Selling a house with code violations in Denver
When you’ve decided to sell your house in Denver, you may start to wonder if your house meets code standards. While newer homes are likely to meet current standards, selling an older home might mean dealing with code violations. If you’re selling an older house, it’s important to understand what code violations are, what to do if you think your house isn’t up to code, and how code violations may affect the sale of your house.
Understanding housing code violations in Denver
Housing code violations happen when a property fails to meet the standards set by municipal and city codes. These regulations are designed to ensure that buildings are safe and healthy, and to maintain community wellbeing. In Denver, like in many cities, code enforcement is taken seriously to protect residents and maintain property values.
Common code violations in Denver include:
- Structural issues (foundation problems, roof damage)
- Electrical hazards
- Plumbing defects
- Fire safety concerns (lack of smoke detectors, blocked exits)
- Sanitation issues
- Improper ventilation
- Pest infestations
- Overgrown vegetation
- Improper waste disposal
- Unpermitted construction or additions
Keep in mind that while this list includes some of the most common violations, it doesn't cover everything. Denver's building codes are detailed and can change over time, so it's important for homeowners to stay up to date with the latest regulations.
Can you sell a house with code violations in Denver?
It’s possible to sell a house with code violations, but you may face some challenges:
- A smaller buyer pool: A lot of buyers hesitate to purchase homes that need major repairs or updates.
- Financing difficulties: Buyers may struggle to secure mortgages for homes with code violations. Many lenders, like those offering FHA loans, need properties to meet certain standards before they’ll approve a loan.
- Insurance issues: Homeowners insurance can be more difficult or expensive to obtain for properties with existing code violations, which can make buyers hesitant to buy the house.
- Lower sale price: To attract buyers, you may need to lower your asking price to make up for the cost of repairs.
- Longer time on the market: Houses with code violations often take longer to sell, which can be an issue if you want to sell your house quickly.
Disclosure requirements in Denver
In Colorado, including in Denver, you’re required to disclose known material defects about your property to buyers, including any housing code violations that you're aware of. While you’re not required to go out of your way to find new information about your property's condition, withholding known issues can lead to legal troubles down the line.
The Colorado Real Estate Commission's "Seller's Property Disclosure" form is typically used for this reason. It's important to be honest and thorough when filling out this form to protect yourself legally and ethically.
Options for selling a house with code violations in Denver
If you're facing code violations, you have several options for selling your Denver home:
Fix the code violations before you sell the house
Pros:
- Increases your home's value and attractiveness to buyers
- Widens your potential buyer pool
- May lead to a faster sale at a better price
Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for major violations
- Takes time, which may not be possible if you want to sell your house quickly
Sell “as is” on the traditional real estate market
Pros:
- Avoid the cost and time of making repairs
- Could attract buyers looking for a project
Cons:
- Likely to receive lower offers that take into account the cost of fixing the violations
- May take longer to find a buyer
- Could face challenges with buyer financing
Offer seller concessions
Pros:
- Makes your home more appealing to buyers
- Offers flexibility during negotiations
Cons:
- Lowers the amount you get from the sale
- May not fully cover the cost of repairs for the buyer
Sell to an off-market home buyer
Pros:
- Quicker sale than selling on the traditional market
- Can sell without making repairs, which saves on upfront costs
- Often a simpler process
Cons:
- Typically receive a lower offer than you might on the open market
- Fewer options to negotiate terms
Sell your house "as is" to We Buy Ugly Houses®.
If you’ve decided that you want to sell your house without fixing any code violations, We Buy Ugly Houses® is here to help. We buy houses in almost any condition and don’t shy away from big projects. We've bought over 150,000 houses across the country, making the selling process fast and easy. We focus on the seller's needs, which is why we have a nationwide 95%* customer satisfaction rating from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey, as well as fantastic seller reviews. We typically make offers at below market value in exchange for speed and convenience.
Some of the benefits of selling to us are:
- No need to make repairs or bring the house up to code
- Quick closing process, sometimes in as little as three weeks—ideal if you need to sell fast
- No commissions or hidden fees
- We pay typical closing costs
When you book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Denver property buyers, they will meet you at your property for a quick walkthrough. Then they can answer any questions you may have. They may be able to give you a fast offer on the same day. If you accept the offer, we can close quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. It really is that simple to sell your house with code violations in Denver. Contact us today to learn more!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
