How to Sell a House with Code Violations in Bakersfield, California: Fast & As-Is

Introduction

If you are reading this, you’re likely facing a situation where you’re trying to sell your house in Bakersfield, California, but the property has code violations. This can be overwhelming, especially if you need to sell quickly but are unsure how the violations will affect your sale. You may be asking yourself: Should I fix the code violations first? Can I still sell my house as-is? How do these issues impact my ability to get a fair price? Most importantly, you want a fast and smooth sale without getting trapped in costly repairs or legal issues.

In this blog, we’re going to explore your options for selling a house with code violations and show you the fastest way to sell without needing to worry about expensive repairs. Whether you choose to make the repairs or sell the property as-is, you’ll have the information needed to move forward confidently.

How to Sell a House with Code Violations in Bakersfield, California: Fast & As-Is

Selling a house with code violations in Bakersfield is not impossible, but it certainly requires you to be informed about your options. Many homeowners in Bakersfield find themselves in a situation where they need to sell their house quickly due to financial hardship, foreclosure, or other personal reasons. The challenge is that code violations often complicate the process of selling, especially if you’re trying to sell to a traditional buyer.

While some might consider repairing the violations before selling, this can be both time-consuming and costly. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of selling your house as-is to a cash buyer, explaining why this might be the fastest and most cost-effective route.

Understanding Code Violations and Their Impact on Your Home Sale

What are code violations?

Code violations refer to any discrepancies between the current condition of your property and the local building codes, safety regulations, or zoning laws set by the City of Bakersfield. These violations can range from minor issues, such as a broken handrail or peeling paint, to more serious concerns like unpermitted additions, faulty electrical systems, or structural damage.

Common code violations include:

Unpermitted work: Adding a room, remodeling the kitchen, or even installing a deck without the proper permits.
Electrical violations: Outdated or unsafe wiring that doesn’t meet current electrical codes.
Structural violations: Issues like a sinking foundation, uneven floors, or a leaking roof.
Plumbing violations: Problems with the water supply, sewage systems, or drainage that don’t comply with local plumbing codes.

How do code violations impact your ability to sell?

Code violations can make selling your home more difficult, especially through traditional means. When you list your home for sale, you are legally required to disclose all known code violations to potential buyers. This disclosure can make your property less attractive to many buyers, especially those relying on financing, as the violations may prevent them from securing a mortgage.

In some cases, code violations can lead to a lower sale price, as buyers may factor in the costs of repairs when making their offers. For major violations, buyers might not even consider purchasing your property if they believe the issues are too costly or complicated to fix. Traditional buyers may also be concerned about the time and effort required to bring the home into compliance with building codes.

The Financial Impact of Code Violations

How much does it cost to fix code violations?

The cost to repair code violations can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the violation. In some cases, the cost of repairs may be so high that it might not make financial sense to fix them. Here are some common examples of what repairs might cost:

Electrical Code Violations: If your electrical system doesn’t meet current safety standards, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 to fix, depending on the extent of the issue. A complete rewiring of the house can push the cost even higher.
Plumbing Violations: If your plumbing is outdated or violates city codes, it can cost between $2,000 to $7,000 to repair the system, especially if major sections of the plumbing need to be replaced or updated.
Structural Issues: Major structural repairs—such as foundation work or addressing issues with load-bearing walls—can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 or more. These repairs are usually extensive and require a professional contractor to assess and complete.
Zoning Violations: Zoning violations typically arise from unpermitted additions or changes to the property layout. Correcting these issues could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the addition needs to be torn down or rebuilt to meet current regulations.

Given these costs, many homeowners find that it is financially unfeasible to repair the violations. This is where selling as-is to a cash buyer can be a viable solution, allowing you to avoid costly repairs and still sell your property.

The Pros and Cons of Selling As-Is to a Cash Buyer

Advantages of selling as-is to a cash buyer

Speed: One of the primary benefits of selling as-is to a cash buyer is the speed of the transaction. Cash buyers can typically close in as little as 7 to 14 days, while a traditional sale can take 30 to 60 days or longer, especially when code violations are involved.
No repairs necessary: Selling as-is means you don’t have to worry about fixing any code violations or making repairs to the property. The buyer will take on the responsibility of bringing the home up to code after the sale. This saves you time and money, allowing you to move on more quickly.
Certainty: Cash buyers do not rely on financing, which means there is less risk of the sale falling through. In traditional sales, buyers often need to secure a mortgage, and if the lender finds problems with the property, such as code violations, the deal can collapse. With a cash buyer, you eliminate that uncertainty.
Less paperwork and stress: The process of selling as-is to a cash buyer is generally more straightforward and involves less paperwork than a traditional sale. You won’t have to worry about lengthy negotiations, inspections, or waiting for a lender’s approval.

Disadvantages of selling as-is

Lower sale price: While selling as-is allows for a quicker sale, the downside is that you’ll likely receive a lower offer than you would if you repaired the property. Cash buyers typically offer less because they account for the cost of repairs when making their offer.
Potential for legal issues: In some cases, severe code violations could lead to fines or legal consequences if not addressed. For example, if an unpermitted addition is discovered, you might be required to either bring the structure up to code or remove it altogether. These issues can add complexity to the sale.

Should You Sell to a Cash Buyer?

Why selling to a cash buyer might be the best option

If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and avoid the headache of making repairs, selling to a cash buyer is likely the best route. Cash buyers specialize in purchasing homes as-is, including those with code violations. These buyers understand the costs and challenges involved in fixing up homes and are willing to buy your property without requiring you to fix anything beforehand.

Additionally, cash buyers are often able to close quickly—typically in a week or two—so you can move on with your life without the long delays that often accompany traditional sales.

If you’re ready to explore selling your home to a cash buyer in Bakersfield, we can help guide you through the process. Learn more about how to sell your home for cash in Bakersfield.

Conclusion: Why Selling As-Is to a Cash Buyer from [Your Company Name] Might Be Your Best Option

Selling a house with code violations in Bakersfield doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Whether you choose to make repairs or sell as-is, you have options. If you’re looking to sell quickly and avoid costly repairs, selling to a cash buyer from Family Guy Buys Houses is often the best choice. We specialize in purchasing homes as-is, regardless of code violations, and offer a fast, hassle-free process.

At Family Guy Buys Houses, we understand that time is valuable, and our goal is to help you sell your home quickly, fairly, and without the burden of repairs. By working with us, you can close fast, avoid the stress of lengthy negotiations, and walk away with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve received a fair offer for your property.