Selling a Vacant House in California: What Property Owners Should Know
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Selling a Vacant House in California
Owning a vacant house can become expensive and stressful, especially when the property sits empty for an extended period of time. Even when nobody is living in the home, property owners may still be responsible for mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and repairs.
If you own a vacant property in California that you no longer want to maintain, selling the house may be worth considering.
Why Do Houses Become Vacant?
Properties can become vacant for many reasons. Some of the situations we commonly see include:
- An inherited property that nobody plans to occupy
- A former rental property
- An owner who has moved to another city or state
- A property that needs significant repairs
- A house involved in an estate or trust
- A property undergoing renovation that was never completed
- A homeowner who purchased another property before selling the previous one
Whatever the reason, a vacant house can require ongoing attention even when nobody is living there.
What Does It Cost to Keep a Vacant House?
The expenses associated with a vacant property can add up over time. Depending on the property, an owner may continue paying for:
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance or vacant-property insurance
- Mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Landscaping
- Pool maintenance
- Security
- Repairs and general maintenance
Owners should consider these ongoing carrying costs when deciding whether to keep, rent, repair, or sell the property.
Vacant Houses Can Develop Problems
A house that sits empty may develop problems that are not immediately noticed. Plumbing leaks, roof leaks, electrical issues, pests, vandalism, unauthorized occupants, landscaping problems, and other damage can become more serious when nobody regularly checks the property.
Insurance requirements may also be different for a vacant property, so homeowners should speak with their insurance provider about appropriate coverage.
Do You Need to Repair a Vacant House Before Selling?
Not necessarily. Some homeowners choose to make repairs and prepare the property for a traditional sale, while others decide that the time and expense are not worthwhile.
If the house needs substantial work, you can also read our guide to selling a house that needs major repairs in California.
A direct buyer may be willing to evaluate the property in its current condition, allowing the owner to sell without completing renovations first.
Selling an Inherited Vacant House
Vacant houses are common after a property owner passes away. Family members may inherit a home that nobody intends to occupy, and the heirs may live far away or have different ideas about what should happen to the property.
If this applies to your situation, learn more about selling an inherited house and the options that may be available.
What If the Vacant House Is Held in a Trust?
Some vacant properties are owned by a trust. The trustee may eventually need to sell the property and distribute proceeds according to the trust documents.
Our guide to selling a trust property explains more about this type of situation.
What If the Property Has Fire Damage?
A vacant house may also have significant damage from a previous fire. Depending on the extent of the damage, rebuilding can involve contractors, permits, inspections, insurance issues, and substantial expense.
Read our guide to selling a fire-damaged house in California for more information.
Traditional Listing vs. Selling a Vacant House As-Is
A traditional listing may make sense when the property is in good condition or when the owner is willing to complete repairs and prepare the house for the retail market.
Another option is selling directly to a buyer who purchases properties as-is. This may be useful when the owner does not want to renovate, repeatedly travel to the property, coordinate contractors, or prepare the house for traditional showings.
You can learn more about how the All Cash Baby home-buying process works.
All Cash Baby Buys Vacant Houses in Southern California
All Cash Baby purchases qualifying vacant houses throughout Southern California. Properties do not need to be renovated, cleaned out, or occupied before contacting us.
We can evaluate the property in its current condition and determine whether we can make a direct cash offer.
We purchase properties throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Get a Cash Offer for a Vacant House
If you own a vacant property in Southern California and are considering selling, contact All Cash Baby. We can discuss the property, its condition, and your timeline to determine whether a direct cash purchase makes sense for your situation.
There is no obligation to accept an offer.
This article provides general information and is not legal, insurance, tax, or financial advice. Property owners should consult qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.