Selling a Condemned House in Montgomery, Texas

A house is considered condemned when a government entity has determined the house no longer safe to live in. Typically it’s triggered by a pattern of unsafe housing code violations. Once a house has been condemned, it’s illegal for anyone to live in it until the problems have been fixed and inspected. If you own or have inherited a condemned house, sometimes selling it is your best option. 

Why Do Houses get Condemned? 

There are a number of reasons a house may become condemned: 

• The house has been vacant and boarded up for an extended time, often more than 60 days 
• Utilities have been shut off 
• An official inspector has cited specific hazards that deem the house unsafe to live in 
• The house is considered dilapidated, meaning there are no specific hazards, but the inspector has qualified it for condemnation  

How to Fix a Condemned House Status 

In some cases, you can negotiate a rehabilitation or repair agreement with the local authorities. After making the agreed-upon repairs and going through the code compliance process, you can reverse a condemned status. 

What are the Code Requirements of Housing? 

Code requirements will vary from one jurisdiction to the next, but in general, a livable house must provide the following: 

• Plumbing 
• Hot water 
• Ventilation 
• Heat 
• Light fixtures 
• Safe electrical outlets 

The house should also be kept clean, pest-free, and in good structural condition. 

Can a Good House Be Condemned? 

A house that is situated in a location designated for public use or construction can become condemned. Public authorities can exercise the power of eminent domain, which allows the government to seize private land based on the location of the property and not its condition. So at times, even a well-maintained residential home can be condemned.

What are Your Options? 

Condemning a house is usually a last resort taken only when all other efforts have failed to improve it. When a home is condemned, the owner and tenants are notified in writing that it must be vacated. An official sign is attached to the house stating that the dwelling is not fit for human habitation. The government may disconnect the gas, shut off the electric power, and drain plumbing fixtures and water pipes. 

If you own a condemned house, you have the option to repair the house or demolish it. 

If you can’t or don’t want to repair it, the only other option is selling it to a house buying company. 

Need to Sell Your Condemned House in Montgomery, Texas? 

Brisea Properties serves home sellers in Montgomery, TX, and surrounding areas. Not everyone can wait weeks or months to sell their home through the traditional real estate market. And not everyone has the time or resources to ready a home that’s in disrepair and get it in selling condition. Whatever your circumstances Brisea Properties is here to help. We can buy your house fast and get your cash in a matter of days. 

Learn more about how we can help @ www.briseaproperties.com