Some homes are extremely difficult or nearly impossible to sell through a traditional real estate agent. Whether due to repairs, condition, or legal complications, many homeowners feel stuck with a property they can’t afford, don’t want, or simply can’t market conventionally.
But here’s the truth:
No house is truly unsellable.
It just might not be sellable traditionally.
Cash home buyers, like Better Off Home Buyers, purchase properties in any condition, even when agents say, “This will never sell.” This article explains the five most common problems that make a house “unsellable” on the open market and why cash buyers can still make a fair offer.
1. Major Structural Damage
Structural issues are among the biggest deal-breakers for traditional buyers.
Common structural problems include:
- foundation cracks or settling
- failing support beams
- damaged roofing frameworks
- moisture intrusion in key structural areas
- leaning walls or compromised framing
Not only are these issues the most expensive type to repair, but they also trigger immediate red flags for mortgage lenders. Most banks will not fund a loan on a house with unresolved structural damage.
✔ Why cash buyers still purchase it
Cash buyers don’t depend on banks.
They can evaluate the damage, estimate repair costs, and still provide a fair cash offer.
This makes selling simple for homeowners who cannot afford or do not want to handle large structural repairs.
2. Mold, Water Damage, or Fire Damage
Severe water damage, mold infestations, or past fire damage can instantly eliminate a large percentage of traditional buyers. These issues often require:
- professional remediation
- drywall replacement
- floor and ceiling reconstruction
- plumbing or electrical updates
Traditional buyers may walk away the moment an inspection reveals these problems.
✔ Why cash buyers still purchase it
Cash home buyers purchase homes as-is, meaning:
- you don’t have to remediate mold
- you don’t have to repair smoke damage
- you don’t need to replace drywall or flooring
- you don’t need to upgrade old wiring or plumbing
This is especially helpful if the damage is extensive or the homeowner has been unable to maintain the property due to cost or access.
3. Outdated Interiors or Deferred Maintenance
Agents often say a home needs to be “market ready” before listing.
But what if:
- the kitchen is decades old?
- the bathrooms are outdated?
- the carpets are stained?
- paint is peeling?
- landscaping is overgrown?
Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes. If yours requires significant updates, it may struggle to attract traditional offers. In Portland, Oregon, it takes at least $80,000-$100,000 to repair and update an older, dated home with some deferred maintenance.
✔ Why cash buyers still purchase it
Cash investors factor the updates into their offers.
They buy homes with:
- original kitchens
- old bathrooms
- outdated fixtures
- worn flooring
- aging systems (HVAC, water heaters, etc.)
This allows homeowners to skip expensive renovations and sell the property as-is.
4. Problematic Tenants or Occupancy Issues
If your home has tenants who:
- refuse to leave
- pay rent late
- damage the property
- violate the lease
- engage in illegal activity
then selling it on the open market becomes complicated. These tenants usually deny entry to open houses and showings, and the sellers open themselves up to a host of legal issues, as these tenants have access to free tenant’s rights attorneys who will vigorously defend their clients against any attempts to regain control of the home. This puts sellers on the defensive, and opens them up to costly legal bills.
Even when entry isn’t denied, problematic tenants usually have left the home in a state of disaster, with clutter and trash strewn about the house. It is almost never in a state ready to be shown to the public for sale.
Oregon has strict tenant-protection laws, making eviction slow and expensive.
Traditional buyers typically refuse to purchase tenant-occupied properties unless they are move-in-ready.
✔ Why cash buyers still purchase it
Cash buyers regularly purchase homes:
- with tenants in place
- during eviction
- during non-payment disputes
- inherited with family occupants
- with squatters
They take on the responsibility not you.
5. Code Violations or Permit Problems
Homes with open permits, unpermitted additions, or safety violations face major obstacles during inspection and appraisal.
Examples include:
- illegal additions
- electrical hazards
- plumbing violations
- unsafe decks or staircases
- unpermitted conversions (garage → room, attic → unit, etc.)
Mortgage lenders often refuse to finance these homes until repairs or permitting is completed.
✔ Why cash buyers still purchase it
Cash buyers are used to dealing with:
- unpermitted work
- failed inspections
- old wiring or plumbing
- unsafe structural modifications
They take on the responsibility, not you.
Why These Problems Make a House “Unsellable” Traditionally
A home becomes difficult or impossible to sell on the open market when:
- banks won’t approve financing
- inspection reports scare away buyers
- estimated repairs exceed what buyers want to handle
- timeframes conflict with the seller’s needs
- liability concerns arise
But professional cash buyers don’t use bank loans, so these restrictions don’t apply.
How Better Off Home Buyers Helps Homeowners in This Situation
Better Off Home Buyers purchases houses in any condition, including:
- Homes with foundation issues
- Homes with deferred maintenance
- hoarder homes
- inherited homes
- homes with tenants
- Homes with squatters
- distressed properties
- homes needing major repairs
- vacant or abandoned properties
- Homes with unpermitted work
- Failed inspections
You can close in as little as 7–30 days, avoid repairs, skip inspections, and receive a fair, no-obligation cash offer.
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Learn how we purchase homes in any condition:
https://www.betteroffhomebuyers.com/we-buy-houses/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a house “unsellable”?
A home becomes “unsellable” in the traditional market when it has major issues that prevent mortgage approval or scare away retail buyers.
This includes:
- structural damage
- mold or water damage
- fire damage
- code violations
- unpermitted additions
- outdated interiors
- problematic tenants
Cash buyers can still purchase these homes because they’re not restricted by bank requirements.
Do cash buyers really purchase homes with major damage?
Yes. Cash buyers regularly purchase properties with severe structural problems, mold, fire damage, foundation issues, or years of deferred maintenance.
They evaluate the cost of repairs and make an offer accordingly.
You don’t need to fix anything before selling.
Can I sell a house with tenants or occupants to a cash buyer?
Absolutely. Cash home buyers frequently purchase homes with:
- non-paying tenants
- family occupants
- unauthorized occupants
- tenants in eviction
- lease violations
This allows the homeowner to sell without handling legal disputes or relocation issues.