Selling a vacant house can present unique challenges that homeowners often underestimate. A property left unoccupied for an extended period might face several issues, particularly concerning utilities, electrical systems, and plumbing. These challenges can significantly impact the sale process.

Electricity Woes in a Vacant House

One of the primary concerns with a vacant property is the disconnection of utilities. Without electricity, the house becomes susceptible to a myriad of issues:

• Code Compliance: Disconnecting utilities may result in violations of building codes that require a property to have functioning electricity.
• Potential Damage: Lack of electricity can lead to mold, mildew, and moisture buildup, causing structural damage over time.
• System Malfunctions: Electrical systems left dormant may face issues upon reactivation, such as tripped breakers, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning appliances.

Plumbing Problems in an Unoccupied Home

Similarly, plumbing in a vacant house poses its own set of challenges:

• Water Damage: Disconnection of the water supply can result in dried-out seals, leaks, or burst pipes upon reconnection, leading to extensive water damage.
• Drainage Issues: Stagnant water in pipes can cause clogs and blockages, leading to plumbing backups and unpleasant odors.
• Potential Health Hazards: Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, posing health risks.

Addressing Utilities and Systems

To prepare a vacant house for sale and mitigate these challenges:

• Reconnect Utilities Early: Prior to listing, consider reconnecting utilities. This not only helps address immediate issues but also showcases a functional property to potential buyers.
• Professional Inspection: Hire qualified professionals to inspect electrical and plumbing systems. Identify any issues and undertake necessary repairs to ensure compliance with building codes.
• Regular Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance schedule for utilities, including periodic checks even when the house is vacant. This helps prevent future issues.

Implications on the Selling Process

These utility-related issues in a vacant house can affect the selling process in various ways:

• Extended Selling Time: Addressing these issues might delay the listing or lengthen the time the property remains on the market.
• Lowered Property Value: Neglected utilities and systems can lower the perceived value of the house, impacting potential buyers’ offers.

Making matters worse, recently, changes in the Housing Code made it enforceable to bring it up to code houses that had utilities disconnected for a certain period of time. Just to give an example: an old breaker that costs $8 at Home Depot must be substituted for a GFCI one that is around $60 each (if you are lucky to find one). And if you have a 200 Amp breaker of 20 Amp each, we’re talking about $ 600 (instead of $80) + taxes, not including the breaker box, the wires, labor, permits, etc. And we are just talking about the electrical part.

In summary, when selling a vacant house, paying attention to utilities, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing concerns is a must. By proactively addressing these issues, homeowners can enhance the property’s marketability, minimize potential setbacks, and attract buyers looking for a hassle-free purchase.

Ensuring a property is code-compliant and its systems are in working order not only streamlines the selling process because more banks are able to finance houses in livable conditions but also instills confidence in prospective buyers, leading to a smoother and more successful sale.

Again, If you need help on what to do with your home or determine its ARV, give us a call or send us a message now, so we can help you make a better-informed decision if you want to sell it as-is, if you want to renovated it before selling or even want to list it with an agent. Whatever you decide, we can help you.