Author: Evan Shelley

If you are considering selling a home in poor condition, should you sell it as-is? It can depend on how expensive it is to fix the issues. A cosmetic repair may be an affordable and quick fix. It would allow you to raise the sale price of your home and sell it quicker.

However, suppose your home needs a new roof or has a leak that caused mold, visible damage, or electrical problems. In that case, the repairs may be more expensive than you can afford. This is where it can become a take it or leave it situation for potential buyers. 

Factors that impact your decision to fix your home before placing it on the market

While your budget may be the primary reason you don’t make repairs, other factors can impact your decision. 

• Home Inspections

The findings in a home inspection report give your buyer a powerful negotiation tool when selling on the open market. If your home is in a state of disrepair, you’ll have to negotiate a lower price or let your buyer walk. 

However, if you are selling a home in poor condition and as-is, the inspection findings don’t impact the sale. So, the buyer no longer has any leverage.    

• Current real estate market conditions

If it is a seller’s market you may be able to sell your house with fewer repairs. But, if it is a buyer’s market, and you don’t make repairs, you’ll have to list your home at a reduced price or expect your house to sit on the market.

• Your neighborhood competition

Evaluate how your home stacks up against the competition in your neighborhood. If there is a mix of remodeled and as-is homes, you may be able to sell your home for a reasonable price.

If a lot of homes in your neighborhood have been updated or have curb appeal, your home will sit unsold indefinitely.

• Return on investment

Paying to repair your house doesn’t make sense unless you stand to make more money than you spend. Consider the costs of repairs and then which are affordable and which will give you value for your spend.

Is my house distressed?

Before deciding to sell your home as-is, an appraisal can help you to understand whether your home is in poor condition. In Florida, a home is defined as a poor condition if it meets has the following criteria:

• Your home is uninhabitable

If your home is dangerous, unsanitary, or unhealthy to occupy, it’s marked as unlivable. Some examples of hazardous homes include frayed or damaged electrical wires, black mold, lead or asbestos, serious plumbing problems, a non-functioning HVAC, and severe foundation cracks.

• If visible repairs are required

While major repairs may not earn a poor rating from a house inspector, it can limit your appeal to buyers on the real estate market. Serious problems with wood rot, roof damage, and plumbing may label your home in poor condition which can make selling it challenging. 

• If it needs an update

Older homes may be safe to live in and can appeal to certain buyers looking for homes with historical value. However, the appearance of peeling paint, outdated finishes, and overgrown landscaping may mean an offer below the home’s value. 

Know your home’s value

Even homes in poor condition have value. In most cases, the location, the size of the lot, and even the house are worth more than it will cost a buyer to fix it up. Don’t let its current condition fool you into accepting less than it is worth, because once it’s back in shape, it will be worth a lot more!   

Why should I sell my home as-is?

Selling a home as-is is a fast and convenient way to unload unwanted property. Many people inherit neglected homes they don’t need, have to liquidate their assets quickly to repay debts or sell their homes to avoid foreclosure or a short sale.   

Selling your home on the open market currently takes on average 93 days, which may not be fast enough if you need cash quickly.

If you sell your home as-is you still have a legal obligation to answer questions truthfully concerning existing problems. Real estate agents in Florida ask sellers to complete a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure Statement so they can represent the home more accurately.

Once on the market, your as-is home may not attract buyers, and you have to accept a lowball offer due to its condition. 

Benefits of selling to a company that buys homes as-is

Unlike selling a home in poor condition on the real estate market, contacting a company that buys homes, as-is can remove the hassle of unloading a property in poor condition.

• Convenience

Selling your house to Meli, a company that buys homes as-is, means there are no repairs, cleaning, or home staging required to sell your home. Simply schedule a walk-through and the sales representative makes you an offer based on your home’s current condition. Selling a house in disrepair to Meli also eliminates negotiations over the closing costs.

• Zero Fees

There are no fees involved, no broker’s commissions, and no hidden closing fees. At Meli, we also work with you to resolve tax liens.

• Quick Turnaround

Unlike a conventional real estate transaction, the sale happens quickly. You don’t have to wait for loan approval for the buyer, and your payment won’t be sitting in escrow.

At Meli, we take care of the paperwork and buy your home with cash. We can buy your distressed home in Florida from walk-through to payment within 30 days.

Choose Meli to sell your as-is house

Meli is a popular option for buyers who want to off-load their distressed home quickly. Our company serves the Central Florida area, including Tampa, Orlando, and Melbourne.

If you need to secure a house sale fast or face foreclosure or bankruptcy, Meli is an excellent solution. Schedule your walk-through and get an offer from Meli by calling us at (407) 338-4183.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves in difficult financial circumstances. Getting out from under debt can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly if you don’t know your options.

If you have a property tax lien on your home, your best option might be to sell. But, can you sell a house with a property tax lien? The short answer is yes. However, selling a house with a lien is generally a little more complicated, and you’ll want to understand the process before making any big decisions.

What is a Property Tax Lien?

A property tax lien is a lien placed on your home when you owe property taxes to your city or county. Sometimes, property taxes are built into your monthly mortgage by your lender. Otherwise, property owners pay taxes separately for the annual bill.

Whether you fall behind on your mortgage or have unpaid property taxes, the government can put a lien on your property, frequently resulting in foreclosure. Unresolved property taxes are just like any other debt. Interest and penalties will continue to accrue with each passing day, so it’s a good idea to address the problem quickly.

Confronting a Property Lien

Your home is likely your most valuable asset. If you’re struggling financially and don’t have the means to clear your unpaid taxes outright, your best option to settle the debt may be to sell your home. We can show you how to remove a tax lien.

We’re frequently asked the question, “Can you sell a house with a property tax lien?” The answer is complicated. Ultimately you will need to deal with your tax debt before the house can close escrow. When you sell a home with a tax lien, you’re not transferring the lien with the house. The debt is yours, and you will have to resolve it before the sale can close.

However, you can begin the process of selling a house with a lien. It can take time to resolve the tax debt, and you don’t want to wait until the house closes before dealing with it.

When confronting such a situation, you need to know how to remove a tax lien. Essentially, you have three options.

• Pay the Debt

Obviously, the easiest, most straightforward way to settle any debt is to pay it. If you have the financial means to pay the lien, interest, and penalties owed, you should. This can help you to avoid a foreclosure or tax levy.

You’ll want to work directly with your city or county to clear the debt and remove the lien.

• Dispute the Lien

If, for example, the tax debt is owned by someone else or you have already paid the taxes, you should contact your city or county government and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Disputing tax debt isn’t easy, but it’s worth pursuing in some cases.

• Sell Your House

If you find yourself unable to settle unpaid taxes outright, you may find that selling your home is the next best option. You can’t close escrow on a home without resolving the lien, but you can start selling your house in order to use the proceeds from your sale to pay to remove the lien.

Tips for Selling a Home with a Property Tax Lien

There are some essential things to consider if you’re planning to sell a house with a property tax lien.

• Know the Value of Your Home

Before selling any home, it’s important to determine how much it’s worth. You’ll want to explore listing and sale prices for comparable homes in your area so that you can set a reasonable asking price and evaluate any offers made on the property.

The team at Meli Homes has extensive experience selling homes throughout Central Florida from Tampa to Orlando to Cocoa Beach. We understand the market in your area, as well as the complexity involved in selling a property with a lien.

• Be Honest

Whether they’re in denial or simply embarrassed about their debt, some homeowners think they can keep the property tax lien quiet until after the home has closed. You may be reluctant to alert buyers to your lien, but honesty is the best policy here. It’s never a good idea to mislead a buyer or an agent, and a quick title search will show existing tax liens on your property anyway.

The bottom line is that you can’t complete your home’s sale until your debt is resolved, so there’s no benefit to keeping it a secret.

It is helpful to have a knowledgeable real estate professional in your corner throughout the process of selling a home to help you navigate and ensure things run smoothly. At Meli, we are familiar with the intricacies of the property tax laws and regulations specific to Florida. This makes us uniquely qualified to walk you through the process.

Find the Right Buyer

While some home buyers are reluctant to purchase a house with a lien, others aren’t dissuaded by the extra steps involved in buying these properties. You’ll want to work with the latter.

Connecting with a qualified, committed buyer is an integral step in getting out from under your debt. Meli Homes represents many verified cash buyers looking to invest in difficult-to-sell homes. Our team can be your link to the market you need to tap into in order to sell your home for a fair price.

The Takeaway

Selling a home can be stressful under the best circumstances, but particularly with the added complications of a property tax lien. You’re likely eager to have it resolved as quickly as possible. At Meli Homes, selling challenging homes is our specialty, and we’re equipped to deal with every tax situation.

You’re not in this alone. The qualified professionals at Meli can answer that complicated question, “Can you sell a house with property taxes owed?” by addressing your unique needs. Call us today at (407) 305-5008 to get started. Let us help you resolve your situation and restore your peace of mind.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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There are many decisions that go into selling a home. Do you want or need to move? Is this the right time to sell? Can I afford to sell? Can I afford not to? What is the least complicated, most effective way to get your home sold?

One option is to sell your house as-is. This essentially means you’re acknowledging that your home is a fixer-upper and communicating to buyers and their representatives that you aren’t interested in doing any major repairs or updates to the property. In other words, for the most part, what you see is what you get.

There are some pros and cons of selling a house as-is, and it isn’t necessarily for everyone. There are many things to consider before you decide to list your home for sale. People opt to sell their property as-is for different reasons, but most frequently, to save time, money, and the hassle of the traditional home sale process.

Save Time

The process of selling a home can seem endless. On the front end, you have to find an agent; then, you’ll need to list the property. It will likely take you some time to clean, stage, and update your home to make it most attractive to potential buyers.

Once your home is ready for show, you have to wait until the right buyer comes along, and that can take months. When your house finally sells, you still have to contend with lenders’ delays, multiple days in escrow, and the possibility that the sale will fall through.

Save Money

It’s never worth the risk of going into debt to make improvements on your home, particularly when you want to sell. Home repair and remodeling are costly. You may choose to make updates to get a better asking price, but you should weigh the cost of that investment versus the likely return you’ll see upon your home’s sale.

To be fair, as-is properties sell for less than an updated home, and potential buyers will factor in the costs of needed repairs when making an offer to buy. You’ll want to weigh the costs of selling your property as-is. Opting out of improvements and selling for a little less may end up saving you in the long run.

Save The Headache

Often, sellers want to sell a home as-is simply because they don’t want to deal with the headache of updating, repairing, and marketing a home. Buying and selling a home is inconvenient, at best.

If you just want to get a piece of property off your hands, selling as-is can be an especially good option. If you’ve inherited a fixer-upper from a deceased family member or friend, you may not have the interest or energy needed to endure the lengthy process of selling a home.

An additional benefit of working with Meli Homes is our fast, streamlined process. We deal almost exclusively in distressed and as-is properties. We can anticipate the curveballs, walk you through the process and save you money, time, and the hassle that generally goes with selling a home.

Additional Considerations when Selling As-Is

• As-Is Isn’t for Everyone

There tend to be fewer buyers when you’re selling a property as is because they require work. Your as-is house might appeal to a young couple eager to turn your fixer-upper into their dream home, but other buyers may shy away from the need for major renovations. There tend to be fewer buyers when you’re selling as-is because these properties require work. Your home might appeal to a young couple eager to turn your fixer-upper into their dream home, but other buyers may shy away from the need for major renovations.

It helps to have the assistance of a seasoned investor of as-is properties to ensure your property is being seen by the people who are most likely to buy it. The team at Meli Homes works with various verified investors, specifically seeking as-is properties to buy.

• Know Your Obligations as a Seller

Some people mistakenly believe that by labeling a property “as-is,” they relieve themselves of any buyer’s disclosure obligations. In actuality, Florida law requires a homeowner to disclose any defects to the home, even if the buyer doesn’t ask for it.

The professionals at Meli Homes are experts in real estate law specific to Florida and can help you protect yourself and avoid potential legal issues down the road.

• Know Your Home’s Value

Just because the house you’re selling needs some improvement doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a fair price.

To avoid being taken advantage of by a less than scrupulous buyer, it pays to have the assistance of an experienced Central Florida real estate professional familiar with the sale prices of comparable properties in your area.

Meli Homes has facilitated as-is property transactions throughout Florida for sellers and cash home buyers from Kissimmee to Tampa to Melbourne. We can ensure you get the best price for your home.

Call Meli Homes Today

The buying and selling of as-is homes is a specialty niche in real estate investment. It can be an excellent option for buyers and sellers, but it can be a more complicated process than a traditional sale.

Meli Homes is a reputable home buying firm with a proven track record for working with as-is properties. Our company represents financially secure cash buyers willing to purchase properties in any condition and move quickly.

As one of the most trusted home buying firms in the state, at Meli Homes we know the ins and outs of selling a house as-is and can facilitate a fast, smooth process.

We even offer incentives to sellers who schedule a walkthrough of your home within 48 hours, so call us today at (407) 338-4183 so that we can discuss your home, your particular needs, and the best path forward for you.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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When you know it’s time to sell your house, there’s a lot to prepare it for. Will it need repairs first, or will you be selling a house that needs repairs? This is a tremendously important decision to make as it affects how quickly your home will sell. It will also determine if you’ll receive market value for the home.

Conducting an accurate assessment of your house’s current state may lead to a list of necessary repairs, including both extensive and cosmetic ones. The decision then focuses on whether you will make all the repairs, some of the repairs, or sell the house just as it is. The amount of money you have available to spend or the amount you wish to invest in making repairs determines the route you take.

Another factor to consider is how quickly you wish to sell the house. You may find yourself unable to pay the mortgage, need to move suddenly, or inherit a house you don’t need. Weighing the pros and cons of selling a house that needs repairs can help you reach your particular situation’s right decision.

What is Meant by Selling As-is?

To sell your house as-is means you are offering the house in precisely the shape it is. This means no further repairs, warranties, or other offerings or assurances.

If you choose to sell a house that needs repairs as-is, there are several things you need to know to be sure you obtain the best result.

Selling Tips for a House that Needs Repair As-Is

Selling property as-is will not be as simple as throwing up a for-sale sign and hoping for the best. Whether you decide to work with a real estate agent or plan to sell your home all on your own, you will need to do a few things to ensure the house sales and sales quickly. Five essential steps you can take when listing your home for sale as-is include:

• Consider paying for a pre-inspection report. While hiring a home inspector does involve an expense, it can also provide valuable information to help you determine the price to ask for. It also will show you are in full disclosure to a buyer. Buyers respect this, realizing you are sincere and not trying to pull something over on them.
  
  Of course, the buyer will more than likely have their own inspection conducted to confirm the house’s value. If you choose to work through a real estate agent, this report will help determine how best to sell your house and how to target buyers, such as property investment companies or those looking for a fixer-upper.
  
  
• Add “as-is” in your sale listing. You want the right type of buyers looking at your ad and contacting you or your agent. By specifying you are selling as-is, the potential buyer knows you stand firm on not providing any repairs now or in the future.
  
  
• Highlight selling points. You will want to focus on your property’s positives, such as the one-year-old HVAC, new countertops in the kitchen, or ample storage space in the house and garage.
  
  
• Mention location.If the house is sitting in a specific neighborhood, location, or on a piece of prime land, this is a positive in the selling process. Be sure to include this location in your description. Also mention surrounding assets, such as parks, schools,  or walking distance to stores.
  
  
• Set a realistic price. Putting thought into the price you are asking by understanding the house’s actual shape and the market surrounding your neighborhood will allow you to set a realistic price that you can accept and that buyers will appreciate.

Who Buys As-Is Properties?

Selling a house that needs repairs will require knowledge of the type of buyer interested in these properties. The buyers of as-is properties are unique, differing from those looking for turn-key or minor flawed homes. Understanding these buyers is a crucial step to selling your as-is home quickly and for an acceptable dollar amount. So, who are the buyers interested in as-is properties?

• Location seekers.Often, it’s all about location. For example, you may know that you live in a neighborhood situated in a good school district. Rarely do many homes come up for sale, and when they do, stiff competition arises.
  
  Parents may be looking for other options, and, in turn, they are willing to put in some elbow grease remodeling a home if it’s in their ideal neighborhood. Promoting the positive about your location in your for sale advertisements can bring these buyers straight to your door.
  
  
• Cost-strapped buyers. Ready to buy their own home but low on cash, cost-strapped buyers are looking for as-is houses to work on over time. Home ownership is a desirable goal for many, and often they will accept less perfection to gain that ownership.
  
  Many of these types of buyers will have construction and home remodeling skills. They plan to make repairs themselves and see your as-is home as more of a doable project than a house in disrepair.
  
  
• Distressed home buyers. Perhaps the most recognizable buyer of an as-is home is a house flipper or investor experienced in purchasing distressed or as-is homes. The advantage of working with a distressed home buyer is that the process is usually quick, including full payment.
  
  These are often referred to as cash buyers, such as Meli Homes.  This no-hassle process with a quick turnaround could be your best option for selling a house that needs repairs with less effort.

Meli Homes Buys Houses As-Is

If you are looking for a quick, simple way to sell your house as-is in Central Florida, look no further than Meli. We make the entire home buying process seamless, usually completing the sale and purchase within 30 days. Contact us today by calling (407) 338-4183 to schedule your walk-through. We are here to answer your questions and give you the support you need.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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It can be stressful when you discover that you have a distressed property.  Uncontrollable external factors can result in outstanding mortgage payments or tax bills. Before you know it, if things don’t change, you’re facing the reality of possible foreclosure or selling your house as a distressed property.

Or, maybe your circumstances are different, there aren’t issues with your mortgage or late payments, maybe things have simply changed. Life happens, and it can happen quickly. Whether it’s a divorce, relocation, or family death, you may need to sell your house quickly and don’t have the time to go through the usual selling procedure and sell it on the open market.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone at such a time; you may not know how to sell a distressed property. Yet, you don’t have to be alone. You’re not alone. With our help, you can make the process of moving on as painless and productive as possible.

Looking at the Numbers

Let’s start with the stats. In 2016, 7.3 percent of all U.S. home sales were distressed sales. However, this was the lowest it had been since September 2007. It peaked in January 2009, making up a total of 32.4 percent of all home sales, with 27.9 percent of that share coming from REO (real estate owned) sales. This timing reflected the economic crisis at that time. Before this crisis, sales from distressed homes typically held 2 percent of that share.

These figures show you are not alone. So if you find yourself needing to sell your house quickly, there have been others—many others—who have been in your position.

Dealing with the Stress

Because we work with people in your situation, we’re very familiar with how you must be feeling. Whatever the reason for needing to move from your distressed home, there’s no doubt there’s stress involved.

Selling your house and moving is well-known as a significant stressor; add in the factors that require a fast sell—the sort of factors you’re facing—and the stress levels are exacerbated.

Selling Your Distressed Home to Meli Homes

We’ve made our process as straightforward as possible. There are four steps:

1. Contact a member of our team. You’ll find our contact information on our website. After you have initiated contact, we’ll get in touch to schedule a walkthrough. You can also contact us if you have questions or concerns that need answering. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
2. Schedule a walk-through. A walk-through is an integral part of the selling process; this is where you can increase your chances of a good offer. Ensure your house is in order, clean, bright, and attractive. If needed, you can schedule a walk-through in 24 hours or less! In fact, you’ll receive a $100 U-Haul gift card if you schedule a walk-through within 48 hours.
3. Get an offer. After the walk-through, you’ll get a fair offer from Meli, one based on your home condition. Our team also helps you manage any unsettled legal issues.
4. Receive payment. We guarantee that within 30 days, you will close on your home. At this point, if you need to stay in your home a few days after closing, this is possible. We understand there can be loose ends to tie up before moving on.

We’ve made this process as simple and streamlined as possible. We want you to know Meli Homes is here to provide the support you need. When you get an offer from us, that is the price you’ll get; no hidden fees, no backing out of our contract, no last-minute negotiations, and no going back on our word.

You can be secure in knowing that we’ll hold up our end and do what we can to help you through the process. And, maybe most importantly, if time is of the essence for you, Meli can help you close on your distressed home in 30 days or less.

Addressing Any Doubts

You may be reading this and thinking it sounds perfect, but wondering if your home meets the criteria. Will Meli be able to sell your home the way they’ve sold other distressed homes? The short answer is yes, but let’s go through some of the main concerns you may have.

Meli Homes buys all kinds of homes: mobile homes, single-family homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums.

We accept homes in any condition. If your home isn’t pristine and in poor condition, this doesn’t matter. We love buying homes which the run-of-the-mill home buyer would reject; we buy your home as-is. This is our job, it’s what we do, and we don’t run from a property that needs some TLC or even major renovations.

Whatever your situation, Meli can buy your home, regardless of the difficult situation you may be in—unable to pay the mortgage, divorce, looming foreclosure, extensive repairs, code violations, or unable to sell with a real estate agent. Whatever the circumstance, we can step in and get to the business of selling distressed property quickly.

You’ll receive a fair, competitive offer for your property—with no fees; you’ll get every cent of the price we state. Then, when you agree to the offer, we’ll use our associates to resolve all liens, judgments, and title issues you may have. This process is simple and removes you from the overwhelming responsibility which accompanies these legal matters.

Why Us?

Why is Meli Homes the perfect fit for your distressed property? We care, and we have the experience and the means to quickly move you out of your current situation. We know the unexpected can happen and will meet you where you are, literally, figuratively, and financially.

Contact Meli Today

You don’t have to be alone in this process. Sell your home as-is, quickly and easily by reaching out to us. Meli can be your cash home buyers in Melbourne, Tampa, Orlando, and central Florida’s surrounding regions.

Contact Meli Homes today by calling (407) 338-4183 to schedule your walk-through. We are here to answer your questions and give you the support you need.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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Life is unpredictable, and we can’t always plan for every eventuality. Job loss, illness, or a family member’s death may find you struggling to meet financial obligations, including your home loan. Alternatively, perhaps you’ve inherited a home with a mortgage you can’t afford or requires significant repair.

If you find yourself with a home that you can no longer afford to keep or maintain, you may have a distressed property to sell. Buying or selling a distressed property is different than buying or selling a home on the open market.

We can show you how to get rid of a distressed property quickly.

What is a Distressed Property?

In the state of Florida, a distressed property is any property that is facing foreclosure, being sold by a mortgage lender, subject to legal issues, or in disrepair.

As a result of such circumstances, distressed properties tend to be more challenging to sell and generally sell for less than market value.

There are several reasons a property may become distressed:

• Financial Issues
  Homes are often deemed distressed when a homeowner falls significantly behind on their mortgage and is facing possible foreclosure or the sale of their property by their lender. The homeowner’s only recourse becomes selling the home or losing the property to a bank or lender.
• Legal Issues
  Homeowners may also find themselves, and their property, tangled up in legal issues. If you owe back property taxes, have costly building code violations, or are going through a divorce, keeping the home may not be a viable option.
• A Death
  Because most households require dual incomes, if you’ve lost a partner or loved one, paying a mortgage on one salary may not be feasible. You may have inherited a property from a relative who passed away and can’t afford to cover the existing mortgage, or the home needs significant repairs you can’t afford to make, or projected renovation costs exceed a reasonable selling price.
• Need to Move Quickly
  Any number of things can create a need to move quickly. For example, a job loss or job promotion can result in a forced relocation that you weren’t anticipating. You may simply not have the time to deal with the complexities of selling a home on the open market.

The Open Real Estate Market vs. a Distressed Property Investor

If you have found yourself in an untenable position with your property, you’ll need to decide whether to sell your home the traditional way, with a realtor on the open market or sell your property to an investor or to companies that buy distressed properties like Meli Homes.

• Time
  We all know that the real estate market is fickle, and selling a home can be very difficult, particularly if it is distressed. Most recent statistics in Florida cite the average number of days on the market at 73. And once the home sells, you have to deal with loan approval, appraisals, and other complications that can drag the process out even further.
  You may not have the time or the financial ability to wait for your home to sell. Meli Homes represents cash buyers eager to move as quickly as you. From start to finish, the sale of your distressed property to us usually takes less than 30 days.
• Money
  In addition, listing a house in Florida is expensive, and the fees incurred when buying or selling a home can be astronomical. Realtor commissions, appraisals, closing costs, and the cost of requested repairs add up quickly. Particularly if you find yourself struggling financially, you may want to avoid the open market with its many additional costs entirely.
  Meli Homes buys your home without charging the fees associated with a typical home purchase.
• Hassle
  Let’s face it; selling a home is stressful and often burdensome. Your life is put on hold, waiting for the house to sell. In the meantime, you have to deal with open houses or home walk-throughs.
  Requested changes or updates from the buyer can seem endless, and traditional home sales frequently fall through before closing, leaving you to start the whole process all over again.
  Selling your home to Meli Homes is a straightforward process and eliminates all the hoops you’d have to jump through if you tried to sell on the open market.

What Can Meli Homes Do for You?

Meli Homes is Florida’s top-rated distressed home buyer. We know how to sell a distressed property. We have purchased countless difficult-to-sell homes and have happy clients all over the state, including Orlando, Tampa, Melbourne, and Cocoa Beach. There are many companies that buy distressed properties, but none have the specialized experience of Meli Homes.

At Meli Homes, we understand distressed property buyers, and we know the Florida real estate market. Distressed properties are our specialty, and we offer a quick, no-hassle option to selling your home at a price you deserve.

Of course, you want to ensure you’re getting the best price for your home based on comparable properties in your area. We respect and understand distressed property owners and have a reputation for getting our clients their asking price.

Besides, the process of selling a home can be time-consuming, complicated, and tricky. Our experienced team helps you navigate the unique steps of selling a distressed property quickly and easily. And all our buyers are financially verified, eliminating the cost of hidden or unexpected fees.

Deciding what to do with a distressed property can be overwhelming. You don’t have to endure the process alone. The experts at Meli Homes are here to assist you every step of the way.

If you would like more information about selling your property or what Meli can do for you, give us a call at (407) 338-4183. We’re happy to help shoulder the burden and help you get the most desirable outcome.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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If you want to sell your distressed home, you will likely consider individuals as well as companies. However, companies are a better option because they can afford to pay the full price upfront in cash.

Companies that buy distressed properties are sometimes predatory and non-transparent. When choosing your buyer, make sure you research their business policies, financial situations, and reputation.

What is a Distressed Home?

A home becomes distressed for many reasons. Falling behind in your mortgage payments, failure to pay your property taxes, or avoiding federal tax payments can all result in a distressed home.

A home in disrepair is also considered distressed. Sometimes, homeowners cannot pay to maintain their properties, or they fail to pay their contractors.

A quick move, divorce, threat of foreclosure, or death of a home buyer can also force a short sale, which is easier when the home is considered distressed.

How to Find a Buyer

Most often, homeowners selling a distressed property want to sell as quickly as possible. Going through a realtor can take 2-3 months, more if the market is slow. In addition to the wait, you will need to pay your realtor a fee.

Instead, research local companies that buy distressed properties. The companies, usually called cash home buyers, often offer a quick turnaround, sometimes taking less than a month for everything, including closing.

The best way to find a cash home buyer is through word of mouth and google. Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations, and look online for companies in your area.

Why Should You Sell To a Distressed Property Buyer?

The top reasons for working with a cash home buyer like Meli are financial. However, there are many other reasons to choose a company that specializes in buying distressed homes over a private buyer.

• Distressed property buyers will pay you in full upfront. Many private buyers will need to take on a mortgage, which might delay the process. If the buyer fails to qualify for a mortgage, your sale will fall through, adding another month or two to the process.
• No need for an appraisal. Private buyers often prefer to purchase turn-key homes that are in top shape. Meli will buy your house as-is for a slightly lower price, meaning you won’t need to pay for repairs.
• No open houses or staging. Often, homeowners looking to sell quickly have too much on their plate to organize multiple open houses. A cash home buyer will arrange one walk-through with you, saving you time.
• Benefit from their experience. Cash home buyers know the ins and outs of buying homes and can speed up the process. You might close within days instead of weeks.
• No closing fees. In traditional sales, the buyer is often responsible for up to 2% of closing fees. Meli covers all the closing fees.
• Save time. Meli will close on your house in 30 days or less.

Vetting My Buyer

Always do background research on your buyer before signing an agreement. Look up recent customer reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau.

As a seller, you have the right to request proof of funds from your buyer. Although cash home buyer companies are more likely to have the funds available than a private buyer, it’s best to ask for confirmation in writing.

You should also speak with the company over the phone and arrange an in-person meeting. There are always internet scams lurking, and personal conversations can help weed out scammers posing as fake buyers.

Choosing a Buyer

After vetting your potential buyers, you’ll need to decide which one you want to work with. Although you’ll probably base some of this decision on who you prefer, you should take several practical matters into account.

Look into what fees you will need to cover. Meli covers all closing fees, meaning you will receive the entire offer.

See how long the process takes. If you need to sell your home quickly, you don’t have time for a lengthy, drawn-out closing process. Look for a company that can help you fix any outstanding complications with your title or taxes.

Talk to the people at the company. Packing, moving, and selling a home is stressful, and you want to work with a supportive and helpful buyer.

If you need to sell a distressed home quickly in Florida, consider working with Meli in Central Florida. Our team is welcoming and always ready to answer your questions whether you are selling a distressed home in Melbourne, Tampa, Orlando, or any other Central Florida area.

Meli’s Process

Selling your house to Meli involves four easy steps.

1. Contact us by phone, email, or our online form. We’ll get back in touch with any questions and more in-depth information about our buying process.
2. Set up a walk-through. We’ll do an appraisal of your home and give you an offer that day.
3. Agreeing to an offer. Once you agree to our offer, we will start the selling process. We’ll help you sort out any liens, problems with the title, or judgments. Let us know your schedule, and we will do our best to work at your pace.
4. Payment. With no closing fees to worry about, you’ll receive our payment in full.

How to Talk to Your Buyer

How you talk to your buyer and what your house looks like can influence the buyer’s offer.

Honesty is the best policy. When you speak with your buyer, you must reveal any structural or financial issues with the home. Before closing, your buyer will learn about any liens or judgments and might back out at the last minute. If you are upfront about the problems, your buyer can determine an offer based on the actual situation.

Tidy up. Before your walkthrough, put away clutter and clean the house. Clutter makes a room look smaller than it is. Pet hair or dirty dishes might affect the buyer’s opinion of your home. Don’t worry about making your house spic and span, but a little sprucing up can go a long way.

Make repairs. If you’re able to make repairs before selling, you will likely receive a higher offer. However, if you can’t afford repairs or don’t have time, Meli will buy a home in any condition.

Contact Us

If you need to sell your distressed Florida home quickly, call Meli in Central Florida today at (407) 338-4183 to set up a walkthrough of your property. We’re also available to answer any questions you have about selling distressed property with no obligation to sign a contract.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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Sometimes, outside factors mean that you can’t keep up with your property taxes, mortgage, or home maintenance. After you miss several payments, you will likely face the threat of tax liens, foreclosure, and a poor credit rating.

Instead of suffering legal repercussions, consider a cash sale of your distressed home. Some cash home buyers will purchase homes regardless of judgments, liens, or damage.

When To Sell A Distressed Home

It can be challenging to decide whether you should sell your home or not. Several situations can result in a distressed property, and each requires a unique approach.

• Tax Lien / Judgement Liens

If you have not paid your property taxes, the Florida Revenue Service or the IRS will place a tax lien on your property. However, you don’t need to jump to selling after your first missed tax payment.

The FRS will send you a Notice of Delinquency when you fail to file taxes. If you don’t pay in full after receiving the notice, they will send a Notice of Amount Due. After 90 days, the FRS can file a tax lien if you haven’t paid your bill. If you cannot afford to pay your taxes, you might want to sell your house quickly. You can use the profit to pay off back taxes and remove the lien on your property.

Judgment liens occur when a creditor sues you for lack of payment in court. In this case, you may have to sell your house to repay your creditor. These types of liens can happen due to failure to pay child support, contractor bills, or other outstanding bills like credit cards or utilities.

• Divorce

Sometimes, divorcing couples agree that one spouse will buy out the other. However, that isn’t always feasible. You might want to sell your house quickly, so you can finalize your divorce proceedings or use the money to purchase separate residences. In this case, a cash sale is your best option.

Instead of going through a realtor and advertising your home on the open market, consider working with a cash home buyer like Meli. Our simple process will mean less time in a boardroom with your ex and money in your bank account faster.

• Quick Move

Sometimes, new job opportunities require immediate relocation. In cases where your new job is in another state, you might not have time to find a real estate agent, vet many buyers, and handle all the paperwork while also finding a new place to live and arranging for movers.

Meli is an experienced home buyer and can help you understand all the intricacies of Florida real estate law. You will also receive payment sooner, making any new mortgage applications easier in your new state.

How to Sell a Distressed Property

Now that you’ve decided to sell your home, you need to learn how to sell a distressed house. When selling a home, you can either list it yourself, work with a real estate agent, or find a cash home buyer.

• For Sale By Owner

For sale by owner sounds easy enough at first glance, but involves a lot of groundwork. You’ll need to learn about applicable Florida real estate laws, do your own advertising, prepare your home for open houses, prepare your paperwork, and vet your buyers.

Especially if you are already overwhelmed with financial problems, divorce proceedings, or a long-distance move, listing your home for sale by owner might be too time-consuming.

• Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent cuts out much of the work, but comes with several downsides. It can take around 2-3 months for a house to sell. Depending on the market, that number could increase significantly. You will also need to pay your agent a commission and will likely be responsible for closing fees.

• Cash Home Buyer

If you want to sell a home quickly, a cash home buyer is likely your best option. They offer quick turnarounds, often closing within 30 days or less. They can also afford to pay you upfront in cash. Meli covers all fees, so you will receive their entire offer without any deductions.

Meli will purchase a house regardless of damage or pre-existing legal disputes. However, if you can repair your home, you can raise your asking price.

When choosing a buyer, whether you list your own home or choose to work with a cash home company, you should always confirm their financial situation. It can be hard to learn background information about private buyers. If you want to sell to a cash home company, read online reviews from previous customers on Google and the Better Business Bureau.

Once you meet with your buyer, be honest about any problems. Your buyer will learn about liens or judgments before closing and might choose to back out of the deal if you don’t inform them beforehand.

How to Sell A Distressed Home to Meli

Meli’s process is straightforward, involving only four steps.

1. Contact Us with information about your property. Meli will return your call to answer questions and schedule a walkthrough.
2. Schedule a walkthrough. Before your appointment, tidy up the house. Clutter can make rooms appear smaller, and a clean house might result in a higher offer.
3. Receive an offer. After seeing your home, Meli will offer a fair price. Our experienced team can help you handle any outstanding legal problems.
4. Receive payment. Within 30 days of initial contact, you will close on your house. Meli handles all fees. If you need to remain in the home for a few days after closing, you can do so.

Contact Us Today

If you own a distressed home in Tampa, Kissimmee, Orlando, Melbourne, Clearwater, or another Central Florida city, contact Meli today to learn more about how our process works. There is no obligation to sell until you sign the contract.

If you have questions about distressed properties, quick sales, or how to sell a house with a tax lien, are facing foreclosure, want to downsize, or are relocating, call Meli at (407) 338-4183.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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Sometimes, due to unforeseen life events, it can become impossible to pay all your bills. If your house has a tax lien on it, you might want to sell it. However, you may need to use different strategies to sell a house with a tax lien.

If you want to sell distressed property in Florida, consider reaching out to cash home buyers in Tampa, Orlando, Winter Park and Melbourne.

What Is a Tax Lien?

A tax lien is a type of property lien. It means that the filer (in this case, the Florida Revenue Service) gains legal access to your property, and is usually the first step in a foreclosure.

There are several steps before the Florida Revenue Service (FRS) files a lien on your property. If you don’t file a tax return or don’t make a payment, they will send you a Notice of Delinquency.

If you don’t pay on time or don’t pay enough, they will send a bill (a Notice of Amount Due).

And, if you don’t pay your tax bill within 90 days, the FRS will take further actions, including filing a lien. This lien will remain until you either dispute it or pay it off. For many, the only way to come up with enough money is to sell their property.

Types of Property Liens

There are two types of liens in Florida: voluntary and involuntary. Within these categories are several subcategories.

Voluntary liens cover things like mortgages or other agreements that the borrower agreements to voluntarily. These types of liens are common and don’t have much of an effect when selling a house. However, you will probably have to pay off your mortgage before closing.

Involuntary liens are measures taken by the lender when the borrower hasn’t paid their debt. The type of debt determines their category and include:

• Property Tax Liens: Sometimes, your lender will pay your property taxes and add them to your mortgage. If they don’t, the government of Florida can put a lien on your house. Often, this means you will have to sell your home to pay your property taxes.
• IRS Liens: If you owe substantial back taxes, the IRS can place a lien on your property, including your home or car, and force a sale.
• Mechanic’s Liens: If you don’t pay a contractor for work they did on your house, they can file a lien on your home. If their lawsuit is successful, they can force you to sell your house to pay their bill.
• Judgment Liens: If a creditor sues you in court and wins, they can place a lien on your property.
• Child Support Liens: If you don’t pay your child support, your ex-spouse may place a lien on your property. It will remain until you pay or sell your house.

If you are currently facing any of these liens, you might want to consider selling your house or property to avoid foreclosure and a bad credit rating. You can use the profits from the sale to pay off your lien.

Tips For Selling a House With a Lien

Do Your Math

To evaluate offers, you need first to know exactly how much your house is worth. Without an impartial evaluation, you might put your asking price too low or too high, which will affect any offers you get.

Remember that your back taxes should come out of your profit. To complete your sale, you will have to ensure that you pay all your taxes first.

For example, if your mortgage was $120,000, and you have 100,000 left, and $15,000 in back taxes, you’ll have to use the money from the sale to pay the rest of the mortgage and taxes, for a total of $115,000.

Keep Your Own Records

Write down everything. A written record protects you by providing some proof of conversations. After a verbal discussion, send an email confirming any agreements.

Keep a physical file and digital backups of any information regarding your back taxes, mortgage, assessment, or home sale.

Pay Your Tax Lien Before Closing

You can start selling your house with an outstanding tax lien, but you’ll need to pay off the taxes before closing. Use the money from your sale to cover the tax lien.

Research Your Buyers

Make sure your buyers are who they say they are. Confirm their financial records and business information. It’s worth doing this step before getting too far along in the negotiations. You don’t want to waste valuable time with a flaky buyer.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Don’t lie to your buyers about the state of your house. They will eventually learn of any problems, and if that disclosure happens too late, they might back out of the deal. It’s best to lay everything out on the table before the negotiations begin.

Sell To a Cash Home Buyer

Listing with a real estate agent involves a commission fee and could take months. Instead, consider selling your home to an experienced cash home buyer. These companies can offer you money upfront quickly, allowing you to pay off your back taxes sooner.

Why Meli?

If you want to sell a house with a tax lien in central Florida, Meli can walk you through the whole process.

We have worked with many distressed properties and are familiar with the legal requirements and processes that accompany this kind of sale.

Many times, homeowners with tax liens want to sell their property as fast as possible. Meli can help with that.

We offer a quick and straightforward process. Call us at 407-338-4183, or email us at evan@melihomes.com, or reach out using our contact form, and we’ll discuss your home in a free initial consultation. From there, we’ll help you find the best solution for your home. We may make an offer to buy your home with its problems or fix its problems and list it for you. Or, we can simply provide you with additional consultation for a fee.

Call or message Meli today to receive a free initial consultation for your home!

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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More than half a million homes face foreclosure annually in the United States. In 2019 Florida had the third-highest foreclosures in the nation. If your home in Central Florida has become an emotional or financial burden, consider working with companies that buy distressed properties for a hassle-free and quick cash transaction.

Examples of a distressed home include:

• Defaulting on your mortgage payments
• Divorce or other unexpected life events
• Facing bankruptcy
• Financial distress such as medical bills
• Tax liens of judgements on your home
• Inability to afford major repairs
• Damage from natural disasters
• Inherited property in probate
• Relocation or job transfer
• Retirement or downsizing
• Liquidating assets to pay bills

When you sell your distressed property or as-is home to a distressed home buyer, you should expect to sell your home for a discount, but you can avoid costly repairs and other complications. If you need cash quickly or want to start over with a clean slate, there are many great reasons to sell your home to a distressed home buyer besides convenience.  

A Distressed Property Buyer Will Purchase Your Home If You Can’t Get An Appraisal

A home appraisal is integral to the house sale and is an unbiased professional opinion of its value. An appraisal typically appeases the lender – such as a bank – funding a mortgage, but it isn’t required for a cash sale. 

A distressed home price is typically lower than fair market value due to the cost of repairs and no additional seller fees. If your home is in a state of disrepair and can’t be appraised or listed on the open market because it’s structurally unsafe or has been condemned, a distressed property buyer that buys a home in any condition is an excellent alternative to a traditional real estate sale.

You Don’t Need To Make Repairs

Making repairs is always a good idea if you are going to put your house on the open market. It can increase your home’s value, and some repairs can provide a significant return on investment.

However, if you are seeking to shift an unwanted property as quickly as possible, have a limited budget, or lack the emotional energy to tackle extensive repairs like a significant leak, mold, pest infestation, or roof replacement, an as-is cash home buyer can save you the hassle and cost of renovating your home.

You Don’t Have To Put Your Home On The Market

When you are selling a distressed home, your goal is to unload the property as quickly as possible. If you are facing foreclosure, you don’t have the luxury of time to get your property home sale-ready.

Selling to a distressed property buyer enables you to get an offer immediately and guarantees you cash so you can avoid foreclosure and a poor credit rating.

No Staging or Open Houses

When you sell your distressed home for cash, you are bypassing the traditional listing process in exchange for convenience and a quick sale. You can skip the fuss of staging and hosting open houses and the stress of keeping your home in perfect condition until it sells.

No Contingencies

Conventional home sales come with contingencies such as appraisals, inspections, and possibly the home buyer selling their other home before buying yours. Every contingency adds another level of uncertainty to your situation and the possibility of the deal falling through.

Distressed property buyers do their due diligence and make an offer based on their findings, so there is no negotiating or haggling over repairs or the closing date.

Faster Closing and No Closing Costs

Cash deals can be processed in a matter of days instead of weeks. The average home purchase on the open market took 46 days in June 2020. In a typical home sale, you are required to pay around 2% of closing costs. When you sell to a distressed property buyer, there are no closing costs and no realtor fees. 

Why Choose Distressed Property Buyers?

A distressed property buyer will purchase your distressed home outright, without any lender financing so you can close the deal in less than 30 days. If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer afford your property due to unforeseen circumstances or your home needs some major tender loving care, you do have options. By selling your home to a distressed property buyer, you are alleviating the uncertainty of you and your family’s future.  

Choose Meli Homes in Central Florida

If you are among the growing number of distressed homes in Melbourne, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona, St. Cloud, or Kissimmee, and need to sell your distressed home in Florida, rather than list your home on the open market with a realtor, contact Meli for a fair, no-obligation cash offer. Sell as-is without listing your home on the market or making repairs, removing the hassle, stress, and expense from the selling process. 

Our personalized and transparent approach sets us apart from our competition. When we buy distressed houses, we make selling your property efficient and simple and provide peace of mind while supporting you through the process. And we work on your timeline to complete the closing.   

At Meli, we buy distressed homes of all kinds in Central Florida: single-family homes, mobile homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums.

Contact us at (407) 338-4183, so we can explain how the process works and schedule a walkthrough of your property. Once a representative from our team completes the walkthrough, you can expect a same-day no-obligation offer.

We want to provide you with the best offer available so you can get the most value from your property. When determining the price we look at the existing market conditions, location of the property, its current condition, and the repairs needed. 

If you agree to the offer, we will begin the selling process, clearing up any tax liens, judgments, and title issues. Our team handles all the paperwork, removing the burden from your shoulders. You receive 100% of our contract offer, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees.  

If you are looking at alternatives to resolve your distressed home sale problems, contact Meli today.

This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Meli encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation. Please consult with your advisor when making legal or financial decisions.

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