Author: Hometown Development

Selling a home can be difficult as it is, but selling a home in poor condition can seem almost impossible. Luckily, there are a few different options you can take if you have a home in poor condition and you’re looking to sell it — and you don’t necessarily have to make repairs to ensure it sells. 

Can You Sell a House in Poor Condition?

The quick answer is yes, you can sell a home in poor condition. You may not get as much money as if you fixed up the whole home, but the amount you may save on repairs and renovations might just make up the difference. 

What Constitutes “Poor Condition” for a Home?

Without a real estate background, it can be hard to know if the home you want to sell is in “poor condition” or not. Luckily, there are some general guidelines we can go by to determine the condition of your home.

• Uninhabitable: not suitable for people to live in and has severe issues like electrical and plumbing issues, roof damage, black mold, asbestos, lead, termite damage, and foundation issues. Usually is considered much worse than “poor condition.”

• Major Repairs Needed: a habitable home with some electrical and plumbing problems, roof damage, wood rot, damaged flooring, and damaged and outdated bathrooms. This could constitute a home in “poor condition.”

• Could Use Some Updating/Significant Cleaning: a habitable house with a dirty and outdated kitchen, stained flooring, peeling paint, outdated finishes, and/or a weathered exterior. Could also signify “poor condition.”

How to Sell a House in Poor Condition: 3 Options

There are a few different options you can take when selling a house in poor condition. You just have to decide how much work you want to do on the house. Do you want to do lots of repairs to improve the condition? Or do you simply want to sell it as is?

1. Complete Large Repairs and Renovations

Your first option is to make large repairs and overall renovations to the house. If your house has severe problems to the point that it’s unlikely to sell, this may be your best option. This doesn’t mean you need to make all the repairs, but one or two could be a good idea. What those repairs depend on your situation and what will give you the most return on investment (ROI). 

Some of the repairs with the best ROI include:

• Garage door replacement
• Manufactured stone veneer
• Minor kitchen remodel 
• Siding replacement 
• Window replacement

2. Do Simple Cosmetic Repairs & Adjust Listing Price for Large Renovations

If your house is in poor condition and needs major and minor repairs, fixing a bunch of minor things can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. You can update fixtures, change out the carpet, put a new coat of paint on the walls, refinish cabinets, or add some flowers to the front yard.

If you choose this route, it’s likely you’ll still have to lower your listing price. That way, you may still interest buyers who know they’ll have to spend more money on larger renovations that weren’t done prior to selling.

3. Do Nothing and Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer

Not interested in the hassle of repairing and renovating your home at all? You can sell your home for cash as is to a cash buyer. You still must disclose all the issues the house has so the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting into but beyond that, you don’t have to do much else. 

And with a cash buyer, you don’t have to deal with or pay any real estate agents, so you get the full price for your home. 

Selling a House in Poor Condition? Contact Hometown Development.

At Hometown Development, we buy homes in West Michigan for cash from homeowners who need to sell their properties quickly or sell a property in poor condition. No matter the reason, we can buy your home and quickly have you moving on to your next step in life. 
Get your FREE cash offer today.

If you own a rental property, chances are you’ve dealt with at least one problem tenant. The good news is that one bad tenant is manageable and you can probably resolve the issue with ease. The bad news is that one bad tenant can quickly escalate to two, three, or even four bad tenants — and that’s when things start getting overwhelming. 

If it seems like you’re constantly dealing with problem tenants, you might be wondering what you can do. Below are some common types of problem tenants paired with recommendations on what you can do about them. 

5 Types of Problem Tenants

The first step to successfully managing problem tenants is to know what a problem tenant is. When you choose to manage a property, you should be proactive in understanding certain indicators to look out for, and certain types of behaviors that are red flags. 

To illustrate this point, here are a few fictional problem tenant personas to watch out for.

1. Missed Payment Mike

As you could likely guess, the most common type of problem tenant is one who misses or partially pays a rent payment. While you may be able to grant Mike some flexibility and patience with payment deadlines once or twice, it can’t be an ongoing issue. Otherwise, you’re left without the money you need to own and manage the property successfully. 

2. Subletting Susie

Subletting isn’t always a problem, but it can be in certain circumstances like: 

• If you, as the property manager, don’t allow it — and that’s written in your contract. 
• If your tenant doesn’t fill out the property subletting paperwork. 
• If your tenant invited unauthorized roommates and guests for long-term stays.

3. Property Damage Pam

From holes in the wall, to disarmed smoke detectors, to carpets full of cat urine, some rental property managers truly have seen it all. Property damage can include broken items, negligence in cleaning, and unapproved improvements or DIY projects. Unauthorized upgrades or damages can result in you having to pay more or having to pester your tenants to fix the issue themselves.

4. Law Breaker Lenny

If your tenants are breaking laws, or if you fear for you and other tenants’ safety, you should first call the police. Any practices that are legally restricted in your area should be reported as soon as you are aware of them. This includes anything from illegal drug usage and sales to illegal possession of weapons.

5. Complainer Carly

Your tenants have a right to complain about pertinent issues with the property, or if something isn’t working properly. However, there is a line that needs to be drawn. Your tenants shouldn’t be constantly bothering you with complaints about tedious things like the color of paint on the wall or a small scratch on their door. 

How to Deal with Problem Tenants

Managing a rental property is a difficult task in and of itself. It can quickly become a full-time job with all of the duties you’re responsible for. When you add dealing with bad tenants to the list, it can be too much. 

Here are some ideas on how to deal with problem tenants and nip problematic behaviors in the bud — relieving you of some of the stress. 

Revamp Your Contract

If you haven’t done so already, take a second look at your contracts and lease agreements. They should be specific about what the expectations are if a tenant chooses to live at your property, as well as what the consequences will be if they fail to meet them. That way, you always have something concrete to fall back on in the case of an unfortunate situation. 

Your best bet with nailing down a solid contract and lease agreement is to work with a legal professional. Find a lawyer who is experienced in real estate — specifically in rental properties — and have them revise your contract so all of your bases are covered. 

Do Background Checks

You should always screen your tenants before allowing them to live at your property. Their financial and criminal history can tell you a lot about what kind of tenant they may be, and if you’re willing to work with them or not. 

It’s important to conduct background checks through a trusted resource. This way, you can ensure the information is accurate and you can avoid evaluating applicants with any unfair or biased criteria. 

Conduct Tenant Interviews

Aside from a background check, you can choose to take it a step further and conduct an interview with each tenant interested in living at your property. Schedule a 30-minute meeting, meet with them face-to-face, and ask them a list of questions related to their life on your property. 

Similarly, it’s important here to get legal assistance while creating a screening questionnaire. This way, you’ll ensure you and your team aren’t prejudiced in making your decision. 

Perform Routine Inspections

If you’ve had problems with any of the tenant problems listed above, you may want to start performing routine inspections in each of the units you manage. You can then keep closer tabs on what’s happening at your property and identify problems early on. 

Your inspection list could include looking at things like: damage, unauthorized guests, unauthorized pets, and any illegal activity. It’ll also help you keep better track of what maintenance items need to be done. 

Serve Eviction Notices According to State Laws

Eviction is often the last resort option. However, in some cases, it’s necessary. If your tenant has given you justifiable reason for eviction, make sure you document all arguments for eviction and put together all the necessary paperwork beforehand. Follow the eviction process according to state laws, otherwise you could end up being sued for wrongful eviction. 

What to Do When You’re Out Of Options

If you’ve worked through each of the options above and are still having troubles, or if you’re not willing to try the options in the first place, you might be looking for a different way out of property management. Your best bet? Sell. 

Selling your rental property can place the troubles into somebody else’s hands. And, yes, you can sell your rental property while tenants are living there, as long as you notify your tenants of a change in property management. 

While it may be hard to part with a rental property you worked so hard to manage, it also might be the best choice for you. You can remove a lot of the stress it brought and look forward to your next adventure. 

Sell Your Rental Property to Hometown Development

Sometimes the stress of problem tenants just isn’t worth dealing with anymore. If you’re ready to move on from managing your rental property, you can get it off your hands quickly by selling it to our team at Hometown Development. No realtors, repairs, or hassle — just a market-value cash offer in your pocket and an easy step to your next adventure. 

For more information on our hassle-free selling process, give us a call at 616-379-3077 or contact us online.

Considering a career in the trades? Construction might just be the right path for you! Here’s a look at what working in construction is like, what requirements you may (or may not) need to meet, and what current opportunities are out there.

Why Construction? 7 Benefits

A career in construction can be rewarding in many different ways. Though it’s not the right field for everyone, it does offer a path to a profitable and promising career for many. 

Here are seven reasons why working in construction can be a great choice for the right person (you, maybe!).

1. It’s Easy to Get Started.

Not keen on college? No problem! You can start working in construction without any degree or work experience. 

Many construction companies will hire workers straight out of high school or with no formal education at all. You may start work as an apprentice or general laborer, then continue to learn the trade over the course of a few years before moving onto a role that requires more responsibility and experience. 

Bottom line: as long as you’re a hard worker and you’re willing to learn, most construction companies would be happy to add you to their team.

2. You Can Earn a (More Than) Liveable Wage.

In the construction industry, your pay will greatly vary depending on where you live, what trade you’re in, how many experiences you have, etc. But regardless of these factors, a career in construction can offer you a liveable, often very lucrative, wage. 

Aside from regular wages, most construction companies pay workers hourly, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cash in on overtime compensation. Also, you’ll reap the financial benefits of not paying for college or other secondary education if this is the path you choose early on.

3. There’s Great Job Security.

There is, and pretty much always has been, a shortage of skilled workers in all of the trades. From small-town residential contractors to commercial construction conglomerates, everybody needs workers. If you become one of them, it’s likely that you’ll be guaranteed a job for a long time. 

4. You’ll Stay Active.

Let’s face the facts: sitting at a desk all day, every day, isn’t most people’s dream. Not only does it make days dull, but it also poorly affects your health. Our bodies are designed to move — whether that be walking, running, stretching, lifting, or more. 

A job in construction will get you up and moving every day. This gives you more of a chance at being fit and healthy. While some trades are more physically demanding than others, you’ll never have trouble finding one that keeps you active. 

5. You’ll Never Get Bored.

A career in construction can offer you something new and exciting every day. Every project is different, and no two days are alike. There’s no need to worry about things getting monotonous. 

Whether you’re starting a new project, solving a new problem, learning new skills, or operating a new piece of machinery, the job is sure to give you something new to look forward to at all times.

6. You Can Work in a Team.

Construction work is teamwork. You’ll meet all sorts of new people with similar skills and interests as you — and you’ll all work together to accomplish and build something awesome. While you certainly don’t need to be an extroverted “people person,” you’ll never have to worry about your workdays being lonely and uneventful.

7. The Work Is Meaningful.

There’s something about good, honest work that is so meaningful. By working in construction, you’ll always be working on something that will solve a human need; something that people will use and enjoy every day. 

Whether you’re on a team that builds the homes we live in, the places we work in, the restaurants we gather in, or the roads we drive on, you’ll always feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, and intrinsic satisfaction from your work.

Common Construction Job Requirements

So what does it take to work in construction? Well, here are some of the most common requirements to get started. Keep in mind that these can vary based on company, trade, role, and more. 

• High school diploma (preferred, but not required)
• Similar work experience (preferred, but not required)
• Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles (preferred, but not required)
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to obtain relevant licensure to work with hazardous materials and machinery
• Willingness to be a team player
• Ability to analyze and solve work problems
• Ability to life construction materials and work in a construction environment

Working in Construction at Hometown Development

At Hometown Development, we offer unique job opportunities for those interested in working in construction. Below are a few benefits that make us stand out from other construction companies and employers. 

We Offer Ample Opportunities for Growth.

You don’t need any education or experience to join our team of construction professionals. We’ll provide you with the training you need to get started, then you’ll get hands-on experience every day as you work on a variety of projects. 

Throughout your time working with us, you’ll have tons of growth opportunities. If you’d like to define your own career path, continue to develop your skills, and do what you love every day, we’ll make that possible.

You Can Give Back to the Community You Love.

Our team is passionate about the West Michigan neighborhoods we work in. We see every project we take on as a chance to revitalize a unique home and increase the value of a neighborhood. 

At the same time, we’re often helping a homeowner move away from a troublesome home and onto a living situation that better fits their needs. All around, working with us is a unique and rewarding experience — we promise!

You’ll Be a Part of Incredible Transformations.

We flip houses, and we’re really good at it. Not to toot our own horn too much, but we’ve completed incredible transformations in hundreds of West Michigan homes. You can head to our Projects or Facebook page to see some of the before-and-after photos — they’re incredible!

By joining our team, you’d have your own part in helping these transformations come to life. You can put your own style and hard work into a gorgeous home with lots of charm.

You’ll Work with a Small but Mighty & Close-Knit Team.

Currently, our team consists of around 20 people. We’re pretty small, but that doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish a lot. We work hard, but we’re also fun, high-energy, highly motivated individuals who share similar passions about real estate, remodeling, and West Michigan. We enjoy working together to solve problems, and celebrating together in the success of every project.

If you’re looking for a job in construction, we’re looking for you! At Hometown Development, we’re always searching for the right people to fill our open carpenter positions. Check them out on our Careers page, and feel free to contact us with any questions about the application process.

In a crazy job market, you might be presented with the opportunity for job relocation. While it can be exciting to live somewhere new, it can also be a stressful process getting all of your things in order and preparing for the move. If you own a house, figuring out what to do with it is probably one of your top priorities. 

Here are some ideas on what you can do with your house during a job relocation. 

4 Options for Relocating When You Own a House

Ready to make your new move but nervous about how you’ll handle your home? One of these four strategies might be a good option for you. 

1. Get Relocation Assistance From Your Employer

If you’re relocating for a job, your employer may offer assistance. This could be in the form of a stipend, reimbursement, or even planning help. Often, relocation assistance looks like some combination of these things: 

• Travel costs for home-finding trips
• Moving costs (like U-Haul rentals, movers, etc.)
• Temporary housing costs
• Closing costs and real estate commissions

However, it’s important to note that most employers only offer a portion of the costs listed above. Full coverage is rare. While you might be able to rely on an assistance package for some costs, you should expect some out-of-pocket expenses as well.

2. Hire a Real Estate Agent

For many home sales, hiring a real estate agent is a good idea. They’ll help you settle on the right price point for your home, stage it so it entices prospective buyers, and market it to make sure you’re attracting buyers in the first place. They can be super helpful and worth the fees associated with hiring them. 

However, there are particular cases (and relocation is one of them!) where hiring a real estate agent might not be the best option. If you’re relocating, you likely want to sell your home quickly. That way, you can avoid paying two mortgage payments at once, and you’re not stuck worrying about an additional property. The issue with real estate agents is that they take time to get everything perfect with your home — from pricing and listing to staging and open houses — and you just might not have the time for that.

3. Rent Your Home Out

Some homeowners prefer not to sell their existing home, but rather turn it into a rental property. This is a great way to make extra income and hold onto a home that you may love. 

If you’re interested in this option, just keep one thing in mind: being a landlord isn’t always easy, especially when you’re far away from the property. Managing a property and tenants can quickly turn into a second full-time job.

4. Sell Your House Fast for Cash

The most convenient option for relocating when you own a house is to sell the house fast for cash. There are a ton of real estate investment companies out there — and yes, most of them are completely legit — that’d love to buy your property from you. At Hometown Development, we’re one of them.

While we may be biased toward this option, we can truthfully say that we’ve worked with a number of homeowners in your exact situation, and they’ve been thrilled with the process (check out our reviews and testimonials!). We provide a hassle-free selling process that’s quick, clear, fair, and honest. It’s done in just these four steps:

1. You contact us. We’ll ask you a few questions about you and your home to get an understanding of why you’re looking to sell and how we can best help you.
2. We do a walkthrough. For 20-30 minutes, we walk around your house to get a better understanding of its condition.
3. We make an offer. It’s free, non-obligatory, and all in cash. 
4. We close. If you accept our offer, we close — when and where you want.

By working with us, you walk away with cash on hand, ready for your next adventure. 

Relocate With Less Stress. Sell Your Home to Hometown Development.

Moving away and need to sell your house fast? We’ll take it! After we come out and look at your home, we’ll provide you with a fair cash offer based on its condition and the condition of the real estate market — all within just 24 hours. In many cases, we can close within just five days, too. 

Contact our team online to learn more about our process, and how we can help you move seamlessly onto your next home.

You sure can! It’s not a particularly popular choice, but depending on your needs and situation, it may be the best choice. Here are some things to consider while making your choice. 

Should You Sell Your Home Without a Realtor?

It’s not always the right decision to sell your home without a realtor — but it’s also not always the right decision to sell your home with a realtor. So how do you know which is right for you? 

Here are a few reasons that homeowners typically choose to sell their home without a realtor:

• They want to sell their home quickly
• They want to save on some costs of selling their home
• They’re a “do-it-yourself” kind of person

Pros & Cons of Selling Without a Realtor

Now, let’s discuss some pros and cons of selling your home without a realtor. 

Pros

• Save on real estate commission fees
• Sell your home faster
• Possibly avoid showings and home inspections
• Have control of the selling process (if you enjoy that!)

Cons

• May get a lower sale price than what a realtor could do for you
• Have control of the selling process (if that overwhelms you)

How to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor: 3 Options

If you think selling your home without a realtor might be the right choice for you, your next step is to figure out how to do just that — and you have options. 

1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney to Facilitate the Sale

You may want to avoid working with a realtor but wish for some type of real estate professional to be involved in the sale. This is especially true if you’re selling to someone you know but haven’t fully vetted. A real estate attorney can help you complete all the necessary legal documents and contracts to ensure a smooth closing process. 

2. Handle the Sale Completely by Yourself via For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

If you’d rather handle the sale all by yourself, you can choose to go the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route. This will help you cut realtor commission costs and keep control of the entire process — but that’s a lot of work, so just be aware of what you’re committing to. 

You may have to complete tasks like taking photos, pricing your home, creating your listing, advertising that listing, staging your home, hosting open houses, completing paperwork…you get the gist. 

3. Sell to an All-Cash Buyer

If you want a quick, hassle-free sale, you should consider selling your home to an all-cash buyer. Cash buyers are people or businesses (most often real estate investment companies) that will purchase your home as-is. There’s no need to repair or clean anything, and there’s minimal paperwork involved. Sometimes these sales close in as little as five days. 

It’s one of the easiest, fastest ways to sell your home — and that’s why we’re proud to offer it at Hometown Development. 

Avoid the Realtor & Sell Your Home Hassle-Free to Hometown Development

Interested in selling your home without a realtor? We can help. At Hometown Development, we make the home-selling process easy by providing you with a fair cash offer within just 24 hours of our inspection — no tidying or staging required! Contact us to learn more about what we do, how we do it, and why we do it.