Foundation issues can make selling a home especially burdensome. Buyers will see these issues as a red flag, and if you don’t disclose them before the sale, you could face serious legal repercussions down the road.
If you’re thinking: “I need to sell my house fast,” don’t panic! There are solutions, especially if your home is located in or just outside of Pittsburgh.
For one, you could choose to sell to cash home buyers in Pittsburgh. They purchase homes as is, even those that have foundation issues.
So, before you start stressing over repair bills and dealing with picky buyers, let’s break down what foundation issues are, how they impact your home’s value, and how selling for cash could be your best move.
What Exactly Is Foundation Damage?
Foundation damage is a broad term that encompasses all problems affecting the base structure of your home. If your walls aren’t straight, if doors aren’t aligned, and if the floor isn’t level, it’s likely there are foundation issues.
The damage could be as minor as a hairline crack or something as serious as shifting walls or uneven floors. Often, these issues grow gradually and can go unnoticed for years. Unfortunately, it’s when they’re noticeable that they’re usually expensive to fix.
Common Causes Of Foundation Issues
In most cases, foundation issues are caused by soil and water problems or poor construction. Here’s what might be causing the damage:
Shrinking Soil: Dry conditions or thirsty tree roots can cause the soil to contract. When this happens, soil is pulled away from your foundation.
Swelling Soil: Too much water, whether it’s from rain, broken pipes, or poor drainage, can cause the ground to expand and push against the foundation.
Erosion: If your home has poor drainage, water can erode the soil and destabilize the foundation.
Construction Flaws: Homes that are built on inconsistent soil or poorly compacted ground often experience uneven settling over time.
How Much Are Foundation Repairs?
On average, foundation repair costs between $2,200 and $7,900—but severe damage could set you back tens of thousands. For many homeowners, that’s money they simply don’t have. That’s why some sellers choose to skip repairs and look for buyers who are willing to purchase the property as is.
Should You Fix It Before Selling?
Depends! If the damage is minimal and repairs are affordable, fixing it could increase your home’s value and attract traditional buyers. However, there are trade-offs, of course.
Pros Of Fixing First
- Increases property value
- Better chance of achieving a fast, traditional sale
- Buyers have more peace of mind
Cons
- Repairs can be expensive
- May delay your sale
- Not all repairs guarantee an attractive ROI
Significant foundation damage can slash your home’s value by 10%–15% or even more.
Why Selling For Cash Might Be The Best Option
When buyers hear “foundation issues,” many see a money pit and walk away. And even if you find a buyer who’s willing to overlook the issue, if they need a mortgage, chances are it’ll be hard for them to get one, as lenders view homes with foundation issues as a major risk.
This is where cash buyers like 412 Houses step in. Unlike regular buyers, we specialize in buying homes as is. Even if the foundation has major issues, we’ll buy it. And since we buy homes outright—that is, we don’t require financing—we can close in 14 days or less.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home with foundation issues doesn’t have to be a nightmare. You don’t need to sink thousands into repairs or wait months to find the right buyer. If you’re thinking, “I need to sell my house fast,” working with a local cash buyer may be your best bet.
At 412 Houses, we buy houses in Pittsburgh, even the ones that have serious structural problems. Whether your foundation’s cracked, crumbling, or completely unstable, we’ll make a fair offer. Achieving a quick, hassle-free sale is still possible! Looking for a buyer who won’t flinch when you disclose foundation flaws? Contact us today! No repairs, no delays, no stress!