What is a Distressed House? A Guide for Motivated Sellers in St. Louis

If you’re looking to sell a house, you may have heard the term “distressed house” thrown around. But what exactly does that mean? Essentially, a distressed house is a property that is in a state of disrepair or financial hardship, making it difficult to sell on the traditional market. If you find yourself in this situation, it can be overwhelming and frustrating.;

But don’t worry, there are options available to help you sell your distressed house. In this guide, we’ll explore what a distressed house is, the different types of distress, and how to sell a distressed house.

What is a Distressed House?

A distressed house is a property that is in a state of disrepair or financial hardship. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Neglect: The house has not been properly maintained or updated, leading to significant wear and tear.
  • Damage: The house has suffered damage from a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire, or from other causes, such as vandalism or a break-in.
  • Financial hardship: The owner is unable to keep up with mortgage payments or property taxes, leading to the possibility of foreclosure or other financial consequences.

‘These factors can make it difficult to sell your house fast on the traditional market, as potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a property that requires significant repairs or has financial burdens attached.

Types of Distressed Properties

There are two main types of distress that a house may experience: physical distress and financial distress.

1. Physical Distress

Physical distress refers to the state of disrepair or damage that a house has suffered. This can include:

  • Structural damage: Cracks in the foundation, roof damage, or other issues that affect the structural integrity of the house.
  • Cosmetic damage: Outdated features, old carpeting or flooring, or a lack of modern amenities that make the house less appealing to buyers.
  • Health and safety concerns: Issues with mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint that can be dangerous for occupants.

Physical distress can be costly to repair, and many potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a property that requires significant repairs or renovations.

2. Financial Distress

Financial distress refers to the owner’s inability to keep up with mortgage payments or property taxes, leading to the possibility of foreclosure or other financial consequences. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as job loss, medical expenses, or a change in financial circumstances.

Selling a Distressed House

If you’re looking to sell a distressed house, there are several options available to you. Here are a few:

Traditional Sale

While a traditional sale may be possible, it can be difficult to sell a distressed house on the traditional market. Potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a property that requires significant repairs or renovations, and it may take longer to find a buyer. Additionally, the seller may need to invest time and money into repairs or upgrades in order to make the house more appealing to buyers.

Auction

Another option is to sell the house at an auction. This can be a good option for distressed properties, as it can attract investors who are looking for a fixer-upper or a property to flip. However, the sale price may be lower than if the property was sold on the traditional market, and the seller may need to pay auction fees.

Sell to a Cash Home Buyer

Another option is to sell the house to a cash home buyer who specializes in buying distressed properties. These investors are typically looking for properties to renovate and sell or rent out, and they can often make a cash offer on the property. This can be a quick and easy way to sell a distressed house, as the investor will typically buy the property as-is.

Sell Your House Fast in St. Louis, Missouri

If you need to sell your house fast but don’t want the hassle of a traditional home sale, contact Klamen Real Estate Buyers. We buy houses as-is. No repairs are needed. Avoid closing costs and realtor commissions. Close in as little as seven days. Call 314-721-6800 to get a fast cash offer from our local home buyers in Missouri.