Selling a home that needs major repairs

Make a condition list you can stand behind

Walk through what you know about the property: roof history, plumbing, electrical work, moisture issues, damaged finishes and unfinished improvements. Include dates or documents when available. A report from a qualified professional is more useful than a guessed diagnosis.

If you cannot safely access part of the home, say so. Do not enter unsafe spaces or remove materials just to obtain photos for a buyer. Describe the limitation and arrange an appropriate inspection if the transaction proceeds.

Understand why repair estimates differ

Visible repairs may be only part of a project. Different buyers may assume different scopes, finish levels, inspection needs and allowances for unknown conditions. Ask which issues drive a proposed price and what remains subject to verification.

A cosmetic refresh, a system replacement and a structural repair are different decisions. Comparing estimates line by line is more helpful than assuming every renovation dollar adds a dollar to sale value.

Choose how much work you want to take on

You can compare a sale in present condition with targeted repairs or a larger renovation followed by marketing. Include the time needed to organize contractors and maintain the property during the work.

Raul’s renovation background and Eddie’s property evaluation experience inform 805’s interest in homes with improvement potential. That experience is not a promise to purchase every damaged property or a substitute for a professional inspection.

Questions worth asking