Sale Prep

Cash buyers also specialize in seeing homes for their potential. Unlike traditional buyers, they don’t need sellers to invest thousands of dollars and weeks of their time into:

• Renovations
• Staging
• Curb appeal

This makes them ideal for sellers dealing with homes in poor condition, probate, divorce, tax liens, and other complicated situations.

No Delays  

Selling to a cash buyer cuts out all manner of time-consuming steps and sources of delay in the home sale process, including:

• Dealing with mortgage lenders and insurers
• Getting home inspections 
• Relaying communication through realtors and other third parties
• Complex pricing negotiations
• Working out compromises and contingency agreements 
• Making repairs to meet sale criteria

This enables cash buyers to close on home sales in a matter of days. Sellers can:

• Apply for a quote online from the comfort of their homes at any time
• Receive a quote almost immediately 
• Work with cash buyers directly via phone and email
• Have cash in hand and be free of the burden of their home in just a few days or weeks

Many cash buyers will even pay the closing costs, allowing sellers to keep as much cash in their pockets as possible.

Can you sell a house that needs a new roof to a cash buyer? You can. In fact, it is likely to be the best possible option for your situation.

See What Your House Is Worth 

Selling a house with a bad roof doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, selling a home that needs work to a cash buyer can be faster and easier than selling a perfect house via a traditional sale. Request a quote today and discover how much you can get for your home with no repairs or roof replacements required. 

The post Selling a House With a Bad Roof appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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While there is a lot of freedom that comes with owning a home, there is also a lot of responsibility. In 2020, the biggest worry among homeowners was that they would have to make major repairs.

One of the last things that any homeowner wants to hear is that their foundation has issues.

How do you go about selling a house with foundation problems? Is it possible?

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

How to Tell If a Foundation Is Bad

While you probably won’t be able to officially diagnose structural problems or foundation issues on your own, there are signs of a bad foundation you can look for. If you discover any of these signs, then you can investigate further.

The first thing you’ll want to do is take a walk around your home. Keep an eye out for any crumbling or cracks, or anything else that seems a bit off. This might mean separated siding, bowed walls, or long cracks in the paint.

Other things you can look for include uneven flooring, a mildew smell or wetness, or cracked flooring or tiles.

If you find one or more of these signs, you can then call a foundation repair company and have a professional come out. They’ll be able to tell you more about what the issue likely is.

If you are planning on fixing the foundation problems, this isn’t a job you’ll want to do on your own. Instead, you’ll want to collect assessments from at least three different contractors before choosing one.

Are you wondering if you should sell your house now? Check out this article to learn more.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Foundation?

The cost of fixing a damaged foundation varies widely depending on how severe the problem is and what type of problem it is. The national average cost to fix this type of problem is about $4,000. In a worst case scenario, it can cost up to $50,000.

Many inspectors will say that cracks in the foundation that are less than a half-inch aren’t too much of an issue. For larger cracks that are a result of the house settling over the years, the repair could cost up to $10,000.

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of foundation problems and how much they typically cost to repair.

Horizontal Foundation Crack

This type of crack is often caused by water pressure or soil pressure that comes from poor drainage. This can also be due to insufficient backfilling during the process of construction.

Repairing even minor cracks can cost around $4,000. However, it’s possible that it is indicative of a larger problem that could cost up to $15,000.

Foundation Erosion

This type of issue typically indicates there are drainage issues. It occurs when dirt is moved away from the outside of your home’s foundation wall.

In minor instances, fixing this might cost $1,000. If there is severe bowing, on the other hand, it might cost more in the range of $10,000.

Foundation Leak

Foundation leaks can be caused by insufficient drainage, excessive rain, and high water tables, to name a few possible causes. If the leaking is minimal, it will likely cost around $2000. If the problem is more severe than it can cost upwards up $10,000.

Sinking Foundation Repair Cost

This type of issue is normally caused by the ground beneath your foundation settling. If you find uneven flooring in your basement or crawlspace, or parts of your floor that have sunk, it might indicate you have a sinking foundation.

If there is only a small amount of sinking, the problem can usually be fixed with slabjacking (or mudjacking). This usually costs around $1,000. If the problem has come on quickly and the foundation has sink more than an inch or two, the sinking foundation repair cost might more more like $15,000.

Shifting Foundation

It is common for foundations to settle due to soil movement. However, if it shifts significantly is can cause big problems.

Caught early on, mudjacking can correct this issue. This process should cost around $1,000. If the shifting is more serious, it will require the installation of supportive piers which can cost around $15,000.

Bowing Foundation

Bowing in either direction can eventually lead to the collapse of your home. You’ll need to first fix the underlying issue and then reinforce the foundation. Depending on the size of the job, it can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000.

Crumbling Foundation

There are a number of causes of a crumbling foundation. This might be water intrusion, settling, or old age. Depending on the severity, it can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000 to fix a crumbling foundation.

Is your property distressed? Learn more about selling distressed property here.

What Are Your Options When You Discover the Signs of a Bad Foundation and You Want to Sell?

If you’re worried about whether selling a house with foundation problems is possible, you can rest assured that it definitely is. You have two main options: fixing the problem before you list the house or selling the house as-is.

Fix the Issue Before Listing

It’s possible that your foundation issues aren’t that large and can be fixed relatively inexpensively. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a structural engineer take a look and give you an estimate.

You can then have the foundation repaired and proceed to sell the house on the open market.

It’s important to know that it’s never a good idea to try and hide something like foundation damage. It will be found during the inspection if you don’t disclose it. This can sour the relationship with the buyers, as they will become aware that you were being deceptive and they could very well walk away from the deal.

A lender also might no be willing to provide funds for a home with foundation problems, too. This means that the sale could fall through anyway, leaving you at square one.

You can list the home on the market without fixing the issue depending on how big the problem is. Check with a real estate agent to get their opinion, as the problem might not be as bad as you think. You can then have a foundation company or home inspector take a look at the issue.

You’ll have to disclose any known issues to buyers in writing and you should share the inspection report with the buyers. You’ll also want to negotiate accordingly.

Do foundation problems affect appraisal? Appraisers will definitely look at the foundation, and major problems will impact the value of the house. Whether this is an issue in your particular sale will depend on the circumstance.

However, for larger foundation issues, it might make more sense to sell the house as-is.

Sell the Home As-Is

If you don’t want to deal with the time, money, or stress of repairing the foundation before selling, you can sell the house as is. Essentially, you are selling the house with the idea that the buyer will take care of the issue instead of you.

Most people who buy property as-is are cash investors. They offer no-fuss and quick transactions.

Just because you’re selling to a cash investor doesn’t mean you don’t have to disclose foundation problems if you know about them. However, you won’t have to deal with repair negotiations of the potential of a lender backing out of the deal.

If you’re dealing with tens of thousands of dollars of repairs, selling to a cash buyer can be an appealing option.

The tradeoff is that you will likely get less money for the house than if you were to sell it on the open market. The people who are investing in your home are planning on fixing it up and reselling it or renting it out. This means they are buying it for less, putting money into repairing it and then planning on creating a profit with it.

These days, though, there are more potential cash buyers than in the past. This means that, at least theoretically, the competition should increase the amount of money you can get for your home.

Having severe foundation problems might limit your options when it comes to buyers. That being said, there still might be an investor that’s interested in purchasing your home and making the repairs.

Selling a House With Foundation Problems

If your home has foundation problems and you want to sell it, you can either fix the problem before listing the home or sell your house as is. Depending on your particular circumstance, one of these options might be much more appealing and accessible to you.

Are you interested in selling a house with foundation problems to a cash buyer? If so, you can find out what a trusted iBuyer will pay fair home in just a few minutes. You can do this with absolutely no obligation.

If you want to sell your house without making any repairs, hosting any showings, and avoiding all the common headaches, click here to get your free quote today!

The post Selling a House With Foundation Problems appeared first on iBuyer Blog.

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The average homebuyer makes an offer and closes on a house within 45 days. In this hot housing market, it might also be surprising that houses on average are listed for 56 days before selling. 

While neither of those numbers is long, there is also the time prior to the house being listed. The time when the current homeowner must decide what to fix up when selling a house. Will it be necessary or even worth it to invest in repairs and polishing before listing the house on the market? Is it simpler to sell the house as-is?

Homeowners must question how long it might take to do all kinds of fixing up versus how quickly it can sell if you get it on the market. They also need to consider how much they might need to lower the price of the house without repairs and weigh that against the cost for repairs. 

Knowing your house might look better to prospective buyers, are you wondering what projects to tackle before listing it on the market? Read on to learn more. 

What to Fix Up When Selling a House

The trick when looking at what to fix is to decide what to fix that won’t break the bank and eat into your profits. Look around your home and do small fixes that make the house look worn or beat up first. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of those possible small fixes you should address. 

Pet Damage

If you have pets, you probably also have signs that they live in the house too. You want to erase those signs. 

This might be the molding around the door frame your dog chewed when he was a sweet puppy. This might be the scratches around the door frame your dog has dug overtime when he jumps to bark at passersby. 

Perhaps it’s something as simple as the built-up cat hair that has collected in those hard-to-reach spots. 

Cleaning up these little damages will make a difference in the presentation of your home. 

Screens

This may or may not also be connected to pets or children or simply wear over time. If you have any screens with small holes or tears,  you should repair them. 

You don’t want a potential buyer to look at a torn screen and automatically think about the need for new windows. Fixing screens is a low-cost repair and one you might even be able to DIY with a small kit from the home improvement store.

Grout

Grout is one area of your home that over time really shows wear. It can yellow or even crack. Again, you don’t want prospective buyers thinking they need to replace a whole floor or start to consider the cost of a bathroom remodel. 

Remove old grout and putting in new can make quite a difference, giving the tile a real facelift. This is a simple repair too. 

Take out the old grout and replace it with new grout. This is the time to choose a grout that’s very neutral too.

Water Stains

Simply put, water stains don’t look good. They will make a buyer imagine all kinds of hidden problems that don’t exist and are costly.

If you had a plumbing problem, like a leaky toilet, that caused water damage you want to get it fixed and covered before listing the house.

It’s probably a matter of simply painting over the water spots. But there may be drywall damage too. 

Having said this don’t just cover up the water damage to sell if the real problem that caused the damage has not been addressed.

Things to Do Before Selling a House

Now let’s take a look at some possible home things to address that also might impact your ability to sell. They also might be a little more significant repair. So, you’ll have to weigh the cost of the repair with how much it takes away from the value in your home. 

Of course, if it’s something that will keep buyers from even considering your home, you need to fix it before listing.  

Landscaping

You know the old saying, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your home’s landscaping acts as a first impression giver for the home itself. 

You want to get the lawn mowed and maybe even consider a temporary fertilizer service to get it looking good. Trim the bushes and trees on the property to give a more manicured and cared for look.

Consider planting a few flowers or add some colorful pots to the front porch. 

Flooring

Flooring is another spot where it might be worth investing in an update. Nobody likes to imagine living and walking around a home where the floors are dirty or beat up.

If you have carpet, consider whether a good professional cleaning will be enough or if you need to replace it. 

Wood floors are a big selling point in a home. That is unless they are all beat up. If you have wood floors, consider having them refinished. This is one place where a nice wood floor is such a big selling point, it might be worth the cost to get them redone.

Paint

Paint is a relatively low-cost repair that can have a real impact on your ability to sell. 

Consider paint colors, can you repaint and get a more neutral paint on the walls? Look for places where it looks beat up or dirty and it’s noticeable, those are the places to get a repaint job done.  

Lighting

Good lighting makes everything look better. Make sure you have quality lighting in every space, so when a potential buyer comes through a room can be lit up and look inviting. 

Lighting also helps to make small spaces seem less small.

Consider where to update lighting so it looks updated. One spot might be exterior lights.

Also, consider where you can add lighting to brighten a space. There are many options on the market now for lighting that don’t even require having an electrical cord run. 

Outdoor Spaces and Fencing

Outdoor living spaces have become a huge feature in homes. Make sure any outdoor living spaces are cleaned up and looking refreshed. 

Arrange any outdoor furniture in a way that the space looks open and inviting. Add a pot of flowers or two to the space. 

If you have a fenced yard, this can be a real selling point. Unless your fencing is in disrepair. Get any broken or weak fence spots repaired so the area looks secure. People want to imagine their kids and pets being safe in the area.

Kitchen 

A kitchen is one of the first areas potential buyers will look at. It probably isn’t worth doing a whole kitchen remodel. You aren’t likely to get the money back in return. 

You do want to look over your kitchen carefully though. Make sure cabinets are very clean. Consider if changing knobs on cabinets might give an updated look. 

Remove any clutter so it appears there is ample counter space. If you have a tile backsplash, make sure it’s clean and the grout doesn’t need repair work.

Bathroom

Bathroom remodels, like kitchens, are costly. They are also one space that homebuyers consider closely. Make sure the bathroom is well organized so it looks like there is good storage in the space. 

Make sure you have up-to-date lighting. Check to make sure the faucets don’t leak. If the faucets look dated, this is a low-cost fix that can update the look of a bathroom. 

This is the space to do some serious cleaning. You don’t want a dirty toilet, shower, or bath. This will be a real turn-off to buyers.

Should I Fix Or Sell?

 As you consider each of these potential fixes, you have to weigh the cost. Is this a cost worth making in order to sell my house?

Factor the costs of selling your house against the value you get in return. If you’re thinking my house needs a lot of repairs, choose the ones that will have the most impact to make it look better. Don’t underestimate the value of good deep cleaning and decluttering either. 

People will buy a house knowing they want to personalize it too. So, as you consider what to fix in the house before selling, also consider where a buyer might be willing to put their own money into the home. 

You also have to consider how long these repairs getting done will keep your house off the market. Is it smart to attempt to sell as-is to not miss the best selling window of time? 

Consider Your Options When It’s Time to Sell

What to fix up when selling a house and what to forgo is a bit of a calculation. You need to weigh the cost and the time of the repair against the value you get in return.

You can now quickly find out the value of your home using our home valuation tool and find potential buyers quickly too. Check out our iValuation tool so we can help you sell your house quickly.

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