How to Sell a House That Needs Major Repairs in California
If your home needs significant work—foundation issues, roof replacement, or extensive remodeling—you can still sell it quickly and for a fair price. In California, where repair costs run 20-50% higher than national averages, many homeowners choose to sell as-is rather than pour money into renovations. Here’s how to navigate the process and maximize your profit.
Your 3 Main Options for Selling a Home Needing Repairs
Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer (Fastest Solution)
How it works: Investors purchase homes in any condition
Timeline: Close in 7-21 days
Typical sale price: 60-80% of market value
Best for:
- Urgent sales (foreclosure, probate, relocation)
- Homes needing $20,000+ in repairs
- Owners who lack renovation funds
Make Critical Repairs & List Traditionally (Highest Price)
How it works: Fix safety/structural issues, then list with agent
Timeline: 3-6 months (repairs + sale)
Typical sale price: 90-100% of market value
Best for:
- Homes needing <$15,000 in repairs
- Sellers with time and capital
- Strong housing markets
Renovate Fully for Maximum Profit (Highest Risk/Reward)
How it works: Complete all repairs and upgrades before selling
Timeline: 6-12 months
Typical sale price: 100-120% of market value
Best for:
- Experienced flippers
- High-demand neighborhoods
- Owners with construction expertise
California Repair Cost Estimates
| Repair | Average Cost in CA |
|---|---|
| Foundation work | 15,000−50,000 |
| Roof replacement | 10,000−35,000 |
| Full kitchen remodel | 25,000−75,000 |
| HVAC system | 7,000−15,000 |
| Mold remediation | 5,000−30,000 |
Step-by-Step: Selling to a Cash Buyer
Get a Professional Assessment
- Identify all needed repairs (consult contractor if possible)
- Separate critical vs. cosmetic issues
Obtain Multiple Offers
- Contact 3-5 cash buyers for comparisons
- Verify buyer credentials (CA real estate license, BBB rating)
Review Contract Terms
- Ensure "as-is" clause is included
- Confirm no hidden fees
- Check closing timeline (7-45 days typical)
Close Without Stress
- No last-minute repair demands
- Buyer handles all paperwork
- Funds wired at closing
Find What It's Like Working with Semi Homes
Why California Homeowners Choose Cash Sales
Selling to a company like Semi Homes helps when:
- Time is limited (probate deadlines, foreclosure risk)
- Repair costs exceed equity
- You can’t manage renovations (long-distance, elderly owners)
- Tenants or squatters make repairs impossible
We specialize in buying California homes with:
- Structural damage
- Outdated systems
- Code violations
- Fire/water damage
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to disclose all needed repairs?
Yes—California requires sellers to disclose known material defects on the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS).
Can I sell a house with foundation problems?
Yes—cash buyers regularly purchase homes with foundation issues, though offers reflect repair costs.
What if repairs cost more than the house is worth?
You can still sell—California is a non-recourse state, meaning lenders can’t pursue you for mortgage shortages on primary residences.
How do cash buyers determine the offer amount?
They calculate: (After-repair value) - (Repair costs) - (Holding costs) - (Profit margin).
Can Semi Homes close during probate?
Yes—we work with executors to complete court-approved sales in as little as 30 days.
Need to Sell a Home Requiring Major Repairs?
If you own a California property needing work and want to:
- Avoid expensive renovations
- Close quickly
- Stop throwing money at repairs
- Get cash in hand without hassles
Semi Homes offers:
- Same-day cash offers
- No-obligation consultations
- Flexible closing dates
- No cleanup or repair requirements
Contact us today for a fair assessment of your property’s value—in any condition. We’ll explain your options and provide a written offer within 24 hours.