What to Do With a Condemned House in Atlanta: Sell or Repair?
What is a condemned house?
Whether it’s due to code violations, contamination, or structural issues, a condemnation notice on your Atlanta house can complicate your life and any plans you have for a future home sale. A condemned house is property that the government has deemed unsafe and, as a result, uninhabitable. As provided by the Atlanta Police Department, code violations that can result in a condemnation notice include:
- decayed/damaged leaking roofs
- holes in flooring
- broken window glass
- flaking/peeling paint
- rodent infestation or unsanitary conditions
- overgrown, littered vacant lots
- inoperative vehicles on the property
- graffiti
- electrical hazards
- open and vacant structures
- dilapidated buildings
In the state of Georgia, the Department of Community Affairs is responsible for issuing the notices and forms. When a house is condemned, the city of Atlanta issues a notice for the homeowner to vacate the property and make the required repairs. If you fail to move out within the specified timeframe, you may be fined by the city. Once a notice of condemnation is issued, the homeowner will need to make the necessary repairs or sell the property.
Do you still need to pay a mortgage on a condemned house?
When you have a house that has been condemned, you will need to continue making mortgage and property tax payments. Additionally, any liens will have to be paid in full to avoid negative effects on your credit.
Do you need to make repairs before selling a condemned house?
Before you can determine whether you should fix your house before you sell it, you need to figure out the level of disrepair. This requires an inspection from the local Atlanta Code Enforcement Section. If repairs are possible, then you can sell the property and structure. If it is condemned beyond repair, you may only be able to sell the land.
If you can sell, keep in mind that condemnation of a property will most likely negatively affect its home value. In many cases, a condemned or abandoned house can also bring down the property values of the surrounding neighborhood.
How to sell a condemned house in Atlanta
Regardless of your decision to make repairs before listing or to sell your house “as is,” your options to sell include:
- Selling FSBO (for sale by owner): You can sell a condemned house by yourself, but you will have to manage the entirety of the home sale process on your own, from marketing and staging to closing. You may also need to consider making repairs to attract a wider pool of potential buyers.
- Listing with a real estate agent: You have the option to list it on the local housing market, but you may need to make repairs and renovations before listing. Alternatively, you could work with an agent who specializes in selling a house “as is.” An agent will assist you throughout your home sale, but keep in mind that they charge a commission, which historically has been around 5–6% of your home’s sale price.
- Working with a property investor: If you don’t want to sell your house on your own or work with an agent, you can also sell your house to a property investor. These investors readily buy many types of properties in various conditions. Examples of investors include house flippers, iBuyers, and off-market home buyers like us.
Sell your condemned house in Atlanta
When you sell with We Buy Ugly Houses, you don’t have to worry about your home’s condition affecting your sale. We buy houses “as is,” so you can skip the home repair and renovation projects and sell your house with ease. With our 3-step home-buying process, you could go from offer to closing, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. If you need more time, we'll do everything we can to close on a timeline that fits your schedule. Ready to sell your house “as is” in Atlanta? Reach out to us today for a free consultation to sell your condemned house.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
