How To Sell a Teardown House

Published on June 2nd, 2023

How To Sell A Teardown House As Is In Florida

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Nearly every US city has a neighborhood with a house or even a couple of houses that are a wind's blow from falling over, possibly needing extensive cleaning or suffering from mold infestation. They may have a notice taped to the door indicating that it is uninhabitable and on the market as an as-is sale. However, that could have been gathered from looking at the home's condition. Generally, homes in such states are older and made of outdated materials, or they can be homes that have perished in a fire or suffered severe water damage. Either way, they are typically exposed to the elements, and average potential buyers cannot see the house as worth more than much. The typical buyer is looking to purchase a house knowing the maintenance costs will not exceed the home value.


Houses in such conditions are often referred to as distressed properties and do not need an inspection report to reveal that buying this home comes with a cost. However, real estate professionals and buyers, particularly real estate investors familiar with this sort of real estate transaction, tend to know that the house has more value than meets the eye, and many of them are willing to pay cash. These investors thrive in a buyers' market, and they often work with an exclusive buyer agent or buyers agent to find these distressed properties. The agent's commission is well-earned, as they navigate the demand for properties and work with people interested in becoming sellers, builders, or taking on teardowns.


When selling a distressed property, hiring a real estate agent and starting with the value of the rundown house is vital. Working on the numbers to understand the potential of the home's after-repair value is instrumental in determining the right way to market the house as it is to the buyer who can benefit most.

Can I Sell My Old Run Down House to A Cash Buyer In Florida

It's not hard to see how one can believe that selling an old house can be difficult. For starters, there are almost always required cosmetic fixes beyond a fresh coat of paint. The repairs never seem to be minor repairs, always major repairs, ranging from foundation issues to a leaky roof. Even if the house sustains fire damage or mold problems, a cash buyer looking for an extensive project may want it.


There is also the fear that multiple offers may not be in the cards because the buyer pool will be much smaller. Because of all the repairs, many buyers will shy away from the thought of a complete overhaul and the associated cost. But, this can be farthest from the truth. Selling a house requires a strategy. In a buyers market, there will always be a lot of people looking for a bargain, and with the right approach, these sellers can attract the type of buyers who are not deterred by the work involved, such as a couple willing to put in the effort to make the house livable.


Even when selling a house that needs more TLC than sprucing up the curb appeal, there is an opportunity to sell at a great price and walk away with net proceeds equaling more money than you anticipated.


A house that needs additional care can be a gem in disguise. The right buyer can come along as a cash buyer who recognizes a house that needs work and is prepared to gather building materials and turn the house into a cash-flowing property. This buyer may envision using the existing structures and working on projects to improve the street appeal.

How Do You Sell An Imperfect House In Florida

Highlight the positive in your fixer-upper property


A distressed home today does not mean it did not stand out as a gem in its place once upon a time. In many cases, older homes can exhibit certain structural features or dated architecture that is considered elegant, or even high value, especially if it is not common in more modern homes. An example would be arched doorways, detailed molding, and even specialty features like a wood-burning stove. It's also very common for older homes to boast a floor plan that is considered rare today. Positive features like these make selling the home a little easier.


TV networks such as HGTV have changed how the average buyer views an old house. The different shows highlight how buyers can purchase old homes, push the creative limits, and increase the home value by measures. In most cases, it shows how when the house is rehabbed and placed back on the market for a higher price, the home's sale garners top dollar from the home sale. These projects often focus on transforming the structures and enhancing the street appeal.


Regardless, when looking to sell an old, rundown home, take inventory of the things that make it stand out positively. This effort can include highlighting the builder who constructed the house, nearby amenities, or desirable neighborhoods in the surrounding area.


Adding a little curb appeal will help when selling as is


Yes, the home is distressed, possibly abandoned, and, to be honest, missing patches of grass right in the front yard. All of the above are among the reasons you're selling as is. However, it will only help the sale by trimming the bushes and mowing the lawn. According to The National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, investing in the physical appearance of the yard of a house has a 100% return and a direct effect on the net proceeds. Keep in mind the range of your mail distribution for marketing the property to reach potential buyers interested in the land and the street it's located on.


Let's consider it from the perspective of the buyer, who might be someone looking for a DIY project or to build a new home. It may be an as-is sale, but a minimum investment in freshly mowed grass and trimmed hedges can go a long way in property visibility.


Offer to pay the closing costs

Offering just a little can make a big difference, especially when selling a house as is. Real estate is a balance of giving and taking. When buyers set out to buy a house, including the cash buyer, they often look for the best deal their money can find. Selling as is, especially in the current market with increased competition, may not deter the serious buyer, but offering to sell the house with even a small incentive, like paying closing costs, may get you to the closing table faster without much difference in your net proceeds.

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Partner with a Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Fixer Upper As Is For Cash In Florida

Saying that an older house has value is one thing, and it's a fact left up to the discriminating buyers to detect. Now, actually proving that they have value is another conversation. Still, the truth remains that all of them have value as long as the soil they stand on is considered to be buildable. These properties often attract a wide range of buyers looking for land in various areas or neighborhoods, with a particular interest in houses with the potential for renovation, such as upgrading a dated kitchen.


A great way to sell a teardown property is to get the listing in front of more buyers: list it on the MLS. However, a critical component of listing the house on the open market is listing it at an intelligent price. Determining the list price of a teardown property can be tricky and, if not done correctly, can work against you in the long run on the market. Establishing an accurate timeline for selling such properties can also help set expectations for potential buyers.


When determining the price of a house, there are many factors your real estate professional will take into account, including the structure, current condition, in-place foundation of the home, and location. All of these are instrumental in helping in one of the absolute best ways real estate agents use to determine the sale price of a house: creating a comparative analysis, including updates on recent sales in similar areas.


Looking at comparable houses is possibly the easiest and most cost-effective way to determine, at minimum, the threshold of where this home stands on the market. If a comparative analysis cannot correctly determine the price, another route to take is reaching out to an appraiser for an appraisal.


Either method will nail down a confident price to help place the home on the market to sell to the general public.


Pricing the Home As is For Cash Buyers


Another reason price is instrumental is that, in most cases, distressed homes are sold as is because they require extensive repairs. When selling a house in as-is condition, buyers are shelling out hard cash for the house under the stipulation that the seller will not make any repairs regardless of findings by the home inspector. They are often prime for real estate investors because the repairs are necessary repairs and can pose an issue passing a home inspection, resulting in a problem with getting traditional funding to complete the sale.


As the homeowner, it is essential to understand this, and if new to you, even more importantly, partner with a real estate agent familiar with fixer-upper properties. They will advise you that the best route is to sell the home "As Is" for cash or hard money only, as it covers everything from the asking price to the final budget.


As-Is homes are generally priced at an attractive rate, taking into account the extensive work required by a distressed home. Considering their allure, they attract the eyes of various homebuyers, from developers to the broader community. While some extensions of FHA loans, like their renovation loans, the 203(K) loan may be applicable, it can be a much more extensive process and still require certain inspections. For a candidate buyer looking to try financing options for as-is homes, check with a mortgage lender to explore financing products that suit the housing market. If needed, a title company or closing attorney will be able to provide legal guidance in the process. This can help resolve any problems that may arise, as well as offer tips for a smoother transaction.


Including this information when listing the home on the MLS or marketing it as an off-market sale within a real estate professional network is critical to reaching the right amount of potential buyers. Remember to highlight key features and provide tips for potential buyers to get the most out of their purchases.


It may seem challenging when thinking about 'how you sell an imperfect home,' but it is very possible to sell as is, and there are more options than it seems. Multiple states reported older homes receiving various offer situations for cash sales in the most recent season.

Should You Tear Down Your Old House Before Selling In Florida?

Whether burned, flooded, or an abandoned, distressed property simply riddled with defeat from nature's elements, there is room for options. In certain circumstances, when the home is still in marketable condition, less the fact that it has been left unattended to, the seller can not only sell it as is but also find themselves in a multiple-offer situation. Investors and potential buyers can clearly see the value and want the opportunity to make it their own. However, in more extreme cases where the property is barely hanging in there, and there is no possibility of salvaging the structure, there is a final option: tearing the property down.


Demolishing the home altogether and starting from scratch may be the best bet. House flippers can understand the value here, referencing the After Repair Value of the property, mainly if a buyer acquired the rundown property at the right price.

Tear Down

Sell Your Old House As Is For Cash In Florida

Think you want to sell a house? Even in some cases, cash buyers won't necessarily flock to the house when you are selling a teardown home at a great price. Fire Cash Buyers understand that selling a distressed home can be a challenge, with numerous potential problems to overcome. Many factors, such as unfamiliarity with the market or simply no time or desire to go through the entire process, play a part in the best way to sell a teardown home. We can help you cut the cost and save you time and money by selling your home by offering a cash offer.


If you have a distressed property for which you may not have any need or long-term plans and have found yourself wondering, "How do I sell my rundown house?" Do not spend too long pondering the question. Instead, give us a call today, and learn how Fire Cash Buyers make a difference daily by purchasing teardown homes with all-cash offers. We buy houses as is and can do the same for you.



Recent Facts

1. A teardown house is a property that is in such disrepair that it needs to be demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.

2. Teardowns are typically older homes that are in need of significant repairs or upgrades, or have been damaged by fire, water, or other natural disasters.

3. Selling a teardown house can be a challenge, as it requires a buyer who is willing to take on the cost and effort of demolishing the existing structure and rebuilding from the ground up.

4. It is important to make sure that the teardown house is properly inspected and appraised before listing it for sale.

5. The seller should also research local zoning and building codes to make sure that the buyer will be able to rebuild on the property.

6. It is important to price the teardown house realistically, as buyers will be taking on a significant amount of risk and cost when purchasing the property.



Recent Statistics

1. In the United States, the average cost of a teardown house is $250,000 (National Association of Home Builders).

2. The average profit margin for a teardown house is around 10-15% (Real Estate Investing).

3. The average time to sell a teardown house is 6-12 months (Real Estate Investing).

4. The average cost of demolition for a teardown house is $15,000 (National Association of Home Builders).

5. The average cost of rebuilding a teardown house is $200-250 per square foot (National Association of Home Builders).

6. The average return on investment for a teardown house is around 20-30% (Real Estate Investing).

7. The average price appreciation for a teardown house is 5-7% per year (Real Estate Investing).


Chris Charles

Author | Real Estate Investor & Realtor

My name is Chris, and my team and I buy all sorts of houses in Florida. We are a local, family-run business committed to the highest standards of quality and integrity.

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