Selling a House with Foundation Issues in Mesquite
Mesquite is a city just east of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Because of shifting soil, homeowners in this city and much of North Texas often face foundational issues. Expansive clay soil can shift and move, especially due to changing weather patterns, causing the foundations of these properties to experience abnormalities.
Although this can be a stressful situation for property owners in Mesquite, especially those hoping to sell their homes soon, it does not mean a sale is impossible. In some cases, it is easier to sell a house with foundation problems than you might expect.
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Understanding Foundation Problems in Mesquite Homes
The most common causes of foundation movement or decay in Mesquite are soil movement and slab cracking. The soil often moves because it contains high amounts of clay, which can shift when it gets wet or during temperature changes. Concrete slabs, which are frequently used in home foundations, can crack due to moisture or temperature shifts.
Because of these concerns, residents of Mesquite often face costly foundation problems at a higher rate than other homeowners. Other causes, such as construction quality, poor drainage, and concrete settling over time, can also contribute to damaging house foundations.
Common Signs of Foundation Issues to Watch For
Foundation repair is a necessity if there are issues with this part of your home. Ignoring the problem will allow the problem to get worse, potentially putting yourself and your family in danger of a collapse or significant water damage.
Learning about the signs of foundation problems can help you identify these concerns quickly so you can take action. Even minor issues can indicate a deeper problem with the foundation.
Here are some warning signs that may indicate a problem with your home’s foundation:
- Cracks in the walls or bricks
- Uneven floors
- Doors and windows that don’t close properly
- Gaps in the trim or siding
- Plumbing leaks
- Excess water in a crawl space
- Overgrown tree roots near the house
- Water stains on the basement walls
Can You Sell a House with Foundation Issues in Texas?
It is possible to sell a house without investing in foundation maintenance. However, a traditional sale can be extremely difficult, and there will likely be trade-offs. You could choose to sell the house as is, which means you look for a buyer who is willing to overlook the foundation issues.
If you decide to invest in major repairs, it will make it easier to sell the house to a traditional buyer. However, preparing the property for sale will cost time and money. Even though the value of the property may increase, it may not be enough to make up for the cost of foundation repair expenses.
How Foundation Problems Affect Home Value
The foundation of a home is a major structural component.. If it is compromised, a whole host of issues could arise unless it is repaired. Therefore, the market value of your home will decrease significantly if there are foundation problems.
Foundation problems may also limit buyer interest in your home, further driving down the price if the house stays on the market for a long time. In some cases, lenders may even reject borrowers for loans if the houses they are buying have foundation issues.
If you are not willing to pay for foundation repair costs, you may have to accept that selling will be more difficult due to buyer demands.
Foundation Repair vs. Selling As-Is: What’s Right for You?
If you plan to sell your house in Mesquite, it is important to assess your options if there are foundation issues. If you plan to sell your house on the open market, it is usually worth investing in foundation repair costs.
Although the value of the home will not increase substantially, it will make the home more appealing to potential buyers and give them the confidence they need to make an offer.
In some situations, it makes sense to sell the property without addressing the foundation problems. If you are fine with getting less money for the property, or you need a quick cash sale, you could find the right type of buyer to purchase the house, even with those foundation problems.
Investment firms like A-List Properties are especially helpful if you want to sell a Texas property as is with foundation problems. As long as you are making an informed decision, either route could work for your needs, depending on your situation.
Disclosing Foundation Issues When Selling a House
Texas Property Code Section 5.008 states that anyone selling a house in the state must disclose known property issues or defects to the buyer before closing. This ensures potential buyers have confidence in what they are purchasing and that sellers cannot take advantage of anyone by hiding major issues.
This is typically accomplished with a seller’s disclosure notice. This legal document must be completed during the real estate transaction and state the specific foundation issues and other property concerns. If you are selling your house to A-List Properties, we will still buy your house even if you disclose foundation issues.
Working with a Structural Engineer: When and Why
Repairing foundations is complex work. You should consult a structural engineer before paying for costly repairs to ensure they are done correctly. This is especially true if you are selling to a traditional buyer. However, hiring someone with expertise to assess the structure will add to your costs and timeline.
Mesquite Foundation Repair Costs: What to Expect
Foundation repairs can vary widely in cost. Small cracks and similar repairs may cost a few hundred dollars. Depending on the property size, waterproofing the foundation could set you back $2,000 to $6,000.
Underpinning involves adding support structures to the base of the house and costs between $5,000 and $15,000. Levelling usually falls within the $1,000 to $3,000 range.
Additional expenses may be necessary to improve the property’s foundation. Once the foundation is fixed, landscaping and plumbing systems may need work to address tree roots or plumbing leaks. These costs can vary among foundation repair companies.
Legal Requirements for Selling a House with Foundation Issues
As mentioned previously, sellers are legally obligated to disclose foundation issues to buyers before closing on real estate transactions. You can download the Seller’s Disclosure Notice form if you are preparing to sell a home in Mesquite.
Selling a House with Foundation Issues As-Is in Mesquite
Foundation issues are often a barrier to selling your house the traditional way in Mesquite. Many buyers are wary of foundation problems because they can indicate future problems with the home’s structure.
Fortunately, A-List Properties buys houses in any condition. We have the resources to repair foundations, so we are not afraid to buy a property that needs some maintenance. When you sell your house to A-List Properties, some of the benefits include:
- No need for a real estate agent
- No waiting for repair projects
- No back-and-forth negotiation with potential buyers
- Close on your schedule
Why Traditional Buyers Might Walk Away from Foundation Problems
Traditional buyers typically seek move-in-ready homes. If they spend all that money on a house in Mesquite, the last thing they want to do is spend even more money on repairing foundations. As a result, most buyers will only agree to purchase the home if the repairs are made before the sale.
There is also the risk of financing for a home falling through because of a failed inspection or appraisal.
How Foundation Problems Impact FHA and VA Buyers
The Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs insure certain home loan products for qualified borrowers. However, the requirements for loan approval are often stricter for government programs, and a failed appraisal or inspection due to foundation issues can lead to a rejected FHA or VA loan.
Since A-List Properties pays cash for homes with no financing concerns, sellers can avoid this obstacle.
Can You Sell to an Investor Without Making Foundation Repairs?
Many investors, including A-List Properties, will buy homes with foundation problems. We are excited to help Texas homeowners who are worried about selling their homes with maintenance concerns by paying cash for their properties.
How A-List Properties Buys Houses with Foundation Damage in Mesquite
Even if there are significant issues with your house in Mesquite, A-List Properties has a simple, three-step process for buying your house fast with cash:
- Contact our team to submit detailed information about the house
- Receive a no-obligation cash offer for your home
- Choose a closing date and get paid with no delays
As a veteran-owned, local company, A-List Properties cares about homeowners in Mesquite. We can help you sell your house fast while skipping repairs, inspections, and real estate agent fees.
When to Repair First: A Case-by-Case Foundation Decision
Some sellers are motivated to pay foundation repair costs before selling. This can be a worthwhile investment if you want to get top dollar for the sale or have access to affordable labor. However, the stress-free alternative of selling to a cash home buyer can shorten the timeline of your sale while reducing upfront expenses.
Selling a Rental with Foundation Issues in Mesquite
Certain types of sellers could benefit immensely from a fast cash sale when facing foundation movement or other concerns. Landlords who own or manage rentals, especially properties with deferred maintenance, can sell their assets quickly while avoiding the cost of repairs. A-List Properties has worked with many landlords to buy their properties quickly.
Selling a House with Foundation Problems During Probate
If you have inherited a property with foundation issues that is in probate, the thought of paying for repairs can feel unnecessary. If you don’t plan to keep the home, you can sell it to our team with no out-of-pocket costs.
Can I Still Get a Fair Price for My House with Foundation Issues?
Foundation problems do affect the value of a home, so selling the standard way can be challenging. However, you can still get a cash offer from A-List Properties with no deductions for agent commissions or closing costs.
Don’t Let Foundation Issues Stop Your Sale
If you have discovered foundation problems in your home and plan to sell it, it is easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed. A-List Properties can provide tailored solutions so you can avoid paying for repairs or trying to appeal to picky buyers in the Mesquite market. We buy houses in Mesquite for cash and are ready to make an offer on your home. Call us today at 972-526-7042 or complete our online form to request your no-obligation offer.
Zach Shelley
Zach Shelley is a seasoned real estate investor with a diverse network spanning across the nation. As the founder of his own real estate venture, Zach is committed to offering innovative solutions to homeowners facing various real estate challenges.. Through his dedication and strategic approach, Zach continues to make a significant impact in the real estate industry, providing homeowners with alternative pathways to navigate their property transactions.
