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What Does It Mean When a House Gets Condemned?
A condemned house is a property that has been designated by the local authorities as unlivable and unfit for any occupants. Condemned houses violate local building codes and are considered unsafe. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes a House to Be Condemned?
There are numerous reasons why properties become condemned, and here is a list of the most common reasons:
- The house has not been occupied for a long period of time (usually more than 60 days)
- Hazards and natural disasters make the property unsafe
- Canceled utilities
- Unpaid taxes
- The house is located in an area that is designated for construction or public use
- Black mold
- Dangerous and unsafe materials are used to build the house
- Structural damage caused by termites
- Infrastructure failure
- Housing hygiene problems
What Are the Code Requirements for Houses?
Any livable house must provide the following:
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Hot water
- Light fixtures
- Safe electrical outlets
Homeowners must also keep their houses in good structural condition, pest-free, and clean.
What Happens to a Condemned House
Once a house gets condemned, the homeowners receive a notification in writing saying that they have to vacate their property (typically within 30 days). A sign will be posted outside the property indicating that the property is condemned.
Then, homeowners receive an offer based on the current market value of the property. The first offer that the government makes is known as a pro-tanto award. If homeowners think that this offer is not fair, they can dispute it. It might be a good idea to hire an experienced lawyer who can help you with the negotiation of the property’s price.
Is It Possible to Save a Condemned House
Yes, it is possible to save a condemned property, but you will have to make all the required renovations and repairs in a timely manner to reverse a condemned status. When all the fixes and repairs are made, a home has to pass a complete inspection. Once the inspection is successful, the property will be considered livable again.
Can You Sell a Condemned House?
Today, you cannot sell your condemned property as a structure. You can sell it only as land, but its value will be reduced because of the expenses of tearing it down. As a result, it may be problematic for you to get a mortgage loan. Even if you find a buyer who will agree to buy your home and make all the necessary repairs, the government may not allow you to sell it. However, it does not mean that selling a condemned property is impossible.
Sell Your Home to Home Investor
One of the best and most effective ways to sell a condemned house is to sell it to a home investor. They constantly buy different properties, including condemned homes, and are ready to pay cash. They send a cash offer within 24 hours and close the deal within 7 days. If you need to sell your home quickly and receive cash, it is the perfect option. You do not have to deal with repairs, renovations, or even cleaning. A home investor will purchase your home as is.
If you live in Austin or any other nearby community, and you own a condemned property that you want to sell, then We Buy Austin Houses is ready to assist you. Our mission is to make the home-selling process as easy and transparent for our clients as possible. If you decide to work with us, you do not have to worry about spending money on repairs. Your home will be bought as is. If you have any questions, or you want to get more information about how we work, feel free to give us a call.
