Selling a House With Code Issues: What You Need to Know Before You Make a Decision
If your home has code violations or unpermitted work, it is normal to feel stuck or worried—but it does not automatically mean you cannot sell. Many homeowners assume they must fix everything before listing, and in many cases that is not true; the best strategy depends on the specific issues, your local market, and your goals.
Common concerns include:
Will this stop the sale?
Do I have to fix everything first?
Will buyers even make offers?
How much will this reduce my price?
The answers are situational, which is why getting clear guidance up front matters.
You Can Sell a House With Code Issues
In many markets, there are buyers—especially investors and renovation‑focused buyers—who are willing to purchase properties with code problems or unpermitted work. The tradeoff is almost always reflected in price and terms rather than “no sale.”
The key is understanding:
Whether correcting the issues would meaningfully increase your net sale proceeds.
Whether your timeline, budget, and stress tolerance support making repairs.
How local buyers in your area typically respond to properties with known issues.
Sometimes fixing makes sense. Sometimes selling strictly as‑is is the smarter move.
How to Think About Your Options
A smart plan looks at:
The cost and time required to fix the issues (with real estimates).
Your timeline—how quickly you need or want to sell.
The likely difference in sale price with and without repairs.
The type of buyer your home will realistically attract (owner‑occupant vs. investor).
Your risk tolerance for inspections, appraisals, and negotiations.
In some cases, targeted repairs to high‑impact items can improve price and widen your buyer pool. In others, it makes more sense to price appropriately and market the home as an as‑is or investor‑friendly opportunity.
How Shaina McAndrews Guides This Process
The Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty is built around systems, accurate pricing advice, and step‑by‑step guidance for sellers across Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and the surrounding suburbs. When code issues or unpermitted work are involved, Shaina helps clients:
Review the known issues and discuss how they are likely to affect value and buyer interest.
Talk through repair‑versus‑as‑is scenarios using real numbers and local market expectations.
Create a pricing and positioning strategy that fits the property’s condition and your goals.
Market the home honestly and strategically to attract the right type of buyer.
Navigate offers, inspections, and potential re‑negotiations with clear expectations.
Protect you from surprises and wasted time through strong communication and organized systems.
The goal is to help you make a decision that fits your finances and your life—not just the house.
Get Clarity Before You Spend Money
Before you invest in repairs or panic about whether you can sell, it is wise to have a conversation and get real numbers, options, and a clear strategy. A short, confidential call can help you:
Understand how serious your specific issues are in the current market.
Compare realistic “fix vs. sell as‑is” outcomes.
Decide on a plan that matches your timeline, budget, and stress tolerance.
You can schedule a consultation or quick call with Shaina McAndrews through her online Calendly links, which local homeowners use to talk through complex selling situations and get clear next steps without pressure.
