Selling any home in California can be a challenge–let alone an older house that may or may not need repairs. If you’re looking to sell an older home in California that needs some work, then this guide is for you!
Ready to sell your home? Let’s get started!
Understanding the Market for Old Homes in California
The California real estate market is diverse, with a mix of modern properties and charming older homes. However, older homes often come with their own set of challenges. Factors like architectural appeal, location, and potential for renovations can affect their marketability.
What Buyers Are Looking For
Buyers of older homes tend to fall into two categories:
- Renovators and Flippers: They see potential in older homes and are willing to invest in extensive repairs for future resale.
- Move-In Ready Seekers: These buyers want minimal work and prefer homes with updated systems and minimal repairs.
When you know your target audience you can more easily decide whether to invest in repairs or sell your home as-is.
Common Challenges of Selling an Old House
Older homes often come with unique challenges that can complicate the selling process. Here’s what you might encounter:
Outdated Systems
Older electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC systems may no longer meet modern safety standards.
Unpermitted Additions
If previous owners made modifications without permits, this could create legal and financial hurdles.
Cosmetic Wear and Tear
Peeling paint, worn flooring, and outdated fixtures can make a property less appealing to buyers.
Energy Inefficiency
Older homes may lack proper insulation, leading to higher utility bills—a red flag for many buyers.
Getting an old house ready to sell can be overwhelming. Selling to Osborne Homes eliminates these challenges. We buy homes as-is, sparing you from costly updates or buyer negotiations.
Hidden Costs of Selling an Old Home
When selling an older home, unexpected costs can quickly add up. Here are some expenses to consider:
Inspection Fees
Buyers often require thorough inspections, which could uncover hidden issues
Repair Surprises
What starts as a small repair might lead to discovering bigger, costlier problems.
Extended Time on Market
Older homes may take longer to sell, increasing your holding costs, like property taxes and utility bills.
When you sell directly to Osborne Homes you can avoid these hidden costs entirely.
Environmental Considerations for Old Homes
Older homes may have environmental issues that need addressing before a sale:
Asbestos
Common in homes built before the 1980s, asbestos removal can be costly.
Lead Paint
Found in many homes built before 1978, it’s a significant health risk and requires disclosure to buyers.
Outdated Insulation
Older materials may not meet modern energy standards, reducing the home’s appeal.
Osborne Homes purchases properties with these issues, sparing you the expense and complexity of remediation.
To Repair or Not Repair
Should you repair your home before selling it? Ultimately, it depends on your goals. If you’re looking to maximize your returns, consider your repairs. If you need fast cash, the extra investment in repairs may not be the wisest of choices.
Speaking of choice, repairs are costly, and many things might need to be repaired. Wondering the costs? Let’s cover some of the basics.
Roofing
The first common repair that is either asked by potential buyers or suggested by inspectors is roofing repairs. Typically in California, the cost per square foot to repair a roof is estimated to be around $5-10; this can add up quickly and for more extensive repairs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$80 per square foot!
Plumbing
Plumbing is another repair essential that many buyers make contingencies on. The average repair cost for plumbing in California in 2024 was $150-$500 for minor repairs and $1,000-$5,000 for extensive repairs.
Electrical
Electricity is essential in California, especially with our hot weather! The average rate for an electrician in the state is $50-$150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job. Speaking of complexity, the average time to repair an electrical issue can range drastically as well; anywhere from an hour to tens of hours.
Comparing Your Options: Repairs vs. As-Is Sales
Should you repair your home or sell it as-is? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
3 Tips for Listing with Optimal Success
Now that we’ve covered ‘repairs’ let’s talk about the listing aspect. Getting an old house ready to sell is a lot of work and you’ll want to make sure it’s even worth it for your slightly older home.
Should You List Your Old House?
The short answer is it depends. Do you need the money now, or can you wait? Going back to repairs for a moment; are you willing to invest money upfront in repairs to maximize your returns, or do you need the money now?
1. Be Transparent
When you’re listing an older home, regardless of your intentions to repair (or to not) be transparent in your listing and with your realtor (if you opt to use one). Transparency is key to a quick sale and can help you avoid unwanted contingencies.
2. Clean Everything
The next tip that is oftentimes overlooked is cleaning everything that’s cleanable. Many see an older house and just assume it should be sold as-is when that’s not needed typically. If you clean an old house, you can make it look much better, and it can convey a newer feeling than it really is.
3. Be Specific
Want to avoid contingencies and buyer conflict? Being specific in your listing can truly help you sell quickly. If you’re looking for an as-is sale, mention it! Looking for cash only? State it! When you’re specific, your buyers know you mean business.
Skipping the Hassle of Repairs + Traditional Sales
What if you want to skip repairs and the real estate market altogether? If this sounds like you, you’re in luck! We at Osborne Homes buy houses as-is (even lived in) in California for 100% cash. There is absolutely no need to make a single repair.
The best part of all? We can close on your timeline (within a few weeks).
Get your cash with Osborne Today!
The Benefits of Osborne Homes
How about the benefits of selling to us? There are many!
Typically Fee-Free
Selling on the traditional market often results in more fees than one can justify, you’ve got various repair fees plus realtor fees and any legal fees. With Osborne Homes, you’re nearly guaranteed a zero-fee deal, though certain situations may require additional fees (though, this is incredibly rare).
Skip Repairs
We don’t require a single repair on your property. As long as it’s in California, we want it!
Close Fast
You can close within 7-14 days, or on your timeline. We’re patient and understand that something like selling a house is a big commitment and we want to ensure that you’re comfortable.
100% Cash
Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’ll get a check that is ready for depositing into your bank. It’s 100% cash money and not a loan.
No House is Off-Limits
The best part for many is that no home or property is off-limits for us. Cracked foundations? We want it! Badly damaged roof? We’ll take care of it, enjoy the cash! Need to move fast? We’ve got you covered!
Get Cash For Your Old House
Ready to get all the cash for your house in California? We buy old houses in any condition for all cash! Get started today, and let Osborne Homes buy your house.
How to Sell an Old House to Osborne Homes
Selling an old house in California doesn’t have to be stressful. With Osborne Homes, the process is fast, simple, and tailored to your needs.
- Contact Us: Reach out for a free consultation.
- Receive Your Offer: Get a fair, no-obligation cash offer for your home.
- Close When Ready: Choose your closing date and receive your cash payment.
