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Selling a House That Needs a New Roof

Ben Naumann
Ben Naumann
Ben Naumann has been a well known figure in the real estate investing space in Houston TX for years

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Here’s Everything You Need to Know and More

If you’ve ever dealt with a leaky or damaged roof, then you know first-hand how incredibly taxing it is to fix it. It’s expensive, it’s time-consuming and, sometimes, when you work with contractors who aren’t skilled enough, it’s a job that might need to be done again.

Many home-owners simply aren’t willing to deal with the costs of repairing or replacing a roof that’s been damaged – and they’re not alone.

You’re Not the Only One

Many home buyers feel the exact same way, which is why it’s so hard to get a great price or even a buyer at all when you’re selling a house that needs a new roof. Whether it’s just replacing a few shingles or structural damages from rot or fire, a damaged roof has the potential to bring your home sale goals tumbling down.

The reason for the lack of interest in buying homes with damaged roofs could be chalked up to the time, effort, and costs it takes to fix. Because people have their own lives, families, and careers to focus on, they don’t always have the time or energy to pour into such a huge repair job. They simply want to buy the right home, move in, and be ready to start building their new lives there.

There’s Hope!

While they do tend to be in the minority, some buyers are on the lookout for a home just like that! Real estate investors, house flippers, and even someone looking for a new challenge and a more affordable home would be interested in buying your house, even if the roof is damaged and needs to be replaced.

If you’re set on replacing your roof before selling your house, then you’re in luck too! Not every roof that’s damaged needs to be replaced in its entirety. You might not even need to repair it at all.

The secret is finding the right strategy to marketing your home, finding the right buyer, and settling on a fair price that you’re both comfortable with.

Can You Sell a House That Needs a New Roof?

Yes, You Absolutely Can

Let’s assume that you’re dead-set on selling a house that needs a new roof, but you’re not willing to put in the work or costs involved with repairing your roof before selling your house. That’s alright. As long as you’re willing to take some time to develop a clear strategy and goal for your sale, then you can definitely work out a way to sell your house without repairing the roof.

However, the key here is to take all options into consideration before deciding on the right path. This article should provide you with the information, insight, and tips you need while making a decision that could impact your financial circumstances for years to come.

Are You Thinking of Replacing Your Roof Before Selling Your House?

Read This Section First

Replacing a roof – depending on how badly damaged it is – is no easy feat for contractors or homeowners. Repairing and replacing such a huge part of your home’s structure takes incredible attention to detail, safety, and budgets. When you work with a company that does low-quality work or uses cheap materials and equipment, you’re setting yourself up for more expensive repairs that might arise down the road.

To make sure that you get the experienced service, high-quality materials, and peace of mind you need and deserve, be sure to follow the following tips. As always, reach out to a professional and experienced service provider whenever you can before make any decisions.

Understand The Extent of The Damage Before You Do Anything

Instead of jumping on a call with your closest contracting agency and ordering a new roof, take a moment to truly understand the extent of the damage. This damage determines the final price tag and the costs that you might be losing out on if you choose to go for selling a house that needs a new roof instead.

There are a few questions that you can ask yourself or your preferred repairs company that will give you a clearer idea of what you’re dealing with. Some of the potential questions you can ask yourself include the following:

  • What was the cause of the damage?

Natural disasters like floods, storms, tornadoes, or even earthquakes are common culprits when it comes to damaging roofs. Each of these reasons have their own factors that you need to understand when you’re considering replacing your roof before selling your house.

If, for example, your roof was damaged in a storm, you could be dealing with water damage and mold left by the moisture. If left for too long, this mold can spread to the rest of your home and put your and your loved ones’ health at risk.

  • Is there anything you might be missing?

Hidden damage is a dangerous thing, especially when selling a house. If you’ve only replaced the surface level damage to your roof, you might be placing yourself at risk of facing legal action if your new buyer discovers undisclosed damages.

Instead of simply walking around your home to look at your roof, be sure to check (or have someone else check) your roof for hidden damage, inside and out.

  • Is there a trusted professional you can call?

Unless you’ve spent years in roofing or construction, you might not have the experience you need to even understand the extent of the damage, let alone fix it. Be sure to reach out to a professional roofing company or agency that can put you in contact with a surveyor or inspector who knows exactly what to look out for when you’re replacing your roof before selling your house. This professional will help you understand those issues that you might have missed during your own visual inspection.

Get A Competitive Estimate for The Repair Costs

Replacing your roof before selling your house will cost a pretty penny, no doubt. However, it might cost you more or less what it could cost your neighbor to do the same thing. The repair costs for your roof depend on a variety of different factors, including the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the level of experience of the contractors you work with.

Before you commit to the first option you find, be sure to do your own research to find a fair deal.

  • Check Prices Online

Check your local business directory for a list of contractors in your area that specialize in roofing and repairs. You could also ask your local community members to recommend some business’s that they’ve worked with in the past. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential companies to work with, be sure to ask them for a breakdown of their rates and services.

However, remember that some of these businesses or contractors could require an on-site inspection or call-out that could cost you an additional fee. Be sure to clarify this when you speak to them.

  • Speak To Your Insurance Provider

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you might be able to find a contractor or roofing partner with affordable rates based on their recommendations. If your roof damage is covered by your insurer, then you can be sure that they won’t want to cover any more than they need to. That’s why they tend to put you in contact with more affordable service providers.

  • Talk To a Professional

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof before selling your house, it’s definitely worth speaking to someone with actual experience in the industry. Having an expert visit your home and give you a clear, understandable, and straightforward explanation of what you can expect to pay and why it might be that high is invaluable.

They’ll be able to give you some extra pointers regarding the quality of materials, the time-frame you’ll be looking at and, most importantly, what all of these repairs will set you back financially.

Decide On the Option That Suits Your Situation

Once you have a clear idea of what it will cost to replace your roof, you might find that selling a house that needs a new roof is easier than repairing it! When you’re faced with the actual numbers and turnaround times, you’ll have a better idea of which options suit your needs right now.

If you were hoping to get a higher selling price for your home by replacing your roof before selling your house, you might not be able to if the repairs cost you more than you’ll make. If you’ve been on the fence about selling your home as-is and find that the repairs actually won’t cost that much or take that long, then doing the repairs with a professional contractor might be a better option.

The right answer here depends on your own situation and goals for the sale.

When To Replace Your Roof

And When to Sell It As-Is Instead

As a home-owner in this situation, you might feel plagued by endless questions and worries about your home. Can you afford the repairs? Do you have the time to get everything done? Can you sell a house that needs a new roof? Is replacing your roof before selling your house really the best option for you?

Christian House Buyers is here to help you find the answers.

Replace Your Roof If…

  •  The Damage Isn’t That Bad

If you’ve had an inspector round to see the extent of the damage, ask them for a comprehensive quote. If the inspector is sure that the damage truly wasn’t that bad, then replacing your roof could be more straightforward than selling a house that needs a new roof.

  • The Damage Poses a Direct Risk to You and Your Family

If the damage has gotten worse since it happened, you might need to start thinking of yourself and your family. Living in a home that isn’t structurally sound is dangerous and could end with someone getting injured, or worse, losing their life. If this is the case, you might not have a choice but to repair it.

  •  You Have the Money to Replace It

Let’s face it. Living in a home with a damaged roof – even if you are planning on selling it eventually – isn’t comfortable. It’s nerve-wracking and most probably something that’s weighing on your mind day and night. If you’ve gotten a quote for the repairs and know that you can afford to have them done, then go for it.

This will definitely add some value to your home’s sale when the time comes, and it will also give you some more comfort and peace of mind for however long you’re still planning on living there.

Sell Your Home As-Is If…

  •  You’re Pressed for Time

Do you need to relocate for a new job and you simply can’t afford to wait weeks while your roof is being repaired? Selling your home as-is is a great way to make sure it’s taken off your hands as quickly and painlessly as possible. You’ll most probably be able to find a developer or property investor who might want to demolish your home and rebuild in the same area. You could even strike gold by finding a family that’s willing to invest in a fixer-upper. The point is that the sooner you find a buyer, the sooner you’ll be able to move on.

  •  You’re Stressed Out Beyond Belief

Dealing with a damaged roof is stressful enough. But dealing with additional stress – like going through a divorce while still sharing a home, or worrying about the safety of your family – adds a level of strain that’s sometimes not worth the extra bit that you might get from replacing your roof before selling your house.

  •  You’re Willing to Trade Cost with Convenience

Selling your home as-is is faster, if not necessarily easier. Both options hold their own challenges and downfalls, but one of the most important benefits of selling a house that needs a new roof instead of repairing it is convenience. While you might have to settle for selling your home for a lower price that you’d initially expected, you’ll still be closing that chapter of your life that much faster so that you can move on and start over somewhere new.

How Can You Sell a House That Needs a New Roof Without Losing Out?

You Can’t, unfortunately…

…but you can make sure that you don’t lose out more than you need to. When you choose to sell your home fast, damaged roof and all, you can still ensure that your potential buyers see the value in your home and it’s features or location without being too distracted by the damaged roof.

Here are some ways that you can improve your chances of getting a fair price when selling a house that needs a new roof.

Keep The Roof Clean

A damage roof looks bad enough. If you still have debris like branches, dirt, or water that’s clearly visible to potential buyers, then you’ll be cutting your home’s value even more. Be sure to clean as much of the damage and debris as possible to show that you’re making an effort. Clean the gutters to drain any excess water, remove damaged or loose shingles, and be sure to keep the rest of your home clean and tidy.

 Find The Right Realtor

Knowing how to list your home when selling a house that needs a new roof is one of the most important aspects of the sale! The right listing will be one that shows exactly what the buyer can expect, without downplaying any of your home’s amazing features or selling points. A professional realtor can help you do just that.

When you work with a realtor or professional real estate agent, you’ll be able to gain access to a variety of different resources and potential buyers that you otherwise might not even have known about. Your realtor or agent will be able to give you an idea of the value of your home, guide you through every step of the process to minimize stress, and could even help you negotiate better terms with your potential buyer when the time comes.

While some realtors do charge a commission fee, we believe that working with them is worth it. The stress and confusion you’ll save more than makes up for the percentage that the realtor might take as payment.

How Much Does Replacing Your Roof Before Selling Your House Cost?

The Answer Is That It Depends

 Understand That Your Roof Is Unique

There are so many different types of roofs, that it would be impossible to get an overall price to repair them. The costs of your repairs depend on the type of roof you have, which could include asphalt, metal, slate tile, and more.

The type of damage that your roof has sustained also plays a huge role. Was the damaged caused by snows or storms? Is it leaking due to broken shingles or cracked flashing? Is there water pooling in the roof that’s threatening to damage the rest of your home?

All of these questions can be answered by working with a specialist who can tell you more about what you’re facing, what it will take to fix it, and what it will cost you in the end.

Get Quotes from Different Contractors and Specialists

You might be able to get some obligation-free quotes from different agencies or companies in your area. Be sure to ask about any warrantees or money-back policies while you discuss your roof repairs. Remember that while quality and cost aren’t always equal, going for the cheapest option might lead to receiving the lowest quality of work.

As we mentioned earlier, working with a professional roofing or repairs company is a great way to cover your back in case of hidden damage. These contractors and experts will be able to help you deal with the damages that might have happened because of the roof, like cracks in the walls, electrical issues, and trapped moisture or mold.

Speak About a Payment Plan

Some companies or contractors might be able to give you a flexible payment plan depending on the costs of your repairs. Take a minute to decide how you would prefer to pay for the damages – like paying a lump sum or opting for monthly instalments with interest – and communicate this with the companies you speak to.

So, What’s The Verdict?

Can you sell a house that needs a new roof? Yes! The secret is deciding whether that option suits your circumstances though. As a home-owner, you know that your home is incredibly unique. There is no hard and fast rule to selling a house that needs a new roof because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all homeowners!

There are countless resources available online that vouch for replacing your roof before selling your house. There are just as many that say selling a house that needs a new roof is a great idea! You’ll need to take a good, hard look at your own, unique situation before you choose an option.

Work With a Team That Cares About Your Home, Your Future and Your Finances

If you’d like to work with a dedicated group of professionals who have sold houses that need new roofs, houses that have burnt down, and even houses that have been damaged by floods, then reach out to our team today! Christian House Buyers is here to give you the professional and research-backed advice you need to not only sell your home, but do so in a way that gives you the financial boost you need for the future.

If you have any questions about selling a house that needs a new roof, feel free to contact us by filling out the form on our website. One of our expert representatives will get back to you as soon as we possibly can!

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