Code violations refer to incidences of breaking local building codes and zoning regulations. If a home has been built without the necessary permits, or if it is not compliant with local building codes, it may have code violations. If your home has code violations, you’ll want to consider the possible consequences before selling a house without addressing them.
Can You Sell a House With Code Violations?
If selling a house with code violations, it is important to determine the extent of the violation(s) and any potential liabilities. Depending on the type of violation, the seller may be liable for any repairs that need to be made.
Even if the buyer is willing to purchase a house with code violations, their mortgage lender may forbid it. For example, FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans don’t allow borrowers to purchase properties with outdated electrical panels. And some local and state authorities require sellers to fix certain safety issues before the property can be legally transferred.
Here are a few tips for dealing with code violations:
- Identify and document the code violations: Before attempting to sell a house with code violations, it’s important to know the extent of the violations and potential liabilities.
- Get an estimate for repairs or necessary fixes: Determine how much it will cost to bring your house up to code so you can accurately assess any potential liabilities.
- Consider selling the home in “as-is” condition: If you do not want to incur the cost of bringing your house up to code (and aren’t legally required to), you can consider selling it in its current condition by listing it as-is. Doing so puts the responsibility for repairs in the hands of the buyer. You will be legally obligated to disclose all known code violations and potential liabilities.
- Address all code violations before selling: Although you could list your home as-is, doing so will likely hurt the sales price, and you may not be able to find a buyer willing to take on the responsibility of repairs. If possible, it’s best to address all code violations before attempting to sell the home.
When it comes down to it, you can sell your house despite code violations. However, doing so can scare away many buyers and reduce your potential sale price. Contact us at Randy Lindsay today for more tips on selling a house.
