Why Selling Your Milwaukee Home to Cash Buyers is Smarter

Why Do Houses Get Condemned?

Every so often, while passing through an unfamiliar neighborhood, you may see a boarded-up house that has multiple “No Trespassing” signs. More likely than not, this is a condemned house.

You probably won’t see a condemned house in an affluent neighborhood; they’re more common in less-than-ideal neighborhoods. That said, condemned houses can be anywhere.

So what exactly causes a house to be condemned? And what happens after that? Let’s dive further into this topic so you can get a clear understanding of what a condemned house is, why houses get condemned, and what you can do if you have one.

Also read:

How to Sell a Condemned House in Milwaukee

What Is A Condemned House?

A condemned house is a house that local officials have declared is unsafe for habitation. In most cases, the condition of the house has deteriorated so much that it’s now a danger to the health and well-being of anyone who sets foot on the property.

After it’s condemned, nobody can reside in the house until the problems are fixed. Basically, it needs to become habitable once again.

If there are people living in the house when it’s condemned, they are evicted by the local government, and they can only return once the house’s condition has been improved dramatically.

What Will Cause A House To Be Condemned?

A number of things can cause a house to be condemned, including:

Often, a mix of problems leads to condemnation. For instance, a house filled with clutter, especially hoarder homes, can hide mold, attract pests, and block exits, creating a hazardous environment.

Older homes are also more at risk. Construction materials used decades ago often don’t meet today’s safety standards. Over time, even quality materials wear down, which means some homes are too far gone to be fixed cost-effectively.

That said, local officials don’t rush to condemn properties. It’s usually a last resort. Multiple warnings will be given before this happens. If you maintain your home and make repairs when they’re required, you’ll probably avoid this situation altogether.

Eminent Domain: Another Reason For Condemnation

Not all condemned homes are in poor condition. Sometimes, the government may condemn a property simply because they need the land for public use. They may be trying to build a road, school, or government facility.

When the government takes over a property like this, it’s known as eminent domain. In these cases, the government must pay the homeowner fair market value for the property. This can be especially frustrating for homeowners who don’t want to sell.

What Happens When A House Is Condemned?

When a house is officially condemned, a notice will be attached to the property. This notice basically warns that any attempt at inhabiting the house is illegal.

In most cases, a court hearing is held to determine whether the home really needs to be condemned. If the court agrees, the occupants must vacate immediately.

Depending on the condition of the property, the government may allow the owner to make repairs and bring the house back up to code. However, if the damage is too extensive or too expensive to fix, the city may require the house to be torn down.

Demolition is typically paid for by the property owner.

Another issue with condemned homes is vandalism. Once empty, these properties often attract thieves who strip copper piping or damage the home further.

Can You Fix A Condemned House?

Yes, but only if there’s a minimal amount of damage.

If the local government believes the house can be made safe, they’ll send you a list of repairs that need to be made. Addiitonally, the local gov may shut off utilities to avoid more damage; this is also done to keep workers and inspectors safe.

Again, it’s against the law to occupy a house that’s condemned. If you fail to comply, you may be fined or arrested.

After making all the necessary repairs, the property will be inspected. If it passes inspection, you will be issued a certificate of occupancy, which implies that the property is safe to occupy again.

But remember that repairs can be very costly and time-consuming. If the house has serious structural damage, or a bad mold or pest infestation, attempting to make repairs may end up being a waste of money.

What If You Don’t Want To Repair The House?

If repairing the home feels overwhelming or financially impossible, you do have another option: you can sell the property as is.

Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer, the best cash home buyer in Milwaukee, purchases all kinds of homes, even those that have been condemned. We can close quickly, and we always pay in cash, so you won’t have to worry about cleanup, inspections, or repairs.

We’re a local, family-owned company that knows all about the frustrations homeowners have to deal with. To sell your condemned home in Milwaukee, without any hassles, contact us! We’ll take care of everything for you!

Common Questions About Condemned Homes

Final Thoughts

Condemned houses can seem scary, but owning one doesn’t have to be a complete disaster. You can fix it up or sell it as is, but you need to understand your options and situation before you make a decision.

If you’re dealing with a condemned property in Milwaukee, Metro Milwaukee Home Buyers is here to help. We buy houses in Milwaukee, no matter the condition they’re in.

Contact us today and let us take the stress off your plate!