Repair, sell as-is, rent or keep it: how to decide with real numbers.
If your house has foundation problems, the big question is whether to repair it before you sell, sell it as-is, rent it, or keep it. There is no single right answer. It comes down to what the repair costs, what the house is worth afterward, and how soon you need to be done.
Foundation repair quotes can vary a lot for the same problem. In one Sioux Falls situation we worked on, three quotes for bowing foundation walls ranged from about $30,000 to $45,000. That's one house, not a price list, but it shows why you want more than one estimate before you decide anything. Read the full story.
Can bring a higher sale price from a retail buyer, but you pay for the repair up front and wait for the work and then a sale. It makes the most sense when the repair cost is well below the value it adds.
You skip the repair, and the buyer prices it in. Cash buyers and some investors purchase houses with foundation issues. Expect a lower price than a repaired house would bring.
Can make sense if the rent would cover the repair cost over time and you want to stay an owner. It adds landlord responsibility.
If the problem isn't urgent and you don't need to sell, holding gives you time. Get the issue monitored or assessed so it doesn't get worse unnoticed.
Sellers are generally expected to disclose known material defects, and a foundation problem is one. Ask a realtor or attorney what applies to your sale, and don't hide a problem that a buyer's inspection will find anyway.
We buy houses as-is, including those that need foundation work, and we'll give you an honest comparison of your options first. If a realtor, a repair or holding the property is better for you, we'll tell you. Compare the two selling routes in our guide to cash buyer vs. realtor.
General information only — not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and costs vary by state and by property; confirm specifics with a licensed attorney, CPA or real estate professional.
Related: Sioux Falls foundation case study · Major repairs · Cash buyer vs. realtor · Sioux Falls
Sometimes. If the repair costs less than the value it adds and you have time and money to do it, repairing first can bring a higher price. If not, selling as-is to a cash buyer or investor is common. Get at least three quotes before deciding.
Yes. Houses with foundation problems sell as-is to cash buyers and investors, and some are listed with realtors, but buyers will price in the repair cost and risk.
At least three. Quotes can differ widely: in one Sioux Falls case, three quotes for bowing walls ranged from about $30,000 to $45,000.
It can. Structural problems often make financing harder for buyers, which is why many foundation-problem houses sell to cash buyers.
Tell us the situation and we'll walk you through every option, with no cost and no obligation.