Our latest articles
Sell Home As Is
November 5, 2022
Can I Sell a Fire-Damaged House in Woodbridge VA?
House fires are more common than people often realize. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 358,000 homes experience a structural fire each year. These fires not only take away people’s homes and belongings but also their lives. More than 3,000 Americans die in fires each year, and at least one child dies every day from fires inside the home.
If you recently suffered a house fire, or you’re in possession of a property that did, the most important thing is that you and your family are safe. But now comes some important questions. What do you plan to do with the property? Do you plan to fix it up and live in it? Or do you feel most comfortable selling the property and moving on?
For many people who suffer a house fire, they feel it’s best to close the chapter on their fire-damaged home. There might be too many bad memories associated with the house, or they might not care to invest money into costly repairs. Fortunately, selling your Woodbridge VA house with fire damage could be the best option!
Is it Possible to Sell a Fire-Damaged Home in Woodbridge?
When selling a property that has fire damage, you have two main options: You can sell the house as-is or make the repairs. Selling is the easiest option in most cases. You don’t have to hire contractors, manage the construction process or live through it. However, expect to get a smaller offer than if your property was repaired.
If you want full price for your home, you’ll need to make the repairs. Most buyers are overwhelmed by the thought of rehabbing a home, and fire damage can scare people away. If you plan to go this route, be aware that you’ll have to hire contractors to do a full renovation. You can’t just pick and choose small projects and expect the house to sell at full price.
Bottom line: Yes, it is possible to sell a fire-damaged property in Woodbridge. However, expect to take a big cut or make the repairs on your own.
Have a Woodbridge House with Fire Damage? Sell it to Our Cash Buyers!
4 Brothers Buy Houses is a home buying company that buys properties in Woodbridge VA. We take properties in ANY condition – fire damage doesn’t scare us! In fact, we’ll likely offer more than other buyers because we already have a team of contractors to do the work.
To get a free cash offer for your fire-damaged house in Woodbridge, contact the cash buyers from 4 Brothers Buy Houses. Our home buying services cost nothing – there are no fees or commissions – and we pick up most closing costs!
October 11, 2022
Is it Possible to Sell a House in Alexandria VA with Water Damage?
If you own a home in Alexandria Virginia, there’s a chance that you may live near the Potomac River, which does flood from time to time. Aside from this, there are many other things that can cause water damage in the home, such as faulty drainage systems, clogging drains, broken pipes and malfunctioning appliances.
About 40 percent of homeowners have experienced a loss from water damage. If water isn’t completely removed from the home, it can lead to mold, mildew and wood rot. If you’re currently dealing with this situation, you might assume that you’ll be unable to sell your home and start fresh.
While it is definitely harder to sell a home with water damage, it is not impossible. In fact, 4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your house from you – water damage doesn’t scare us! We have the resources to stop and repair water damage in your house. And because we pay cash, we waive the inspection, appraisal and most closing costs.
Do You Need to Disclose Water Damage History to Buyers in VA?
Whether you’re selling your house for cash or with a realtor, you should disclose water damage to the buyers. Virginia is not as strict as other states when it comes to disclosing information, but it’s still in good taste to let the buyers know.
Virginia is a caveat emptor state, meaning “let the buyer beware.” It’s one of the oldest states and still follows this old English common law concept. If you compare the disclosure form to other states, you’ll see that Virginia has a short and simple form. There are national disclosure requirements, however, such as lead paint.
Nevertheless, we always recommend being honest and upfront about your property and its issues. The inspection will still turn up any issues with water damage or mold, so being honest reduces the chances of the buyers backing out.
Benefits of Selling a Water Damaged House for Cash
If you know that your house has water damage, and you don’t care to deal with picky buyers or be held liable later down the road, you can sell your property for cash. At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we have no problem buying properties with water damage. Whether the water damage is old, new or ongoing, we have the resources to deal with it.
Our cash buyers in Alexandria VA buy properties in as-is condition, which means we take them in their current condition. We will not ask you to address a leaky appliance, a clogged toilet or mold. We will offer you a fair price, while taking into consideration the cost of the repairs.
Additional benefits to selling a water damaged house in VA for cash are:
- No inspections or appraisals
- Most, if not all, closing costs covered
- Quick process – close in just two weeks
- No need for banks, financing or loan approvals – we use cash
- No repairs, updates or maintenance required
Get a Fast, Free and Fair Cash Offer
To see what our cash buyers will pay for your Alexandria house, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. There is no obligation to continue, so see what we’re willing to offer on your property!
May 28, 2022
Home Inspection Deal Breakers in Virginia
When a potential home buyer makes an offer on a property, it’s usually contingent on a home inspection. As long as there isn’t anything major wrong with the home, the buyer should move forward with the purchase. If there are major issues that turn up during the inspection, they can be handled in one of two ways: either you make the repairs or you issue a credit for the repairs.
However, sometimes home inspections in Virginia turn up significant problems that can kill your sale. Let’s explore what these deal breakers are, why they scare buyers away and what you can do about them.
Home Inspection Issues that Can Squash Your Virginia Home Sale
Most issues in a home inspection report are easy to negotiate. But there are some that can affect the structural integrity of the property, and these are more difficult to work through. If any of these problems turn up in the inspection, you’ll need to address them.
Foundation settling
Your home’s foundation is a critical system. If your foundation fails, it can cause a number of problems such as water damage, mold, cracked walls and jammed doors and windows. Foundation problems caught early are easier to fix. But those that are further gone may require a structural engineer and tens of thousands of dollars.
Your best bet: Find out the extent of the damage and your repair options. Minor issues can be easily addressed.
Roof problems
Minor roof problems are typically no big deal and can be addressed through a simple repair. However, if roofing problems are ignored, they can lead to bigger problems such as water damage, mold growth and structural issues.
Even though many people don’t care to replace the roof when they’re moving, this could be something you need to do to sell your house fast in Virginia. If there is damage to your roof that came from an act of nature, your insurance may cover a roof replacement.
Water intrusion
Water intrusion can come from a number of issues, such as foundation settling. But it can also be caused by improper lot grading or design flaws. Virginia properties with basements also tend to have more issues with water.
Because water can lead to extensive damage and hazardous mold, most buyers don’t want to deal with it. You’ll need to address the vulnerable parts of your home and pay for repairs, which may involve waterproofing your basement.
Termite damage
Termites are common in many parts of the country, including here in Virginia, so you can’t rule them out entirely. If caught early, termites can be successfully treated by a pest control company. However, if the problem is overlooked, the damage done to your home can be significant.
Termites feed on wood and can create a large infestation that’s difficult to eradicate. If there are signs of termite activity in your home, consult with a professional termite specialist. They can determine the damage and how to fix the problem.
Skip the Inspection – Sell Your House in Virginia Today!
These are just a few of the things that can squash your home sale. Other concerns include electrical problems, plumbing problems, asbestos and lead paint. If your home has one or more of these issues, you may be concerned about your options to sell.
For a free, no obligation cash offer, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. We don’t require an inspection, and we don’t ask sellers to make any improvements or repairs. We buy houses in as-is condition, and we will buy yours, too!
May 15, 2022
Disclosure Obligations When Selling Your Washington DC House As-Is
When selling a house in Washington D.C., there are certain things you must disclose to the buyers, even if you’re selling the property as-is. While disclosure documents are standard in all states, the requirements do vary.
For example, in Washington D.C., buyers cannot waive their rights to receive a disclosure document. Fortunately, the D.C. Disclosure Statement includes all disclosures that sellers must make, including physical and environmental factors.
Let’s learn more about what disclosures a seller must make when selling their house in D.C.
Washington D.C.’s Seller Disclosure Code
Under the D.C. code, the seller of a residential property with no more than four units must give prospective buyers a property disclosure statement. Even if the seller has a real estate agent or broker, it is still their responsibility to fill out the disclosure statement.
The D.C. Disclosure Statement covers a number of items. It’s important that sellers fill out this form to the best of their knowledge and in good faith. Hiring an inspector can help uncover issues that the seller may not be aware of.
What Types of Things Must Sellers Disclose in Washington D.C.?
If you are planning to sell your D.C. property, it’s important to know what to disclose so that you’re not held liable later on. Even if you are selling your house as-is, you still need to fill out this form to the best of your knowledge. Selling a property as-is means that you’re not responsible for repairs or improvements. But you are still responsible for disclosing information regarding your property.
The D.C. Disclosure Document will ask about your property’s features and their condition, such as the roof, chimney, insulation, windows, HVAC system and appliances. It will also ask about exterior or environmental issues like drainage, property damage and wood-destroying pests. Toxic substances are also a concern, so you’ll need to list the presence of radon, asbestos or formaldehyde.
Additional disclosures you may have to make are:
- Death in the home related to a violent crime
- Neighborhood nuisances like landfills or airports
- Homeowners’ association (HOA) information
- Repair history
- Water damage
- Missing items
- Historic district location
Sell Your Washington D.C. House As-Is
4 Brothers Buy Houses will pay cash for your Washington D.C. property. While you will have to fill out a Disclosure Document, the findings will not scare us away! Because we buy houses as-is, we will not ask you to make any repairs or improvements. It’s a clean transaction between you and our cash buyers.
To get a free cash offer on your Washington D.C. house, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today!
April 3, 2022
How Do Sellers in Virginia Benefit from an ‘As Is’ Home Sale?
Thinking about selling your Virginia house but don’t care to go through the hassle of cleaning, organizing and staging the property? You certainly aren’t alone. More people are choosing to sell their properties as-is, meaning in their current condition, with no upgrades or improvements. But is this really the right fit for you?
Let’s look at some of the ways that sellers can benefit from selling a property as-is.
Avoid having to make repairs and improvements.
Not all homes being sold as-is in Virginia are in poor condition. Sometimes, the homeowner no longer has the money to maintain the property. No matter what condition your home is in, selling as-is relieves you of making repairs, improvements and upgrades. The buyers will know what to expect upfront, though expect to price your property competitively.
Prepare for a quick closing.
Selling a home the traditional way can drag on for months. Aside from bank-related hurdles, the buyers might be asking for certain things to be fixed or changed. But in as-is home sale, the process tends to move much faster. As-is sellers are motivated to sell and won’t be spending time and money making repairs – and buyers won’t be asking for them!
Fewer concerns over the home inspection.
A home inspection may still be requested by the buyer so that they can be made aware of any major issues. Otherwise, an as-is sale clears the seller of having to make any repairs after the inspection. If the thought of having a home inspection is making your stomach turn, it’s probably best to sell your Virginia home as-is.
Spend your time and money elsewhere.
If you have other things going on in your life right now, you don’t need to be worrying about preparing a house for sale. Selling as-is frees up your time and money. You’re not responsible for getting the property move-in ready, and you don’t have to worry about paying for home staging services. This also ends up saving you plenty of stress!
Attract different types of buyers.
If you don’t mind working with a cash buyer in Virginia, for example, you’re a perfect candidate to sell your property as-is. As-is home sales draw in different types of buyers – cash investors, real estate agents, house flippers and more. And in many cases, these types of buyers can be easier to work with than traditional buyers because they already have the money!
Summary
Keep in mind that selling a Virginia house as-is does not excuse you from disclosing known-issues about the property. Selling as-is only protects you from defects that you were not aware of. Some of the issues you will have to legally disclose to the buyers include mold, structural defects, foundation issues, a faulty roof and asbestos.
4 Brothers Buy Houses purchases properties all over Virginia. We buy them in as-is condition and never request anything from the seller. Contact us today to get a free, no obligation cash offer on your house and see what you can be walking away with in just a couple of short weeks!
March 31, 2022
Your Stress-Free Guide to Selling an Inherited Property in Maryland
Inheriting a home in Maryland from a deceased relative can come with many emotions. On one hand, you’re honored to have been left something of value by your loved one. But on the other hand, you now have a property to deal with. And in many cases, inherited properties still have the belongings inside and need quite a bit of work.
For many people, it makes sense to convert the inherited property into cash. If this is what you’re looking to do, here’s a stress-free guide for getting the job done.
The Probate Process
Inheriting property from an estate is governed by a legal process called probate. If your loved one had a will, this can help skip most of the legal actions. If your loved one did not have a will, the estate typically goes to the next round of kin. Either way, estates usually go through a probate process to ensure that the person’s wishes are followed.
Keep in mind that each state has its own laws and practices governing probate. In the state of Maryland, probate is necessary for most estates. The state law requires that estates go through the probate process to ensure that all parts of the will are honored. If there is no will, state law will determine how the estate will be handled.
Types of Ownership
If a will names you as the beneficiary or new owner of the house, things are substantially simplified. As the sole owner, you don’t have to consult with any heirs about how to handle the Maryland property. You have the freedom to do as you wish.
However, more often than not, there are multiple beneficiaries listed. In this case, you and the other heirs will have to come to an agreement about what to do with the property. Do you agree to sell it and split the money? Does one person plan to buy everyone out and live in the house?
Inheritance Taxes
When you inherit property in Maryland, it can make your taxes tricky. Usually, you won’t owe taxes until you sell those assets. These capital gains taxes are then calculated using a stepped-up cost basis. This article goes into further detail about the different types of taxes – inheritance taxes, estate taxes and capital gains taxes.
Selling the Property
Usually, the hardest part about selling inherited property in Maryland is getting everyone to agree. At minimum, the executor needs permission from the heirs to sell. Meanwhile, the heirs need the executor to agree. As long as you can come to an agreement, you can move forward with selling the house. This can be done in the following ways:
- Sell the property with a realtor. The realtor will help with marketing and showing the home, but keep in mind that they charge 6 percent in commissions.
- Sell the property yourself. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is cost-effective because you can avoid realtor commissions. However, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of the sale.
- Sell to a cash investor. Selling your inherited house for cash allows you to sell quickly – usually in two weeks or less. There are no commissions, and the property is sold as-is, meaning you’re not on the hook for repairs or updates.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your inherited house for cash, it’s helpful to get the facts and weigh your options before making a firm decision. Contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for a free, no obligation cash offer!
March 17, 2022
Do Power Lines Really Lower Property Values in Virginia?
When you go to sell your house in Franconia VA, you’ll receive a lot of objective feedback you may not have been prepared for. This is the house you’ve lived in for years, maybe decades, and you’ve come to love most things about it. But now you have realtors and/or prospective buyers pointing out things like old tile, a worn roof and those unsightly power lines.
The difference between power lines and an old roof or flooring is that you can’t remove them. Aesthetics aren’t the only problem with power lines, however. They can also lower your property value by 10 to 40 percent.
Why Do Power Lines Lower Property Values?
The main reason why homes near power lines sell for less is because these structures are not aesthetically pleasing. People don’t like to look out the windows and see power lines, plus they can block views. Some people also report hearing a low humming noise when trying to relax in their backyard.
There is also some concern over how safe it is to live near power lines. While research has not proven any definite links between the proximity of power lines and medical issues, researchers continue to look for possible health risks. Understandably, some home buyers in Franconia will not feel comfortable buying a home near power lines.
How Much Do Power Lines Lower Property Values in Franconia VA?
How much power lines reduce property values in Franconia depends on many factors, including how close the lines are to your home, whether they hang over the backyard and whether they obstruct your views. On average, proximity to power lines can lower your property’s value by 10 to 40 percent.
If you plan on selling your house in Franconia, you might assume it will be a hard sell. And while it may be more difficult in some cases, keep in mind that homes near power lines are often more affordable and have less competition. For someone looking for a reasonably priced home that won’t end up in a bidding war, your Franconia house might be the one!
4 Brothers Buy Houses Purchases Properties in Franconia – and Power Lines Won’t Bother Us!
4 Brothers Buy Houses purchase homes all over Virginia. We don’t have any problems buying properties that are located near power lines. We take houses in any condition as well, so you don’t have to worry about paying for repairs or house staging. Contact our cash house buyers today to get your free cash offer.
January 31, 2022
Selling a Brentwood MD Home with Termite Damage
Not everyone is aware that their home has termites. While there are some easy signs to look for – small pinholes, bubbling paint, discolored drywall – they can be easily missed. So what happens when it comes time to sell your home in Brentwood MD and you find out that you have a termite infestation?
In the state of Maryland, you are legally obligated to disclose information about termites to the home buyers. Once they find out about the pest problem, there’s a strong possibility that they will back out of the sale. Because of the destructive nature of termites, most new home buyers want nothing to do with them.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t sell your home in Brentwood, but it does mean that your options are more limited. Let’s discuss what options you have and the best ways to sell a home with termites.
Selling a Brentwood Home with Termites: What are Your Options?
There are three main options when selling a Maryland property with termite damage. No option is necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to what works best for you.
Option #1. Repair the Damage
If your home is in otherwise good condition, and the infestation is small, it may be worth it to pay to repair the damage. This way, your home will be as good as new, and you can sell it for full price.
But, there are a few things to think about. First, you can’t repair the damage until all of the termites are gone. Average termite treatments are around $550, though this does depend on the size and progression of the infestation. Severe infestations can cost a lot more.
Second, you’ll need to cover the cost of the repairs, which can be extensive. If the termites got to the walls, floors or other structural components of the home, you could be spending thousands upon thousands in repairs.
Option #2. Sell the Home with Damage
Your next option is to sell your Brentwood property with the damage. You’ll need to be upfront and honest about the infestation and the damage that has been done.
For obvious reasons, your buyer pool will be much smaller. However, if you sell your home as-is or at a deeply discounted price, you may get more offers than you think. And, some buyers won’t mind tackling the damage when they update the home in exchange for a discount.
Option #3. Sell Your House to a Cash Buyer in Brentwood
For some sellers, it makes sense to close the chapter on their current property and sell it as-is to a cash home buying company. These companies pay cash for homes in any condition, including those that have pest damage.
The benefit to working with a cash buyer is that they often intend to remodel the home, so they’ll be replacing floors and knocking down walls. Taking care of a termite infestation isn’t as big of a deal at this point, and they often work closely with local contractors who handle these issues.
Get a Free Cash Offer on a Home with Termites
No matter how you choose to sell your home in Brentwood MD, make sure that you are open and honest about the infestation. This will hold you within your legal rights and make the sale go more smoothly. For a free cash offer on your property, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. And yes – we’ll buy your house with termites!
December 27, 2021
Why House Comps Are An Important Part Of Pricing Your Lanham Home
When selling your Lanham MD house, your goal is to sell it for what it’s worth. But sometimes the memories that we associate with our homes can cloud our judgement. At the end of the day, your home’s value isn’t as easily quantifiable as you may assume.
Due to the ever-changing market, you will need to find a more tangible way to price your property. One of the most reliable ways to do this is through comparable sales, otherwise known as house comps.
Let’s cover four reasons why house comps are an important part of pricing your Lanham home!
1.) Realistic Pricing Perspective
Sometimes there is a substantial difference between your asking price and the actual price the home will sell for. Take a look at the final price of recently sold homes in your area to give you an idea of how much your home may actually be worth. For example, you may find that your neighbors down the street had their home listed for $400,000 but only sold it for $375,000.
2.) Tangible Facts and Figures
Comparing your property to recently sold homes with a similar location, square-footage, features and structure is like having a real estate model to base your pricing decisions off of. So when you are looking for a house comp, make sure you are looking for an example of a home that has similarities to yours.
Let’s dive deeper into what each of these factors mean.
- Location. A house comp will need to be in your exact neighborhood. If the home isn’t in the same neighborhood, the traveling distance between certain destination points, such as a mall or school district, may affect the price of the home.
- Square footage. Ideally, your house comps should be within 10%-20% of your property’s size. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms should also match (or at least be similar).
- Features. This basically implies all of the bells and whistles. Does the home have wood floors like yours, or carpeting? What about a pool? Curb appeal? Does the home have a beautiful scenic view, or is it facing other homes on the street? All of these features play a role in home values.
- Structure. This includes factors such as when the house was built and the layout of the home. How many floors are there? Is this a ranch with bedrooms on the first floor, or is it a three-story home with laundry in the basement?
3.) Realistic Offers
Keep in mind that if a buyer goes into a contract offering more than the home is actually valued at, the buyer’s financing may be put on hold by the lender. Lenders will not approve financing that is more than the home is actually worth.
By using Lanham house comps to list your home at a fair price, you will avoid any blips with the lender. Even if your buyer plans on paying with cash instead of utilizing a lender, a buyer will typically opt for an appraisal, and may ask for closing credits or additional repairs if the home’s value is lower than their original offer.
4.) Easily Accessible to the Public
Just because agents have tools to access real estate data doesn’t mean that comps aren’t public information. This means that a potential buyer can use them as intel for their own bidding as well. So, if you can count on buyers doing their homework on house comps, you should be doing it as well!
Listing your Lanham home at the right price from the start is the best way to ensure your home gets sold. But what if you don’t feel like putting in the hard work to get your home sold? 4 Brothers Buy Houses will pay CASH for your Lanham property. Contact us today for your free, no obligation cash offer.
December 3, 2021
Can I Sell My Maryland Home if it Has Storm Damage?
Depending on where you live in Maryland, you might see all types of weather: tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms and snow. Just this September, Tropical Depression Ida hit Maryland with high winds, tornadoes and flooding.
If your home suffers damage, you can go through your insurance company to cover the repairs. But even then, you’ll probably still have to pay something out of pocket. If you can’t afford your deductible or out-of-pocket costs, what happens next?
Unfixed storm damage on your property can cause serious problems when you go to sell. After all, most people don’t want to buy a home that needs work. Fortunately, you do have options when it comes to selling your Maryland home with storm damage.
What Type of Storm Damage is Most Common in Maryland?
Maryland’s climate is experiencing warmer and wetter conditions, with more extreme weather and less distinct seasons. Because of this climate change, sporadic weather patterns have increased, leading to high winds, tornadoes and hurricanes that can easily damage a home.
Some of the most common types of property damage we see in Maryland are:
- Roof damage from rain, snow, hail and fallen trees
- Gutter problems that cause framing issues, water seepage and problems with doors and windows
- Siding damage due to harsh winds or hail that lead to water damage, pest infestations and insulation problems
Can You Sell a Home that Has Severe Storm Damage?
If you cannot afford to fix your home after suffering severe storm damage, your best option is to sell it as-is to a company that buys properties in Maryland.
4 Brothers Buy Houses will buy your home in any condition – even with storm damage! We have an extensive network of contractors who will provide the repairs, as well as address other potential issues with your home.
While we will negotiate a lower offer, you don’t have to put any money into the home. All you need to do is move out – and we are flexible with that, too! For some homeowners, a fresh start is all they want after suffering extensive storm damage that they can’t afford to fix.
To schedule a quick walkthrough of your property, get in touch with 4 Brothers Buy Houses today. There is never any obligation to continue, so it doesn’t hurt to get an offer on your home so that you can make the best decision.
