Author: Evan Shelley

While buyers may fall in love with wainscotting, shiplap, and other charming stylistic elements in your home, if your home isn’t up to code, you may be unable to sell it on the open market. Although it is possible to sell your home with code violations, you may receive a lower amount than its valuation price.

Understanding common code violations and your options for selling a house with code violations can help you get a fair price for your home.

What is a Building Code Violation?

Building codes refer to structural and occupancy guidelines at the local, state, and federal levels to protect the health and safety of household members and the general public. If your home doesn’t meet these guidelines, it is considered to be a code violation. 

Building codes cover minimum safety requirements across various categories, including:

• Structural stability. Are the frame and foundation stable and secure?
• Lighting and ventilation. Does your home have adequate lighting, ventilation, and an HVAC system?
• Energy consumption. Are the HVAC system and fixtures energy-efficient and emissions compliant?
• Entrances and exits. Are there accessible emergency exits if there is a fire?
• Hygiene and sanitation. Are your home’s pipes eliminating water waste correctly?
• Occupant safety. Is your home made from fire-safe materials, and does it have a fire-safe layout?

Building codes are continuously revised to account for new technologies and safety standards. Often homeowners with homes built in the first half of the last century or earlier discover their home is not up to code when they go to sell it. 

Homeowners who have DIY renovated or remodeled their home may also discover their home is not up to code. If you have made alterations to your home without securing the appropriate permits or using approved materials, you may have an unknown code violation. 

Some federal codes are frequently revised; even homes built only a decade ago may be in violation. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC) has been revised 16 times since it was implemented in 1977. So, it’s crucial to have your home inspected before listing it for sale.

What Are the Most Common Code Violations?

There are several common code violations you may encounter when it comes time to sell your home. They can be problems that range from simple fixes to major repairs. In many cases, the code violations are not visible to potential buyers, so you must ensure you disclose any elements of your home that are not up to code when selling your home. 

Some common code violations include:

• Handrail hazards. Most building codes require that handrails have a return – a section that bends to prevent items from getting caught. 
• Improper bathroom ventilation. Exhaust fans in bathrooms must vent to the exterior of your home, such as the roof or an outside wall. They cannot vent to an attic or another room. 
• Misplaced smoke alarms. Federal fire codes require that each level in the home has a smoke alarm, and any newly built homes must also have smoke alarms in the bedrooms. Fire alarms must be hardwired to the electrical circuitry and have a backup battery. They must also be placed at least 4” from the wall for ceiling-mounted models and 4-12” below the ceiling for wall-mounted units. 
• Defective or missing GFCIs. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is mandatory for all kitchen, bathroom, garage outlets, and all exterior circuits. These devices will cut the circuit if they detect a power surge and prevent accidental electrical shocks. 
• Improperly installed windows. If you have replaced the windows in your home, they may impact the home’s energy efficiency if installed incorrectly or made from sub-standard materials. 
• Incorrectly installed plumbing. Insufficient drainage pipe slope can cause wastewater to flow backward, impacting the sanitation quality of the home. Water heaters installed without a permit or the proper relief valve also violate the building code.

What Are My Options if My Home has Code Violations?

If you discover your home has code violations when you’re preparing to sell, you have a couple of options for moving forward. 

• Make repairs to bring your home up to code

Before selling a home with building code violations, you can correct the building code violations yourself. Identify the repairs necessary to make your home attractive to buyers and prioritize them. Some violations like landscaping changes or installing handrails are simple and appeal to buyers cosmetically, making them worthwhile. 

• Arbitrate a deal with a buyer to pay for repairs 

You must disclose known code violations to potential buyers if they are not repaired. However, some buyers may be willing to move forward with the purchase and make the repairs themselves in exchange for a lower sale price. 

If you are willing to accept a lower offer on your home, you may be able to arbitrate a deal with the buyer to sell the home in its current condition. The homebuyer can then make the repairs themselves with the money they saved by making a lower offer. 

• Sell your home as-is

If you want to avoid the hassle of negotiating with buyers and giving a cut of your profits to a realtor, consider listing your home as a distressed property. Distressed homebuyers specialize in purchasing your home as-is while handling the paperwork and legal aspects of the transaction for a quick sale. 

When you sell a property as-is, the buyer understands they will receive the property in its current state with no further repairs to the existing faults. 

Sell Your Home With Building Code Violations Through Meli

Meli makes the process of selling your distressed property simple and stress-free with a few steps. We are a homebuyer, brokerage, and consulting firm serving the Orlando area. 

Contact us to request a no-obligation free consultation. We’ll ask you a few basic questions about the property. We’ll schedule a walk-through of your property to understand the home and the existing code violations. 

You can expect to hear back from us on the same day with an offer on your home, or we’ll help you list the property. With listing assistance from Meli, we’ll help you clear up any issues that could delay a sale. 

After your home is sold with the help of our team, you get paid fast and walk away from the distressed property to focus on your future investments. To learn how Meli can help you, contact us today.

Image Credits

https://pixabay.com/photos/house-architecture-front-yard-1836070/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-industry-architect-house-8293699/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/property-with-red-and-white-home-for-sale-signage-8469934/

Due to unforeseen circumstances in life, it’s sometimes impossible to pay your bills on time. When you’re a homeowner, there can be serious repercussions to missing these payments, including having liens placed on your home. If you want to sell a property with a lien on it in Florida, Meli can offer guidance and support to make the process stress-free.

What is a Lien?

A lien is a legal claim that is placed on your personal property, like your home. Liens are placed on your home by any creditor you owe money to. This includes the government, banks, businesses, and individuals. Liens allow creditors to collect payments and give them a right to own a part of your property if you fail to make your payments.

Some liens are more common than others. Banks place a lien on your home when you take out a mortgage. The lien protects the bank in case you default on your mortgage payments. Other liens are less common and more serious. Tax liens are only placed on your property if you fail to pay your taxes. A lien can also be placed on your property as part of a legal judgment.

Types of Liens

There are various types of liens that can be placed on your real estate property in Florida:

Judgment liens

Per Florida Statutes Chapter 55, a judgment is a court order that states one party owes another a specific amount of money. In Florida, if the party doesn’t pay the amount owed, the creditor may attach a lien to the individual’s personal property, including real estate. This ensures the creditor is paid from the profits when the home is sold.

Construction liens

A construction lien, also called a mechanic’s lien, may be filed against a property when the owner fails to pay for services rendered, like home repairs or renovations. It’s valid for one year after filing with the county recorder’s office in the county where the property is located.

Mortgage liens

Mortgage liens are a voluntary or consensual lien the homeowner receives when they take out a mortgage for their home. A bank places the lien on their home when the mortgage originates. The lien remains on the property until the mortgage is paid off. Your house is used as collateral by your bank for the duration of your mortgage.

If you default on your mortgage payments, your home may end up going into foreclosure. The mortgage lien gives the bank partial ownership of your home, and they will deduct the debt you owe from the sale of your foreclosed home.

Homeowners that pay their mortgage will have their lien removed once the mortgage is paid or their home is sold. In Florida, mortgage liens are removed from your title within 14 days of the cancellation or completion of the loan.

Tax Liens

Tax liens are a type of statutory lien created by a law or statute in favor of taxing authority. This could be the IRS, the state, or the federal government. A tax lien may be placed on your property by a taxing authority when you fail to pay your debts or taxes, such as property tax.

Can You Sell a Property With a Lien On It?

If you’re struggling to repay your debts, you may wonder, “can you sell a property with a lien on it?” It’s possible to begin the sales process with a tax lien on your home. However, in most cases you’ll need to settle the lien before it’s possible to close.

The challenge in selling a property with a lien on it is locating a buyer willing to deal with this process and the creditors involved. Many buyers and realtors view liens as a significant issue with a home, so you’ll need to consider listing the property as a distressed home. This means the home will be sold in as-is condition, typically below market value.

Work with a homebuyer who specializes in distressed properties and understands the necessity of negotiating with creditors to reduce settlements or secure a release of the liens.

How to Remove a Lien From Your Property

While having liens on your property is stressful, it’s possible to remove these liens. If you’re wondering how to remove a tax lien before selling, the easiest option is to pay the taxes you owe. To make sure everything is settled correctly, it’s important to contact the federal or state government directly, depending on who you owe.

If you cannot pay the debt you owe a taxing authority or a creditor, you can explore other options like:

Setting up a payment plan

You can work with the IRS to set up a payment plan for repayment. Another possibility for settling a tax lien is applying for an Offer in Compromise. This, if accepted, allows you to pay back less than you originally owed.

Contest the lien

If you believe a lien was put on your property in bad faith, you can contest the lien by filing an appeal to have the lien released.

Negotiate a release

You can attempt to negotiate with creditors to obtain a full or partial release of the lien. This can eliminate the lien entirely or reduce the amount you owe.

Running out the statute of limitations

All liens have an expiration date, so in some cases, it’s possible to run out the clock on the lien if you cannot afford to pay back the creditor or taxing authority. For example, a mechanic’s lien only lasts one year in Florida unless the lienor files a lawsuit to enforce the lien before the expiration date.

However, creditors can refile to extend the lien in many cases, so this is not the best method for removing a lien from your property.

Selling your property

You may decide to sell your home to repay the debts you owe and move on with your life. When you take this approach, creditors and taxing authorities will be repaid from your sale profits. You’ll simply have to pay your lien from the profits before the official closing.

Let Meli Help You

Working with Meli is your best option if you’re looking to sell a property with a lien on it near Orlando, FL. Meli specializes in dealing with homes with tax liens and selling homes in as-is condition.

We help homeowners walk away from their legally complicated properties to start fresh by buying your home outright or helping you list and sell. Call or text (407) 305-5008, or fill out our online inquiry form to request a consultation today.

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-woman-street-summer-8293766/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-couple-people-woman-6964070/

https://unsplash.com/photos/_joofjYCG1Q

Are you selling property with a lien? Property liens can make selling your home challenging but not impossible. Liens are placed on your home if you have outstanding debts. It gives the right for a creditor to take ownership of part of your property until the outstanding amount is repaid. 

Learn about the common types of liens placed on properties, how to discover if a lien has been placed on your home, and how to resolve a lien so you can sell your property.

Common Types of Liens

Home liens can be voluntary or involuntary. For example, if the bank takes out a lien when they advance a borrower a loan for a mortgage. This is a type of voluntary lien. 

However, a creditor (usually a financial institution, government agency, or contractor) can file a lien with the local or state court to receive recompense if the debtor (the homeowner) defaults on their financial obligations. 

There are several common types of liens placed on homes, including:

• Homeowners Association Lien

If your home is part of an HOA group, and you have failed to pay your dues or broken the terms of your HOA agreement, the HOA can place a lien against your property. 

For example, if your HOA agreement states that you may not remove trees from your property and you cut them down, you can be fined per tree. A lien will be placed on your home until the debt is repaid. 

• Material Man’s Lien

One of the simplest liens to resolve is a material man’s lien. If a contractor has worked on your home within the last 90 days and has not been paid, they can petition the court to place a lien on the home until they receive the outstanding amount.

• IRS Lien

The most serious lien is a tax lien from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax liens can be placed on homes due to unpaid federal taxes. 

• Department of Revenue Lien

A Department of Revenue lien is another type of tax lien. It can be placed on your home if you have failed to pay your state taxes.

• General Judgement Lien

A creditor takes out a general judgment lien if a court rules that a debtor has not fulfilled their financial obligations to the creditor. For example, an ex-spouse can take out a general judgment lien on the home to receive payment for outstanding child support.

How to Discover if There is a Lien on Your Home

You generally won’t be notified if someone has put a lien on your home. However, you may be sent frequent outstanding payment reminders, Final Warning notices, or a notice that legal action has been taken, which could indicate that a lien may be placed on your home if you don’t fulfill your financial obligations. 

If you suspect you have a lien on your home and plan to sell, you can easily discover what type of lien is in place. Liens are a matter of public record. So you can find out whether you have a lien on your home by checking with the county courthouse and asking the clerk to search for liens on your property. 

You can also contact a title company and pay them to prepare a report on any liens on your home. Your home’s mortgage provider may also be able to discover if there are any liens aside from the voluntary mortgage lien. 

How to Resolve an Outstanding Lien

Once you discover a lien on your property, there are several steps you can take to resolve the lien before selling. Ideally, you will pay off the lien before selling or dispute the lien to have it removed. If these methods do not fulfill the lien requirements, you may have to pay it off using proceeds from the sale of the property.

• Pay off debts if possible

If you have funds available, pay off the lien or liens before selling. Once the lien is fully paid off, it will be removed from your property’s title deed after a specified period. 

• Take out a loan or bond

If you lack the funds to pay the lien outright, you can apply for a loan or take out a bond to pay the lienholder. Keep in mind that this option puts you in debt to an additional creditor, and you’ll need to repay the amount at a later date. 

• Attempt to settle the lien

If you cannot afford to pay the lien in full, you can attempt to negotiate a partial release of the lien, or in the case of how to remove a tax lien, apply for an Offer in Compromise. 

If accepted, the Offer in Compromise allows you to pay back the IRS a lower amount than you owe, effectively removing the lien. The IRS releases liens electronically to the county where the lien was initially filed.

• Find a buyer

Where you cannot afford to pay off any or part of the lien and negotiations are unsuccessful, you may need to find a buyer for your property. This can be challenging because many buyers and realtors don’t want to deal with the complexities of closing on a property with a lien on the title. 

Working with a company that specializes in buying and selling distressed properties and homes with tax liens can help make the process quick and simple. If you’re selling property with a lien in Orlando, book a consultation with Meli to see how we can help.

• Dispute the lien

In cases where you do not believe the lien was applied to your property fairly, you can dispute the lien to have it removed. You can do this by recording a Notice of Contest that shortens the lienor’s time frame to foreclose on the lien to 60 days from the time of serving notice. 

If the lienor doesn’t file a suit to enforce the lien within the 60-day period, the lien is automatically extinguished.

• Use proceeds to pay off the lien

Once you’ve sold your home to an interested buyer, you can use the funds from the sale to pay off creditors or tax authorities with liens on the property. When selling a property with a lien, you’ll need to organize this repayment on time so you can ensure the liens are removed from the title before your closing date. 

Work with Meli to Sell Your Home

Homeowners in Orlando, FL, and surrounding areas with liens on their homes can seek help in selling their distressed property through Meli. Our team specializes in buying, listing, and helping you sell homes with tax liens and any issue complicating a sale. 

We understand that sometimes you need to sell a home fast to pay back creditors or satisfy tax authorities. That’s why we promise to close on your home within 30 days if we decide we’re a good fit for your needs following the initial consultation. 

To schedule a call today, contact us at (407) 305-5008 or fill out our online inquiry form. 

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-concrete-bungalow-under-clear-blue-sky-210617/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-calculator-near-ballpoint-pen-on-white-printed-paper-53621/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-shaking-hands-7578901/

When managing an estate in probate, you need to settle the estate’s debts, taxes, and expenses before you can start dispersing assets to the beneficiaries. This is relatively easy if there is enough cash on hand. But, when there isn’t, you may need to explore a probate sale of real estate to raise the necessary cash.

If you are the executor of a will in probate court and have real estate to sell on behalf of the beneficiaries, you may wonder if you can sell a house before probate is completed. In most cases, the answer is yes. However, you need permission from all the beneficiaries and approval from the probate court before the sale is finalized.

What is a Probate Sale?

If you’re new to selling distressed properties, you might wonder, what is a probate sale, and how does it differ from a traditional deal? 

A probate sale occurs when you sell real estate on behalf of an estate in probate. The home enters probate if the property isn’t deeded to anyone. More specifically, through a living trust, quitclaim deed, or other estate planning documents. If you act as the executor of the will, you can sell the real estate to pay the decedent’s debts, taxes, and expenses, or sell the home and divide the cash between beneficiaries.

Options for Probate Sales of Real Estate

Several avenues for completing a probate sale exist, so as the executor of the will, you’ll need to determine which option best suits the situation and all beneficiaries.

• Hire a Realtor

Here, the sale proceeds through the real estate selling process like it would if you were selling a normal home. 

When dealing with the stress of executing a will, it can be tempting to go with this option. However, in a probate case, it may be one of the more complicated options.

You’ll need to hire a realtor specializing in probate cases since the realtor must follow complex legal statutes. A realtor who isn’t familiar with these statutes may inadvertently endanger a sale by forgetting to file the appropriate paperwork. This ends up costing you money and scaring away potential buyers. 

A probate sale requires the approval of the probate court before you can finalize any sale. This means adding another potential snag to the selling process. Even in the best of circumstances, a home sale can fall through due to unapproved financing, an unfavorable home inspection, an appraisal that doesn’t match the offer, any contingencies on your end, or even a closing date that doesn’t meet the buyer’s needs. Adding waiting on a court to approve a sale to the list is a risky decision. 

Because courts move slowly, waiting for approval by a probate court adds more time to your sale. With most buyers looking to close on a home in 30-45 days, adding 30-45 days for the offer to be heard in probate court makes the house less desirable to potential buyers.

You may also lose money when using a realtor since you will need to pay the agent’s commission. Also, remember that savvy home buyers want turnkey homes. This means they’ll want to negotiate down if the house needs repairs, which many probate sales need. You’re either left paying for the repairs, or the buyer will want a lower sale price to cover those repairs.

• For Sale By Owner

You can also opt to save yourself the real estate agent’s commission, which is generally 6% of the sale, by selling the home yourself, but that comes with its own set of potential pitfalls. 

In addition to not knowing the ins and outs of probate sales statutes, you lack access to many of the resources a real estate agent would have. For example, real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listings Service (MLS), a database for real estate listings that allows them to share the listing with other realtors. Without access to this database, you won’t get as much traffic to the home you are trying to sell. This means the selling process takes longer, or you are forced to accept a lower offer.

Serving as your own realtor also involves time you may be unable to commit since you are already executing the will itself, which, on average, takes about 570 hours of work. Consider whether you want to dedicate time to market, set up open houses and home tours, negotiate with potential buyers, and complete the necessary paperwork.

• Work With a Home Buyer Like Meli

Selling a house in probate the traditional way adds an unnecessary layer of stress that disappears when you work with a home buyer like Meli. We can buy your house outright or help you list and sell quickly. 

Selling to Meli offers a faster turnaround than traditional sales because no financial institution is involved. That means there’s one less opportunity for a potential deal to fall through due to buyer financing. Meli also offers closing within 30 days so you can get paid faster.

Selling to a home buyer like Meli also saves you money on the sale. We can buy the probate property as-is. This means you won’t have to pay for any inspections, repair costs, or risk a lower sale price to a homeowner who wants to save cash to complete the repairs once they take possession. In addition, we will cover your closing costs, and you won’t have to pay a real estate agent’s commission. Our offers are no-obligation, quick, and convenient.

When we don’t make an offer on your distressed property, you can count on our services for listing your home and selling to a non-traditional buyer. We’ll help you find the right solution! 

Changes in property boundaries, easements, and right-of-way issues can cause defects in the title. You should have your property surveyed to check for any title problems so you can manage them before listing. 

Choose Meli for Your Probate Sale

We know the probate process is complicated. We try to make it a little less stressful through no-risk, no-obligation offers for your probate property. Call Meli to request a consultation if you are considering a probate sale in the Orlando area. All you’ll need to provide is a few answers to some questions, and we’ll get the process started for you.

Image Credits

https://unsplash.com/photos/doplSDELX7E

https://unsplash.com/photos/eXtKryPRVC8

https://unsplash.com/photos/OQMZwNd3ThU

Title issues with your home can occur due to unpaid debts or property line disputes. Issues often occur with foreclosed homes and small mistakes made in public records. You can also have a defective title if your property is stuck in probate due to a previous owner’s death. 

A defective title, also known as a cloud on title, complicates the sale of your property. Any issues have to be paid or resolved before the sale of your home or property can be finalized. Learn about the most common title issues in Florida and how to resolve title issues so you can sell your home fast.

Perform a Title Search

When you’ve been told your property has a title issue, the first step is to perform a title search. Title searches are complicated, so you shouldn’t attempt to handle them by yourself. A real estate attorney or title agency can perform a title search for you. They search through public records and let you know if there are any issues with your property’s title. 

The title search identifies the property’s legal owner and reveals any claims or liens that must be resolved to clear your title. A clear title is necessary for you to sell your property.

Common Title Issues

There are several reasons your property may have a defective title. Learn what they are and how to resolve title issues.

• Unreleased Liens

Any unpaid or unreleased liens on a property cause title issues. Courts grant property liens to creditors when a person doesn’t pay the debt they owe. These creditors have a claim over the property, and the debtor must pay the liens to clear the title. 

There are three main types of liens. Tax liens occur when a property owner owes taxes of any kind to the IRS, including local property taxes. The seller has to pay all of the back taxes owed before or at the closing of the property.

Tax liens can be placed by local, state, or federal agencies. Judgment liens happen if a court awards a creditor monetary damages in a lawsuit. 

Mortgage liens are also common in causing title issues. A mortgage lender, like a bank, may use a lien on your property as collateral for a deed of trust or mortgage. Even if you’ve paid your mortgage, the lien will exist until the lender records payment and files a release of the lien.

• Errors in Public Records

Mistakes happen, and any incorrect or missing documentation can cause a defect in your title. It could be as simple as a spelling or clerical error or a more complicated fraudulent case. If a title search reveals no results, it could be due to missing documentation or paperwork being filed incorrectly. 

Any errors can be fixed by filing a corrective deed. While these errors aren’t your fault, they are costly to fix, and it complicates the sale of your property.

• Probate or Ownership Issues

This problem occurs when the property seller does not have their name on the deed and is not considered the rightful owner. This can happen in cases of fraud, but it also occurs by mistake with legitimate sellers. 

When a property is awarded to heirs in wills or estates, all heirs must sign the deed. If an heir takes possession of the property without signing the deed, there will be title issues when they sell the property in the future. 

Ownership issues also happen during divorces. If one spouse keeps the home in a divorce and doesn’t change the deed documents, both could still be listed as owners when it’s time to sell.

• Property Line Issues

Changes in property boundaries, easements, and right-of-way issues can cause defects in the title. It’s a good idea to have your property surveyed to check for any title problems so you can manage them before listing. 

How to Resolve Title Issues

If your title search reveals an issue, it will need to be resolved before you can sign closing paperwork. You may need to hire a title company or a real estate attorney to help clear your title issues. After they identify the title defects, they’ll work with you to resolve the problem. An attorney can file documents to correct errors and represent you if there are boundary or ownership disputes.

You can also search for title issues through your local county recorder office in Florida. Any taxes or liens must be paid in full to clear your title for sale. The lienholder must acknowledge full payment and cancel their lien before the property is closed. Mortgage liens are an exception, as they are paid through the sale of the property and canceled after the closing. 

Ownership and deed issues need to be fixed before the property is sold. Any errors must be corrected and filed in a corrective deed. Once your title is clear, the sale of the property can move forward.

Quiet Title Action

If you can’t find information or the title is still disputed, you may have to file a quiet title action. This is a lawsuit that lets the court decide who the rightful property owner is. The court will review all documentation and the facts of your case to reach their ruling. 

Work with a Home Buyer Like Meli

If you are facing title issues or liens, you can sell your home as a distressed property. What is a distressed property? Any property that is damaged, has code violations, lien or title issues, or is facing foreclosure can be considered distressed property. It does not have to be in disrepair to qualify.

The last thing you want is an expensive, time-consuming process to clear your property’s title issues. Meli Homes is a company that buys distressed properties in the Orlando area, and we can examine your property, often making an offer the same day. If we don’t buy your home, we can offer a consultation to help you list and sell, bypassing the traditional real estate process. 

You won’t have to resolve your title issues before selling or listing with Meli. We can close on your property in 30 days or less for a quick turnaround that gets you paid when you need it most. Request a consultation with Meli today.

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-concrete-bungalow-under-clear-blue-sky-210617/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/judge-signing-on-the-papers-6077447/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-desk-office-writing-8293647/

Whether your home is old or was only built in the last decade, there may be building code violations lurking behind your walls. Your property could’ve been damaged in a hurricane or flood, or perhaps you started a home renovation project you were unable to finish. If you need to sell your home quickly due to tough financial circumstances, you may not have the time or means to rectify these problems before listing. 

Homeowners in Florida may be wondering: Can you sell a house that’s not up to code without fixing it first? Sellers in Florida are required to disclose any code violations to potential buyers before the sale of the home. While residents in Florida do not have to fix code violations before a sale, it’s much harder to find a buyer interested in purchasing a home that’s not up to code. 

Buyers are looking for move-in-ready properties and don’t want to invest a lot of time and money before moving into a house. To avoid a surprise, check if your property is up to code. Plus, learn how to fix building code violations before you go to sell.

Obtain and Review Building Codes in your Area

Each state has its own guidelines and building codes, along with national standards every state must follow. These rules are regularly updated, and even if your property was up to code within the last three years, it might now be in violation. 

The Florida Building Commission updates building codes every three years. The latest update took effect on January 1, 2021, with significant changes for residential roofing, wind loads, and energy conservation in the latest edition. If you’re replacing your roof, pay close attention to the new guidelines so you’re not in code violation. There are also updates for more efficient lighting and mechanical equipment in homes.

Florida building codes help ensure the proper construction of your home. From materials used in the build like plumbing and electrical to local fire safety regulations, including the amount and location of smoke detectors in your home. Building codes are designed to keep residents safe.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets national standards and guidelines for designing, installing, and using electric devices in homes. NEC’s guidelines determine how the wiring is installed and outline how the property’s electrical system will be inspected.

If you belong to a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), there may be additional requirements about the appearance or maintenance of your home. This includes the color of your house, the condition of your roof, and outdoor lighting and landscaping. Your HOA can fine you if you violate their policies. Review your HOA rules to determine if you need to make repairs or adjustments to the outside of your property.

Set Up a Home Inspection if You’re Uncertain

If you’d like a second opinion about how your house measures up, you can hire an experienced home inspector to examine your property. They’re specifically trained to identify a variety of problems within a house and will look for code violations in these area. They may also advise you to fix building code violations.

• Structure

They’ll look for any damage or issue to your foundation, roof, and any other structural components like windows and doors.

• Heating & Cooling

They’ll make sure your HVAC and other systems are functioning correctly.

• Plumbing

They’ll inspect pipes and drainage to make sure they’re up to code and working properly. Inspectors may even test your water pressure and ceilings or walls to check for water damage.

• Electrical

They’ll check if your system is up to code and whether there are any problems in the house. Inspectors will test lights and appliances to make sure they’re working.

Home inspectors will examine your entire house, from the basement to the attic. They’ll check the structure from the outside to inspect your roof and the exterior of your home. Inspection may take a few hours, and you’ll receive a report within a week of any violations or areas you need to address.

Obtain a Work Permit

Florida requires building permits for any new construction or renovation on existing structures. If you are planning on repairing, moving, or changing the structure of your home, you will need a building permit. There are also permits for work on electrical, plumbing, and other mechanical systems. If you install, replace, or move any parts of these systems, you need a permit.

As a homeowner, you can obtain an Owner-Builder Permit that allows you to improve a one-family or two-family residence. You apply for this permit locally and act as your own contractor with this permit. In all other cases, construction must be completed by a licensed contractor.

Failing to get a permit before starting the work results in penalties. Florida law outlines the fines you’ll face as a fee of up to four times the cost of the permit, but no more than $5,000.

Hire Licensed Contractors

If your property has multiple building code violations that require repairs, you may find it helpful to bring in a general contractor who can oversee the completion of the project. The general contractor can manage the individual tradespeople you hire for tasks such as plumbing, electrical, or structural work. 

Work with a Home Buyer Like Meli

It takes time and money to fix a house if it’s not up to code. If you find out your home has building code violations when you’re ready to sell, you have options besides making costly repairs.

Instead of selling your house to buyers as-is, consider working with a company that buys and consults on distressed properties and may help you learn how to fix building code violations. Meli Homes is a company in the Orlando area that helps sellers with distressed homes complete their sales. Can you sell a house with code violations to Meli Homes? Yes, at Meli, we can buy your house in Orlando even if it has code violations.

We’ll schedule a walkthrough of your home to assess its value and make a same-day decision. If we’re interested in buying, we will then give you an offer for the house as-is that you can either accept or reject. We typically close on the property in 30 days or less if you accept our offer, so you get paid fast. When we don’t buy, we can help you with listing your property and navigating the sales process. Meli handles all the paperwork to make it as easy for you as possible. Request a consultation with Meli Homes today.

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-shooping-cart-near-plant-403574/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-writing-on-paper-on-top-of-table-544965/

https://unsplash.com/photos/RfkaDKptt-A

Life is unpredictable, and you may be having difficulty paying your mortgage or property taxes due to time off work for injury, illness, or caring for a loved one. Maybe you think selling your home is a good way to lower your debt and reduce your financial stress. You might start to ask yourself, “How do tax liens work?”

But if you’re behind on your taxes, your home may be subject to a tax lien. You may be wondering, “can I sell my house with a tax lien?” The answer is yes, but it’s a complicated process. A tax lien makes selling your property more difficult, and you’ll want to fully understand the situation before deciding to sell. 

What is a Tax Lien?

A tax lien is a legal claim to your property and assets when you owe taxes to your local, state, or federal government. If you fail to pay state or federal taxes, the state government or IRS can place a lien on your property. If you don’t pay your local property taxes, your local government will place a lien on your home.

A tax lien doesn’t mean the government will try to take your home. Instead, it gives them a claim to your assets before other creditors, like a bank lender holding your mortgage. A tax lien only occurs after the government entity has tried to contact you for payment. If you don’t respond or pay your debt, a lien is placed.

How Do Tax Liens Work

You may be wondering, “how do tax liens work?” when it comes to selling your property? The property owner and taxpayer will receive a letter from the government detailing what they owe in taxes. This is a Notice and Demand for Payment. 

If you fail to pay the amount owed or refuse to work with the government agency to resolve the issue, a tax lien is put on your assets, including your property. If you fail to pay back taxes owed to the federal government after filing a tax lien, the IRS will issue a Notice of Intent to Levy.

State and local governments file the same notices if you fail to pay income tax, sales tax, property tax, or estate taxes. There is a three-year statute of limitations from when your taxes are due for the federal government to take legal action. The state of Florida has five years to levy and collect taxes.

Tax liens no longer appear on your credit report, but government agencies file it as a public notice, and it can affect your ability to qualify for a loan or mortgage. A tax lien also impacts your ability to sell or purchase a property.

A tax lien on your property would show up during the title searches during the sale of the home. You must have a clean title before the home sale is closed. A tax lien clouds a title and delays the closing. To clear the title and sell your home, you’ll have to fully pay the government the amount you owe in back taxes.

How Do I Know if I Have a Tax Lien?

Now that you know how tax liens work, you may start to wonder if you have one. If you owe back taxes, the government will send you a notice through the mail. If you fail to pay or set up a repayment plan with them, they may place a lien on your assets, including your house. 

You can run a title search on your home to see any tax liens against it. It can be complicated to find the information you need, even though title searches are public record. You can hire a real estate attorney or a title agency to help with your search. 
In Florida, you can search Florida Delinquent Taxpayers through the state’s department of revenue website. They publish the names of taxpayers with liens who owe $100,000 or more in back taxes.

How to Resolve a Tax Lien

You can release a tax lien by paying the amount you owe in back taxes or coming to a resolution with the entity you owe. There are four main ways to resolve a tax lien.

• Use a Repayment Plan

If you can’t afford to pay the full amount of back taxes and interest owed at one time, you can set up monthly payments. The IRS and the state of Florida both allow taxpayers to set up payment plans. 

You can establish a payment plan online with the IRS. Florida residents will have to visit their local tax center and show they cannot afford to pay the full amount to set up a payment plan agreement.

• Offer in Compromise

This is a settlement between the taxpayer and the IRS. Instead of having to pay the full amount, the two parties settle on a lower amount. It is extremely difficult to qualify for this resolution.

1. The taxpayer has to submit an application to the IRS
2. You must have filled all previous tax returns
3. You must make payments of your current year’s estimated taxes to the IRS
4. The IRS will reject your application if you’re being audited or if you’ve filed for bankruptcy

• File an Appeal

File an appeal if you disagree with the tax lien placed on your property or believe it was done in error. You are allowed to appeal any tax lien or tax levy imposed by the IRS through their Office of Appeals.  

Florida also allows taxpayers to appeal their liens. You can request modification, release from liens, and the cancellation of liens through the state’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The Florida Department of Revenue can cancel liens placed in error and file a public notice to remove the liens.

• File for Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy should be your last option. The IRS won’t dissolve a tax lien placed before you filed for bankruptcy. You will still owe them the same amount, and it has to be paid to clear your title. However, the IRS cannot place new tax liens on your property while under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Why You Should Work With Meli Homes

Selling your home is another way to pay your back taxes. While you can’t close on the sale, you can use proceeds from the sale to pay the taxes owed. It’s possible you’ll have to pay the total amount you owe in back taxes before you can close the sale of your home. If your property has a tax lien, you may have trouble selling it to a buyer on the open market. With limited options, you may not know how to sell a house with a tax lien. 

Consider working with a professional home buyer like Meli Homes. We are based in Orlando, Florida, and will buy your home as-is or help you list to sell. We regularly invest in houses that are difficult to sell and have experience with tax laws in Florida. If you accept our offer, we can close on your property within 30 days. Contact Meli Homes today to request a consultation.

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/for-sale-sign-in-front-of-a-house-7578847/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-silver-laptop-computer-6863385/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-handing-out-the-keys-8482871/

Are you looking at selling your home, but starting to wonder if you can sell a house with a violation? Buyers can be scared off by this result, and you might not have the money available to fix the violations. 

As a homeowner, you may already be aware of violations in your home and are wondering, “Can you sell a house that’s not up to code?” The good news is there are options for selling your house even if it has code violations.

What “Not Up to Code” Means

There are state and federal regulations in place to make sure your home is safe to live in. These guidelines are called building codes, and all homes are subject to them. Building codes are regularly updated, and you should review your state’s codes before you go to sell your home. In Florida, the residential building code is updated every three years. The latest update has been in effect since January 2021.

If you do not meet the requirements, your house is considered “not up to code.” Code violations can be simple fixes like installing the correct amount of smoke detectors, or they could be expensive problems with the structure of your home. So can you sell a house with a violation in Florida?

Common Code Violations

Specific building codes vary by state. In Florida, recent updates to the building code include improvements in energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, roofing upgrades, and wind resistance of homes.

Some of the most common code violations in homes include:

• Handrails on Staircases
  • Your railing must turn and end at the wall so people won’t catch their sleeves or other items on the rail as they walk by and lose their balance.
• Smoke Detectors
  • You need to have the right amount of smoke detectors placed correctly in your home. They should be installed on each level of your house and outside each bedroom.
• Windows
  • Any window placed near stairs, bathrooms, or where someone could fall into one should be made of tempered glass. This prevents the window from shattering and injuring people. In Florida, there are codes requiring more wind-resistant windows to withstand hurricanes. 
• Bathroom Ventilation
  • Fans in bathrooms need to vent to the outside and not other interior locations like attics.
• Water Heaters, HVAC Units
  • Older water heaters and other heating and cooling systems in your home may be out of date and won’t pass current inspections. Newer codes promote more efficient units and safety features.

• National Electric Code (NEC)
  • There are national standards for the electric system in your home. Electric panels may need to be updated to stay within code. You may also be in violation if you do not have GFCI outlets near sources of water in kitchens and bathrooms and outdoors. The ground-fault circuit interrupter on these outlets keeps you from getting electrocuted or having electrical issues in your home if water gets into the outlets.
• Homeowners Association (HOA)
  • If your property is part of an HOA you need to adhere to their rules and regulations as well. They govern the exterior appearance of your home and may place limitations on what you can have in or on your property. 
  • You may have to change the color of your house, update your landscaping, or meet other requirements before you can sell your home. While HOA guidelines won’t affect the closing of your sale, violations can be costly. You may have to pay fines or pay for the cost of making the required changes.

Do You Need to Disclose Violations?

Sellers will need to disclose any violations their home has to buyers. In Florida, a seller must disclose all known facts that affect their home’s value to the buyer. This includes any legal claims to the property and repairs that local, state, or federal authorities require. 

It’s always best to be upfront about issues and disclose any violations in your home. Potential buyers will find code violations while conducting home inspections and it’s best not to be surprised.

Can You Sell a House With a Violation?

Can you sell a house with a violation in Florida? Yes, homeowners can sell their house even if it has code violations. There are several options the homeowner can choose from to sell the property even when it’s not up to code. 

• Fix the Violations and Move on With the Sale

Some violations are easy to fix and don’t cost the seller a lot of money. If you have a code violation regarding smoke detectors, you can resolve the problem by installing new smoke detectors in your home where building codes require them. 

Other low-cost violations include updating electrical outlets and bathroom exhaust fans. These are fairly inexpensive fixes that can resolve your violation quickly so you can move ahead with your sale. 

You can also hire professionals to fix significant issues with your electrical or plumbing systems or structural problems in your home. A licensed contractor, plumber, or electrician can work with you to bring your house up to code.

• Lower the Price of Your Home

Some code violations require expensive repairs that you may be unable to afford. Roof replacements or updating an electrical panel are two examples of costly repairs. If the seller cannot afford to make the repairs themselves, they can lower the price of their home and sell it to buyers as-is. This discount gives buyers the option to pay for repairs once the sale has gone through. 

Any home sold as-is must be safe to live in. The code violations can’t threaten the health or wellbeing of the buyer. While the lower price may attract potential buyers, you may have trouble finalizing the home’s sale because code violations are a title issue. 

Title issues complicate who owns the property and make closing on a home a more lengthy and difficult process.

Working with Meli Homes

A third option if your home has code violations is to sell it to a company that specializes in buying distressed properties. Companies like Meli Homes regularly buy houses in their current condition and are experienced in dealing with code violations and title issues. If we don’t buy your home outright, we can offer guidance in listing and selling your property to bypass the traditional real estate process. 

If you have expensive repairs you cannot afford to make or need to sell your house quickly, a professional home buyer is a great option. 

Can you sell a house with code violations to Meli Homes? Definitely. Meli purchases homes in Florida that require repairs. We have experience buying as-is dwellings and homes with title issues. We’ll handle the paperwork for you and typically close within 30 days or less. 

Your home sale with Meli is easy and fast. We will walk through your home and, if we are interested in buying, make you an offer within 24 hours. You don’t have to worry about making repairs or the sale falling through; simply accept or reject the offer and we’ll get the paperwork started. We can also help you list your property as-is to better your chances of a sale. Request a consultation today regarding your home with code violations near Orlando, Florida. 

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-silver-key-with-green-gemstone-8293717/

https://unsplash.com/photos/7alo7OJVNVw

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-people-building-industry-8293673/

As you deal with your grief following the death of a loved one, you may also be struggling to understand the question, what is probate when selling a house? Probate is the process of settling the debts of a deceased person and distributing their assets to heirs. The probate process verifies that everything is carried out per the wishes of the decedent.  But can a house be sold while in probate?

In some cases, you can sell a probate home in Florida. Understand when you can sell a house in probate and how doing so may be beneficial.

What is the Probate Process in Florida?

A house can be sold while in probate in Florida, as long as you follow these five distinct steps:

1. Filing the Petition

According to Florida law, the executor must submit a valid will to the deceased’s county probate court within ten days of their death. The heir(s) must file a petition including these details:

• State where the property is located 
• Contact information of the petitioner
• The name, most recent address, and personal information of the decedent
• Names and contact information of any surviving spouses and beneficiaries
• Existence of unrevoked wills (if there are no wills, you must note that you have done your due diligence to track one down, and it does not exist to the best of your knowledge)
• A statement declaring the will is deposited with the county probate court

2. Notice to Creditors and Beneficiaries

You must give notice to anyone who is considered a debtor or beneficiary of the deceased. Debtors then have three months in the state of Florida to contact you about any unsettled debts. Beneficiaries will need to be kept apprised of progress.

3. Payment of the Estate’s Debts, Taxes, and Expenses

Due to illness or financial concerns at the end of the deceased’s life, there is a good chance they’ll have outstanding debts. You must also pay taxes for the year of the death and any expenses they accrued before they died. These payments are made through the estate, whether through the sale of assets or from cash savings.

4. Property Transfers in Accordance with the Deceased’s Will or Local Law

Once the estate has paid all debts, taxes, and expenses, the remaining assets are transferred to beneficiaries as named in the will. The only exception is if assets must be sold to pay the estate’s debts, taxes, or expenses. Those must be paid before anything is distributed to the beneficiaries.

5. Closing the Probate Estate

Once the estate’s debts, taxes, and expenses are settled, and the assets are distributed, the probate estate is formally closed through a petition to close the estate. Generally, this takes place ~6 months after the probate case is opened. It may take two years or more in complicated cases.

When Can a House Be Sold in Probate?

For a house to be sold in probate, one of the two conditions below must be met:

• The will contains a “power of sale” clause expressly granting the personal representative or executor the right to sell the real estate in question
• There is a court order from the county probate court if there is either no power of sale clause in the will or there is no will

If the deceased is survived by a spouse or the will specifically identify a living trust or specific home beneficiary through a quitclaim deed or other formal estate planning means, the property’s ownership automatically transfers to that person without entering probate.

How Do I Sell a House in Probate?

Selling a house in probate can be a long and challenging process. This is because, in addition to the logistics of it, you’ll also need the probate court’s permission.

When selling a house in probate, you’ll want to follow these steps.

1. File an Intent to Sell Petition with the Probate Court

You’ll need to include the appraisal of the home and your strategy for selling (sale by owner or a realtor). Then, once the court approves, you can continue with the process.

2. Understand the Details of the Home

Often, you may not know a lot about the house since it did not belong to you. You’ll want to check county property appraiser sites for the home’s specs and the county tax assessor site to see the status of the home’s taxes. You can also hire a realtor at this stage to help you do the work thoroughly.

3. Prepare the Home for Sale

Hire an inspector to take a thorough look at the house. Then, if any repairs need to be done, you can either pay for repairs through the estate if there is enough cash available to do so, hire contractors to do the work that will be paid for upon the date of sale, or sell the home “as-is” without doing any repairs.

4. List the Home for Sale

You can do this yourself to save a commission, or you can hire a realtor. However, it’s highly recommended that you hire a real estate lawyer who has experience working with selling homes in probate, as there are added legal statutes you need to be aware of.

5. Inform the Buyer of Probate

Because probate sales need the probate court’s approval, you’ll want to let the buyer know that while you have accepted their offer, the probate court must approve it, which can take a while.

6. File a Petition for a Court Order Authorizing Sale of Real Property

Show proof of consent from all beneficiaries that they approve of the sale.

7. Receive Court Approval of Sale

Once the court approves the sale, everything proceeds as it usually would for any other real estate sale.

Why Work with Meli?

For traditional buyers, the process of a probate sale may be too long. As a result, it may be challenging to find the right buyer. A home buyer like Meli is an excellent option for any probate real estate sale because we save you time and money in a high-stress situation.

There’s no need to involve a financial institution with Meli since we can either purchase your property outright or help you list it as a distressed property. This significantly speeds up the sale process so you can get paid fast and get the property off your hands. Because there’s no need to fix up the home, there is less financial risk when you work with Meli.

If we wish to purchase your probate property, you’ll receive a no-obligation offer from us, usually the same day as our walkthrough of the property, which you can accept or reject. Depending on if you accept, we close quickly so you can continue with the probate process, saving you money on fees accrued while the probate case is open. If we don’t buy your property, we can help you list it and support you through the process of selling your distressed property quickly. 

Since we specialize in probate properties, you can rest assured that your probate sale with Meli abides by all Florida legal statutes governing the sale of probate real estate. Request a consultation with us today. 

Image Credits

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-concrete-bungalow-under-clear-blue-sky-210617/

https://unsplash.com/photos/wkfZyteTMOA

https://www.pexels.com/photo/real-estate-agent-discussing-in-front-of-his-client-8293744/

Sometimes you need to sell your home fast in Florida for financial or personal reasons. If you can’t spend the time or money to renovate your property, selling it “as-is” might be the best solution.

The Florida real estate market is booming with many opportunities to sell your home fast. More people move into the Sunshine State looking for better job opportunities and a higher quality of life. To take advantage of it, a growing number of homeowners work with cash home buyers rather than real estate agents. Houses are sold not only at a fair price, but they also sell quickly. This saves you time and money while eliminating the hassle of working with agents.

Meli helps homeowners who want to sell their homes fast in Florida, and we ensure the process is smooth. It starts with a consultation and ends with your home closing fast, usually within 30 days. 

Central Florida

There is no doubt about Central Florida’s importance, not as a hub of amusement parks but for high-tech, energy, and manufacturing corporations. The significant presence of world-class hospitality, research, and development in Orlando makes it a destination that draws people from across the country to benefit from the seemingly limitless opportunities and exceptional quality of life the city offers. 

Orlando’s population has increased by 20.4% in the last decade, and Orlando listings have spent just 36 days on the market in May 2021. These factors make Orlando a top place for investors and those looking to flip houses in Central Florida.

Meli is based in the Orlando metropolitan area, which puts us at an advantage when buying distressed or difficult-to-sell homes in the area. We can help you whether your home is located in Orlando or Kissimmee. 

If you’re a property owner saying, “I need to sell my house fast in Winter Park” or “I need to sell my house fast in Kissimmee,” now is the right time to do so. Meli can help you start the process of selling your home in the Metro Orlando area. 

East Florida

Melbourne is well-positioned to attract more people with high-paying jobs as the home of the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, and many aviation firms and defense contractors. This makes Melbourne a reliable and stable market for investors to flip houses outside major markets such as Orlando. At Meli Homes, we buy houses in Melbourne, no matter the condition of the house. 

When you are looking to sell a house fast in Melbourne, Meli can take the property off your hands in just one month with a cash deal. Investors and buyers in Titusville can also choose to invest in and renovate homes for use as single-family rental properties. If you’re looking for a company that buys houses in Titusville, FL, for cash, get in touch with Meli Homes today. 

Legal Ramifications

A mortgage is a legal contract between you and the mortgage company/bank that helps fund the purchase of your home. If you fail to hold up your end of the agreement, they have the right to take your home. They will do so after filing legal paperwork and giving you notice of foreclosure.

However, the goal for banks and mortgage companies is simply to make their money back. If the foreclosure hasn’t happened yet, you can still try to sell the home. The new buyer must be fully aware of the financial situation and any existing debts or liens on the property.

This is why there are companies that specialize in the legal intricacies of buying distressed properties. There is usually additional red tape that needs to be cut through before you can finally walk away from a distressed or underwater home. The average buyer won’t have time or knowledge for dealing with the bureaucracy, nor will they have the money necessary to buy the home outright instead of getting a mortgage.

North and South Florida

North Florida is also seeing strong demand from buyers across the board. In the past decade, Jacksonville’s population has grown by 10.9%. Jacksonville is also notable for strong economic growth with major businesses and corporations headquartered in the city. Tallahassee’s population has grown by 7.1% in the past decade, with a solid economic backbone as well. 

More people are moving to South Florida in search of a better quality of life. Florida is expected to have 26 million residents by 2030, with a population increase in the South of 6.9 million in the next 10 years. The inflow of new potential buyers and investors could spur the South Florida real estate market on, forcing it to keep pace with demand. Investing in distressed properties is becoming more popular as investors seek out affordable rentals to flip for profit. 

You may find it easier to sell a distressed property than you thought, especially when you can find a cash buyer who will give you a fair price. Selling your home fast in Florida can be effortless when you work with a professional buyer like Meli Homes. 

Sell Your Home Fast in Florida

Florida’s population, local economies, and real estate market are booming. The state’s good weather, job opportunities, and revitalized cities and suburbs have attracted more residents and investors in recent years. According to the Florida real estate market, there has never been a better time to sell your property than right now.

When it comes to selling your home in Florida fast, you can rely on Meli. Having purchased a significant amount of distressed properties in the state, we know how to navigate the process quickly and will take on the administrative tasks of filing paperwork for you so you can focus on your upcoming move.

With our home base in Orlando, we are happy to assist local homeowners with a quick and hassle-free home sale within 30 days. 

Give us a call right away at (407) 338-4183 if you want to act quickly and sell your home to us. We can make you a competitive offer for your Florida home following a scheduled walkthrough.

Image Credits

https://unsplash.com/photos/VyyNcb4plSM

https://unsplash.com/photos/z8U4OVhw3DU

https://unsplash.com/photos/0SQOEnmcuCU