Can I sell a Lake Charles area house with code violations? Are sellers required to fix code violations before selling their house? These are both common questions we get asked by Louisiana homeowners and we’re here to help.
Have you recently received code violations on your Lake Charles property but don’t have the cash or ability to handle the repairs? Many homeowners we speak to are concerned that buyers will not be interested in a house that doesn’t comply with Lake Charles codes. They’re also concerned that these violations will drastically lower the price of their house. Worry no more. We’re here to offer advice and hopefully lessen the burden of your code violations.
The following article is for research purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. The laws pertaining to home sales and tax in Louisiana and the Lake Charles area are always changing. You should always consult an experienced attorney or real estate professional before taking any action.
Do I Need to Make Buyers Aware of Code Violations?
Yes. Ethically, this is the right thing to do. Legally, you are required to reveal all code violations to potential buyers. If you fail to notify potential buyers of any code violations on your house, you may be responsible for any financial loss the buyer accrues due to the violations. Always consult a real estate professional before moving forward.
What Do I Do After I Receive a Code Violation in Lake Charles?
Code violations can be a bit tricky to understand and troubleshoot. The first thing you should do after receiving a code violation on your Lake Charles house is to contact a local real estate professional like Bayou Property Partners. We always recommend seeking the help of a professional when it comes to code violations. Not only can we offer advice, we may even be able to speak with the violation code officer to discuss the details of your non-compliance.
Pro Tip: You may be able to negotiate with the violation code officer to sanction down the violations and get your house in compliance.
Which Code Violations Are Worth Repairing?
There are six common types of property code violations:
- Electrical Problems
- Handrails Missing From Staircases
- Broken or Missing Smoke Alarms
- Improper Bathroom Ventilation
- Windows in Dangerous Locations
- Water Heater Problems
Some code violations are just related to the cosmetics of your Lake Charles house, like lawn care, peeling paint, pool maintenance, etc. Most of these cosmetic violations can be fixed with very little time and money. And it’s definitely worth it because these simple repairs will increase the value of your Lake Charles home.
On the other hand, other code violations will need to be looked at individually to determine whether or not they’re worth fixing. Contact Bayou Property Partners and we’ll do our best to steer you in the right direction.
Negotiate With the Buyer to Pay for Repairs & Fixes
Once you’ve fulfilled your legal requirements and notified the buyer of the code violations, it’s time to negotiate. Some buyers may be open to the idea of repairing code violations on their own. Of course they’ll come back with a lower purchase price for your Lake Charles house, but it could save you a lot of time and frustration. Keep in mind that building codes in Lake Charles are changing all the time and buyers will want a property that will last for years to come.
Sell Your Lake Charles House to Bayou Property Partners
We are local home buyers in Lake Charles, Louisiana and we buy houses as-is. When you sell your house to Bayou Property Partners, you don’t need to worry about repairs, fixes, or cleaning. We look past all of that and handle everything on our own after the sale. We will buy your house in 7-10 days and pay you all cash.
If you’re deciding whether to sell on your own, list with an agent, or sell to Bayou Property Partners, we ask that you consider the following benefits of selling to us:
- Pay zero realtor fees or commissions
- Pay zero inspection fees or closing costs
- Sell your house in days, not months
- No showings to the public
We’re here to help homeowners in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area looking to sell your house. Take some time to learn more about us, and when you’re ready, request a cash offer online.
