Can You Sell a House with a Bad Roof?

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Can you sell a house with a bad roof? A house shelters its occupants and protects them from th elements, but it’s roof is a part of the house often taken for granted. But when it is damaged, people ultimately learn how important it is. A bad roof is not only unsightly but it can also be a nightmare.

You can sell a house with a bad roof. Some buyers may be interested in the house, regardless of its roof condition. But, to maximize the house value and get more wonderful offers for the home, fixing the damaged roof can help.

Table of Contents

What is a Bad Roof?

A bad roof does not necessarily mean the house cannot be occupied. Since a roof is exposed to all types of weather and external conditions, it experiences wear and tear over time. This wear and tear results in possible issues and causes it to deteriorate faster in physical appearance and quality.

The roof condition is one of the things appraised during a house sale. So, if your roof is deemed bad, it may reduce the property’s market value resulting in a low sale. The factors appraisers look at when evaluating the condition of the roof are rusted flashings, the condition of the shingles, and moss growth.

A roof’s damage not only leads to a leaky ceiling but a plethora of other issues as well. It can stain the ceiling and affect its aesthetic appeal. A damaged ceiling further decreases the house value. It may also need replacement at some point, which will cost you more.

A bad roof also reduces the house’s insulation. A poorly insulated house consumes more energy, leading to overly high utility bills. Of course, no homeowner – current or potential – will want that.

house with bad red roof

What Homebuyers Look for in a Roof?

How can you sell a house with a bad roof? Check what factors the home buyer, appraiser, and home inspector consider the most. You will most likely be asked about the age of the home or the roof itself. This determines the length of time the roof has been in place and the possible wear and tear it faced during its lifespan.

They will also check the roofing material. What type of roofing material do you have? How durable is it to withstand your locality’s weather? How expensive is the material? These things are possible considerations when appraising your property’s value.

Roofing upgrades, if any, also contribute to the roof factor in a home. As upgrades are done, it lends the house better protection from the weather while also keeping the façade beautiful.

Modern houses today upgrade their homes with solar systems and reflective roof colors. Some owners, especially those located in areas with extreme winter, install superb insulation on the roof.

Can You Sell a House with a Bad Roof?

Can you sell a house with a bad roof even when it is heavily damaged? Yes, you may. No laws prevent you from selling the house. Even when the roof issue makes it unlivable and the property is red-tagged, you can still sell the house. But, it is not without disadvantages.

Disclose the Roof Issue

Homebuyers are protected by the real estate disclosure law. The law states that whatever problem the house has, it should be disclosed to the buyer before the sale. 

Even if you learn about roofing issues during the sales process, you are obligated to divulge the information to the potential buyer. Also, this law is not limited to the roofing problem alone; this covers all issues on the entire property.

Roof Inspection by a Professional

Hiring a professional may cost you a few bucks, but their knowledge about roofs is what you need. A home roofing expert gives you an in-depth analysis of your roof’s condition. The report includes issues and damages, the estimated lifespan of the current roof, and the approximate cost of having the problems fixed.

Replace or Repair by Yourself or Hire

For minor issues, you can DIY the replacement and repair. But, if you believe that the work needed is beyond what you can do, it is best to hire a professional. Sometimes, repairing the roof before listing the property is better. 

Many potential buyers shy away from a bad roof, limiting your offers and keeping your home on the market for an extended time. Mortgage companies may not approve requests for a loan until the roof is replaced and some require the roof to have at least two years left in its lifespan.

Clean the Roof

Cleaning helps a lot in the overall wow factor of the roof. If you cannot repair or replace a bad roof due to financial concerns, the best you can do is to clean the roof before putting it on the market. 

A dirty roof easily disgusts potential homebuyers as it makes a bad first impression. Clean the roof by removing branches and other debris that accumulated over the years. Also, don’t forget about cleaning the gutters. A clean roof gives an impression that the roof was looked after for the past years.

Can You Sell a House with an Old Roof?

Selling a house with an old roof is fine. You can still put your house on the market even if you have an old roof. However, note that the age of the roof is factored into the appraisal of the property. So, if the house has an old roof, you might not get the highest appraisal value for your home.

A roof’s lifespan is estimated between 30 to 50 years, especially when you have maintained it well. An old roof without leaks and other problems is better than a bad roof with major issues. 

So, make it a practice to inspect the roof for any damages after natural calamities like tornadoes and storms. When nature strikes, it can create damage on your roof that you won’t know about until the problem has ballooned into a major issue. 

Hence, regular checking and maintenance of the old roof are ideal. It helps you deal with the problem while it’s still not as expensive as replacing the entire roof.

Costs of Replacing with a Brand New Roof

Replacing a bad roof with a brand new roof can make a wonderful selling point. It attracts more buyers and also generates higher offers. Even if you spend on replacing a new roof, you may recoup the amount once you sell the house for a great price.

Replacing a new roof depends on many factors, including the size, area, location of the house, roof condition, materials used, the roofing design, and other features. A simple roof replacement costs an average of $7500 to $8000. However, bigger houses with many steps can easily rack up to hundreds of dollars.

Will Someone Buy a House with a Bad Roof?

Traditional homebuyers may shy away from a house with a bad roof given the strict rules of lending and financial institutions. Luckily, you can sell your house with a bad roof without replacing or repairing it.

The most trouble-free way of selling a house with a bad roof is by selling it to cash buyers and investors. These homebuyers do not need the banks and lending companies to purchase the property. Hence, no need for appraisals and stringent rules.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Selling to a Cash Buyer

Can you sell a house with a bad roof for cash? Yes, that’s what cash buyers are for. Cash buyers, often investors, will purchase the property for cash. This is a quick way to get money from the property with less hassle in the sale process.

Advantages

Cash Payment

Investors or a cash buyer always pay in cash without appraisals or bank loan approval.

No Repairs Needed

They accept the house as-is, regardless of the poor condition of the property. They don’t care about the bad roof or just how bad it is.

Fast and convenient selling

For someone who wants to get rid of the property as soon as possible, selling the property for cash is an excellent way. Many home sellers who do not want the stress of traditional home selling always go this route.

Disadvantages

Pay Less than the Market Value

One disadvantage of cash buying is that you won’t get the best price for your house. Because the investor pays all the costs related to the house, including the closing costs and possible repairs, you will receive a generally low offer. It is up to you if the offer is worth the stress-free selling.

Knowing the pros and cons of selling your house with a bad roof gives you a better idea of what steps to take given your current situation. Just remember, the final decision lies in you!

Preparing an exit strategy before listing a home is important so it can be sold ideally when it is at its peak price. WeBuyHousesInDenver.org is your solution to selling a house for cash. We buy houses in any condition. Selling a house for cash is made easy with us, that’s what we do as your leading cash for homes in Denver. Simply call or fill out our online form, and our team of experts will get to work, quick and smart, to help you get your house SOLD!

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