Can you sell a house with code violations in Birmingham?
Code violations are especially common in older houses in Birmingham and can result in fines and serious problems when selling. The county specifies the Birmingham building codes and keeps a close watch on work permits and code violations. The good news is that you can sell your house if it has code violations; however, you may not be able to sell it the traditional way through a real estate agent.
Jefferson County building codes and permits
According to the Jefferson County, AL, page on Code-Enforcement.org, “The Code Enforcement Office enforces building codes and keeps records on all codes and regulations, as well as making reports about Jefferson County building code violations. They investigate potential code violations and issue abatement orders, and the AL office also issues permits. These permits may be required for construction, occupancy of a building, and to prove the building is in compliance with Jefferson County zoning laws.”
Any time you have work done on your Birmingham house that changes its footprint, you need work permits. The work that requires permits includes finishing attics or basements, additions, decks, some fencing, and most plumbing and electrical work. Before having any work done to your house, check with the proper local authorities to see what permits may be needed. Your house must also meet certain safety requirements to avoid Minimum Property Standards violations. If your house doesn’t meet the standards, most mortgage companies will not approve loans, including the FHA.
Selling your Birmingham house with housing code violations
If you have housing code violations, selling your house can be difficult. Mortgage lenders often won’t finance properties with code violations. You can fix the violations, but the old work may need to be demolished, permits pulled, and the work done all over again to meet the code. It might not be worth the time and effort needed.
If you want to sell your house with code violations, We Buy Ugly Houses® is here to help. Selling your Birmingham house "as is" to us can be a fantastic option for sellers with code violations.
How to sell your Birmingham house to We Buy Ugly Houses®
If your Birmingham house has housing code violations, that doesn’t matter to us. We Buy Ugly Houses can give you a fast, stress-free transaction without the worry of having to redo the work. From first consultation to final closing, our team of friendly Birmingham property specialists will guide you every step of the way.
Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your house. While there, we’ll take a tour and answer your questions. We can possibly give you an offer on the same day. If you accept, you can sell your house even if it has housing code violations, and we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. We Buy Ugly Houses has no hidden fees and pays typical closing costs. We typically buy houses below market value in exchange for speed and convenience.
Contact us soon—we’d love to do business with you.
