Author: Hometown Development

Rental properties can be great investments. But, in some circumstances, they can also be more trouble than they’re worth. 

If you have a rental property that you’ve been on the fence about, you may be wondering when it’s best to sell it and start fresh. Here are some telltale signs to look out for.

6 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Rental Property

How do you know when it’s time to sell your rental property and move on to your next adventure? Here are six clues. 

1. You Have Problem Tenants

It can be difficult to find good tenants, even if you live in a great area with lots of demand for rentals. You can conduct background checks and conduct interviews, but there will almost always be problem tenants that sneak through the cracks. 

They won’t pay their rent on time, they’ll cause damage, and/or they won’t follow the rules outlined in your contract — and you’re the one that has to handle those issues. 

If you’ve just had one or two problem tenants, and you were able to resolve the issues with ease, you might not be concerned about tossing in the towel and selling your rental property quite yet. 

But if you’ve had multiple problems and you just don’t want to deal with the stress anymore, it may be time to pass those troubles to someone else. 

2. You’re Tired of Managing Landlord Duties

Managing a rental property isn’t as easy as it sounds. Depending on how many units you own, it can turn into a full-time job or more. You’re responsible for collecting rent payments each month, sending reminders to anyone who’s late, and handling repairs to the property. Not to mention, many rental property managers get calls late at night or on the weekends that they need to respond to. 

For some, this work is doable — even enjoyable. But if you’re dreading every phone call and groaning every time someone’s washing machine won’t work, you might need to take a step back and decide if this is still the job you want.

3. You’re Starting to Lose Money

Many rental property managers think that the value of their property will appreciate over time. While this is true in most cases, it’s assumptive to say this for all properties. 

If your rental property is decreasing in value (due to damage, inability to upgrade and upkeep, high property taxes, etc.), you’re losing income. You may want to sell your rental property before its value drops even further, or you’ll be stuck selling it later at an even lower price. 

4. You Can’t Afford the Maintenance

If the cost of repairs is above what you can manage, it’s time to sell your rental property. Unless there’s a strong reason for you to take on a bit of debt for the upkeep, it’s not worth it. 

Maintenance should also be something you’re proactive about. Consider both expected and unexpected costs that you’ll pay. You shouldn’t wait for the air conditioning to bust before you sell because then the value of your property will be lower. 

5. You Found a Better Investment Opportunity

You might not quite be ready to be done with investments, but your current rental property isn’t quite cutting it. Perhaps you’ve found a new rental property you’d like to manage, or maybe you’ve found something completely new you’d like to invest in. 

Unless you have the time, money, and energy to take on multiple investment opportunities, you may need to move on from your existing one. And in that case, it’s time to sell. 

6. You’re Ready to Move Onto Something New

Maybe you want out of the rental property and investment game for whatever reason — major life events, retirement, a slower pace of life, etc. Whatever your situation is, you’re ready to move onto something new. Then you have a no-brainer: it’s time to sell your rental property. 

When You’re Ready: How to Sell Your Rental Property

If you can relate to any of the signs listed above, you’re ready to sell your rental property. But then you must follow through on figuring out the best way to do that. 

If you need help, check out some of our other blogs on rental property management and selling: 

• Why Sell Your Rental Property to a Real Estate Investor
• How to Sell a Rental Property With or Without Tenants
• What They Don’t Tell You About Investing in Rental Property

Is It Time to Sell Your Rental Property? Contact Us!

Feeling like you should have sold your rental property, like yesterday? Contact our team at Hometown Development. We’ll provide you with a fair cash offer for it, so you can have it off your hands in as little as five days. No gimmicks and no games — guaranteed.

Mold is a serious problem that unfortunately affects many Michigan homes. If you’ve spotted mold in your own home, you’re probably concerned about what your next steps should be. You can’t live with mold because it’s detrimental to your health, but it’s not an easy problem to fix.

To put it simply, you have two options: get rid of the mold or get rid of your house. Read on to figure out which is the best choice for you. 

Option 1: Get Rid of the Mold in Your House

Mold is a nasty thing to deal with. It’s extremely pervasive and can have serious health effects if not taken care of quickly. But the good news is that it is possible to get rid of mold, as long as you’re willing to put some time and effort into the project. 

How to Get Rid of the Mold in Your House

The answer to this question depends on where exactly the mold is located in your home and how much of it there is. 

If the mold in your home is located on just one or a few surfaces in your home, you might be able to control it on your own with some simple home improvement solutions. Try one of these options out — just make sure you protect yourself with an N-95 respirator mask, goggles, and gloves beforehand. 

• Undiluted white vinegar
• Bleach solution (one cup bleach & one gallon water)
• Ammonia solution (50% ammonia, 50% water)

If the mold in your home is more pervasive and located in multiple areas, it’s probably best to hire a professional mold remediation team. They’ll be able to remove the large-scale mold growth from your home effectively, so it can’t easily grow back in the future. This may include removing things like drywall panels and tile to clean deep beneath the surface level.

How Much Does Mold Remediation Cost?

Professional mold remediation costs the average homeowner between $1,000-$5,000. However, whole-home remediation projects can quickly work their way up to the $15,000 range. It all depends on the mold type, extent, and location within the home. 

But to put it simply, mold remediation isn’t a cheap undertaking. 

How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?

Most mold remediation projects take between 1-5 days, but this can vary depending on the amount of mold and where it’s growing. In fact, some mold remediation projects have taken as long as two weeks to complete. 

During this time, it’s usually recommended that you vacate your home. This means you’ll have to find alternative living arrangements for this period. If you have to pay for these living arrangements, it can also add to the overall cost of the project. 

Option 2: Sell Your House With Mold

If you’re unable to get rid of the mold in your house — either because you can’t afford it or just simply don’t want to deal with it — you may feel more inclined to sell your house and move on. 

Can You Sell a House With Mold?

Yes, you can sell a house with mold. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that it’s illegal to do so, but it’s not. As long as you disclose the mold issue to any prospective buyers, you can absolutely sell your house. Many have done it! 

How to Sell a House With Mold

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’d like to sell your house with mold. Firstly, you must disclose what you know about the mold to prospective buyers. Failing to do so can result in a huge safety issue and is illegal. 

Secondly, you should adjust your home’s listing price to reflect your home’s condition. A mold-infested house should not sell for the same price as a house with no mold. You’ll forfeit a bit of money here, but you’ll save on repair costs and be able to move out quickly. 

Your best bet to selling a house with mold for a fair price is selling to an all-cash buyer who purchases homes in as-is condition. You won’t be required to make any repairs, and they usually have a streamlined buying process that allows you to move on to better living arrangements must faster than you’d be able to with a traditional home sale.

Sell Your House with Mold to Hometown Development

Want to say “goodbye” to the mold in your home for good without all the hassle? Sell your home in as-is condition to Hometown Development! We’ll deal with the dirty work so you can move on and start fresh in a home you’re more comfortable in. Give us a call or contact us online for a free, no-obligation cash offer.

Could becoming a remodeling contractor be your next career move? Find out what the job entails and what it takes to get there below.

What Is a Remodeling Contractor?

A remodeling contractor is a specialized construction professional who property owners hire to remodel, restore, or renovate their homes and multi-family complexes. They’re a bit more specialized than general contractors, as they focus on updating existing homes rather than building new ones. Whether you want to transform your unfinished basement into a cozy guest suite or knock down some walls and completely change your floor plan, they’re the ones to call. 

Remodeling contractors are also commonly referred to as home improvement contractors, home repair contractors, remodeling carpenters, and — the trendier, more recent term — house flippers.

Is a Remodeling Contractor Job a Good Fit for You?

Remodeling contractor jobs can be highly rewarding. If you like working with your hands, learning new skills, and turning visions into reality, it may be a good fit for you. Below are a few common remodeling contractor requirements and skills. See if you meet the qualifications!

Common Remodeling Contractor Job Requirements

For most entry-level remodeling contractor positions, the requirements are pretty standard. Here are a few that you’ll likely come across:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to read blueprints and plans
• Basic math skills
• Willingness to learn new things and work with other contractors
• Ability to lift construction materials and work in a construction environment

Other Skills & Traits That Are Nice to Have

• Experience in some or all aspects of residential remodeling (preferred)
• Experience with hand tools and heavy equipment (preferred)
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Passion for real estate and construction
• Willingness to travel

How to Become a Remodeling Contractor in West Michigan

So, let’s say you meet most or all of the remodeling contractor job requirements. Now how do you actually become one? Here are five steps to becoming a remodeling contractor in West Michigan. 

1. Get Educated

In most cases, a high school diploma or GED equivalent is the only educational requirement for an entry-level remodeling contractor position. This is a great route for individuals who want to start their career instead of committing to however many more years of schooling. 

If you’d like to stand out a bit more and get more specialized training, you may choose to continue your education through one of the following options: 

• Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Attending vocational school (trade school) to get technical skills like carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing
• Complete an apprenticeship program with a skilled, experienced remodeling contractor

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Most remodeling contractors must acquire some hands-on experience before being considered for a project. You can get this experience by attending trade school, completing an apprenticeship, or even playing the role of handyman in your own home.

However, there are also some remodeling companies that will hire individuals without any experience to be remodeling contractors. As long as you’re eager to learn, they’ll take you and train you on everything you need to know. 

3. Obtain Your Contractor License

To work as an independent remodeling contractor, you must get licensed by your state. These are the general steps to acquiring a contractor license in Michigan:

• Apply for your license with the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) department. The application costs about $200. 
• Pass the Michigan Contractor’s Licensing exam. 
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Depending on the type of remodeling work you’re doing, you may need to prove that you have contractor’s insurance.

Keep in mind that these requirements only apply if you’re hoping to become an independent remodeling contractor or start your own business. If your goal is to get hired at a remodeling company, your company will be responsible for obtaining the license.

4. Create or Find Your Company

As far as contracted remodeling goes, you have two options for work: start your own business and be an independent contractor or be hired at a remodeling company. There are pros and cons to each option, so there’s not a right or wrong answer — it just depends on your specific wants, needs, and capabilities. 

For instance, if you have many years of remodeling experience and prefer to work on your own, you’d probably be best off with an independent contractor gig. But if you don’t have as much experience and want to work with like-minded individuals that will help you learn and grow, it’s probably in your best interest to get hired at an established remodeling company.

5. Continuously Grow and Improve Your Skills

That’s it — after completing those steps, you will have officially become a remodeling contractor. But your work isn’t done there. 

A job in the remodeling industry requires continuous learning and growth. You’ll always learn new skills and techniques, and you’ll always want to keep up to date on the latest trends in home design. In our opinion, this is part of what makes the job so fun!

Join Our Remodeling Contractor Team at Hometown Development

Think becoming a remodeling contractor is a good option for you? Check out our open job opportunities at Hometown Development! We’re always looking for hardworking individuals to join our team, and we offer great benefits like: competitive salaries, retirement plans, health insurance, fuel stipends, and opportunities for professional development. Apply today!

Is your house getting old or in need of repair? You’re probably wondering if you should put the time, effort, and money into renovating it or if you should just sell it and move. Let us help you evaluate those two options, so you can make the best choice based on your unique circumstances.

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing to Renovate or Move

When your home needs updating, choosing between renovating or moving can be difficult. Here are the top five things to consider before making that decision. 

1. Cost

Completing home renovations and moving are both things that cost money. The cost of renovations can vary depending on the scope of work that needs to be done and what your wishes for the new design entail. With moving, you obviously make money by selling your current home, but you’ll have to pay for whatever your next accommodations are.

Think about your current mortgage situation, how much money you have in savings, how much you are or aren’t willing to spend, and what you are and aren’t willing to spend it on. 

2. Connection to Your Home

Are you emotionally tied to your home? Is your family? To what extent? 

These are all questions to ask yourself and reflect on. It can be difficult to move out of the home your child took their first steps in. If you aren’t quite ready to take on that stress during the selling process, maybe renovating is best. If you are ready to move on, then a new home might be the option for you. 

3. Location

Many homeowners love the location of their home, but not the actual home itself. If that sounds like you, you may be more inclined to tackle some renovation projects. If you’re not a huge fan of either, you might be ready to pack your bags and find a new home somewhere else. 

4. Real Estate Market

Real estate markets fluctuate — locally, nationally, and even globally. Do some research on the current market conditions near your home to decide if renovating or moving will help you get the most bang for your buck. 

5. Timing & Life Circumstance

In many cases, moving isn’t the best choice given the life events you and your family are currently facing. In other cases, moving is the only choice. 

Take a second to think about your current life circumstances and maybe even what those might look like in a year or two. Consider things like proximity to work, school districts, mortgage and property tax costs, etc., and how those relate to the choice between renovating or moving. 

Pros & Cons of Renovating Your Current Home

Renovating your home can be a rewarding experience to embark on, but it can also be a stressful one for you and everyone else that lives with you. For a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of renovating, check out the bullet points below. 

Renovating Pros

• You don’t have to part with the place your family has made memories in for years. 
• You don’t have to move out of a location you love. 
• You can choose which designs, finishes, and decor you’d like to implement. 
• You can increase the value of your home.
• You’ll likely feel a huge sense of accomplishment once your projects are completed. 

Renovating Cons

• You’ll spend a lot of time, energy, and money during the renovation process. 
• You may run into large structural problems that result in hidden costs and delays. 
• You risk losing money on your investment instead of increasing value. 
• You may need to find a temporary alternate living arrangement during construction. 
• You’ll have to manage the planning, scheduling, and documentation. 

Pros & Cons of Selling Your Home and Moving into a New One

Many homeowners dread selling their home and moving into a new one. Others find it to be the best (or only) option given their life circumstances — whether that be outgrowing the current home, relocating for a job, going through a divorce, etc. Here’s a better idea of what the advantages and disadvantages of moving include. 

Moving Pros

• You don’t need to worry about all the repairs and updates your current home requires. 
• You can start fresh with a better home and new investment. 
• You can gain a new perspective in a different part of your community, state, or country. 
• You can get out of a stressful life situation (divorce, foreclosure, tax delinquency, etc.) — especially if you sell your home quickly for cash. 
• You can find a home that’s inherently better suited to your family’s needs.

Moving Cons

• You’ll have to look for and purchase a new home or find an alternate living arrangement. 
• You’ll have to pay for selling and moving costs like movers, inspections, and real estate fees.
• You might have to give up a location you love. 
• You won’t get to choose all of your new home’s designs and furnishings. 
• You may have to disconnect from some of the memories made in your current home. 

Want to Sell Your Home For Cash and Move Fast? Contact Us

If moving is the right choice for you and your family, and you’re looking to get out of your home quickly, we can help. At Hometown Development, we buy homes quickly for cash, even if they’re not quite move-in ready. 

We’ll visit your home, then provide you with an all-cash offer at a fair value — all within just a few days! Feel free to reach out no matter your life situation or the condition of your home. Give us a call at 616-379-3077 or request a free, no-obligation cash offer here. 

Flipped houses are common in today’s real estate market. Many individuals have taken them on as DIY passion projects, and some companies have even created entire business models around them. 

If you were to browse a listing for a flipped house, you’d likely find yourself in awe of their beautifully modern appeal. You may not even recognize that it was a flipped home and that it used to look much different a short while ago. 

For these reasons, buying a flipped home can be a highly rewarding experience. However, there are some important things to be aware of before making that down payment. We’ll talk through them below. 

What Is a Flipped House? 

A flipped house is a house that someone (or some company) buys, renovates, and sells in hopes of making a profit. Before purchase and renovation, the house is generally in poor condition — something like what’s commonly referred to as a “fixer-upper.” 

The results of house flipping are often impressive. The flippers take something that used to be outdated, damaged, and/or dysfunctional and turn it into a modern, livable space. This process is typically completed on a short timeline, too, with some house flips just taking a few months to a year.  

Is Buying a Flipped House a Good Idea? 

There is no all-inclusive answer to this question. It depends on the house at hand, as well as your specific needs and wants as a homeowner. The truth is that buying a flipped house could be one of the most rewarding or detrimental decisions a prospective homeowner can make. 

In the following sections, we’ll discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a flipped house. This will help you know what to look out for and how to make the decision that are right for you and your family. 

Advantages of Buying a Flipped House in West Michigan

Let’s start with the advantages. Under the right circumstances, buying a flipped house can be a great move. Here’s why. 

• It’s move-in ready. Flipped houses are fully renovated (in most cases by professionals), so you won’t need to make any changes before moving in.
• It’s outfitted with modern appliances and finishes. The flipping process usually involves the installation of upgraded, modern appliances. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything not working properly for a long time. 
• It comes with fewer contingencies. Since nobody is living in the home while it’s being renovated, there’s usually no delay in terms of when you can move in. 
• It can be a more cost-effective option. A flipped house gives you the opportunity to have a newly renovated home without spending the time, energy, and money building one of your own. 

Disadvantages of Buying a Flipped House in West Michigan

There are some risks to buying a flipped house as well. These aren’t relevant to every flipped house on the market but can pop up if you’re not buying from a trusted, professional home remodeling company. Here are a few things to look out for. 

• Cosmetics may cover problems. Many house flippers are trustworthy and value good craftsmanship, but it is possible that some could be covering up large issues (e.g. structural damage or water damage) with cosmetic touch-ups. 
• Renovations may not be compliant. There are many home renovations that require building permits. If the person or company who flipped the house didn’t obtain them, you’ll be responsible for bringing your home up to code. 
• You don’t get to pick the design. If you have a particular design style in mind for your home, it may be best to build your own. Flipped houses are newly renovated, but may not match your exact style. 

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Flipped House

To ensure you’re buying a flipped house you can trust to look beautiful and hold up for years, you may want to ask some questions before signing the contract. Here are a few that we suggest. 

• Who renovated this house? How much renovation experience do they have? Do they have a license?
• What was the scope of work?
• Was the work properly permitted?
• How long did the renovation take? 
• Which appliances and systems were replaced?
• Has the home undergone a professional inspection? 
• Are there any warranties that come with the home? 

By asking these questions, you can get more information on the history of the home and whoever renovated it. This may help clue you in on whether or not it’s a rewarding investment for you. 

Buy a Flipped House From or Sell a Fixer-Upper To Hometown Development

Interested in buying a flipped house, or ready to sell your fixer-upper home? At Hometown Development, it’s our mission to purchase, revitalize, and sell homes in the West Michigan neighborhoods we love. Our team consists of construction professionals with great craftsmanship skills and a commitment to doing honest, quality work. We don’t take loopholes and try to sell homes we’re not proud of; we build with integrity. 

As one of our area’s top real estate investment companies, we do the restoration dirty work so you can minimize your effort and maximize your investment. For more information on our process, contact our team. 

In a traditional home sale, it typically takes about two months to sell a house from listing to closing, even in today’s hot real estate market. For some homeowners, that’s the perfect timeline. For others, it’s a bit too long. 

There are many reasons to sell a home quickly, including (but not limited to): 

• Foreclosure
• Divorce
• Too much damage
• Unwanted inheritance
• Job relocation

If you’re experiencing any of these circumstances, you might feel stuck and wondering what steps to take first. You want to be out of your house and you want to move on with your life, but the whole process can feel overwhelming. 

The good news is that we’ve worked with hundreds of West Michigan homeowners just like you, and we’ve helped them sell their homes in as little as five days! Keep reading to figure out how to make that a possibility for you. 

How to Sell Your West Michigan House Fast: 4 Ideas

The most important thing to remember here? Just because you want to sell your home fast doesn’t mean you lose the flexibility of options. There are a few different ways you can get your home on and off the market quickly — you just have to be a bit more creative. 

From your local real estate experts, here are four of the best ways to sell your home fast in West Michigan. 

1. Lower Your Listing Price

First, and probably most obvious, you could lower your home’s listing price. Underpricing can be a good strategy to generate more buyer interest. You can hope for multiple offers that will eventually bid up to your home’s actual market value, and you can always turn away offers that are too low. 

However, lowering your listing price isn’t a foolproof strategy. If your home’s listed too low, there’s a chance it attracts buyers who have budgets that cap well below your desired price. You’ll likely find yourself wasting your time sorting through offers that are way too low or actually accepting one of them and not getting as much from your home as you want. 

2. Offer a Creative Incentive for Buyers

In some circumstances, even a good listing price isn’t enough. If your home isn’t selling quickly due to any number of factors (unusual features, much-needed repairs, etc.), you may need to think a bit outside of the box to draw interest. 

Some common examples would be paying for repair or improvement costs, paying for the buyer’s closing costs, or offering to pay for updated systems or appliances. Adding one or more of these incentives to your listing can help your home stand out among the rest. 

Not interested in any of the ideas listed above? We’ve also heard of some seriously out-of-the-box incentives like: 

• Offering discounts to students, teachers, doctors, veterans, etc. 
• Covering the cost of a moving company
• Letting a potential buyer test drive your home and stay there for a weekend
• Including some of your existing large appliances/electronics in the sale

The problem with this idea? The incentives aren’t always enough to seal the deal, and you might have to pay extra to include some of the incentives. 

3. Try a Short Sale

If you’re trying to sell your home quickly as a way to avoid tax foreclosure, a short sale may be the right option for you. A short sale is when a homeowner struggling with financial difficulties sells their home for less than the amount they owe on the mortgage. This can help get out from under debt and avoid foreclosure. 

Although foreclosure is the main motivator for short sales, they can also work for other circumstances. However, while some short sales go through quickly, others take a long time to process. Short sales come with a lot of paperwork and waiting periods for vendor approval, so you’re at the mercy of your lender as far as the timeline goes. 

4. Sell Your Home As-Is to an All-Cash Buyer

Last but not least, you could sell your home as-is. Selling your home as-is means that you do minimal cleaning, no repairs, and no staging before starting the selling process. It’s by far the fastest way to sell your home, even compared to the options listed above. Many homeowners aren’t even aware that this is a reasonable option, but there are actually a lot more as-is home buyers on the market than you’d think. 

If you can find the right buyer, selling your home as-is is often the most lucrative way to sell your home quickly as well. This “right buyer” is most often a local real estate investment company that buys homes as-is for cash, then flips them for resale and to uplift the community.

At Hometown Development, that’s our passion. We’re an all-cash home buyer that purchases West Michigan homes in any condition, then remodels them to professional standards. We have a track record and company commitment for closing on homes in as little as five days — and, yes, we’re completely legitimate! We offer fair prices based on current market trends and the condition of your home. If you don’t trust us, trust the stunning reviews from past customers we’ve worked with. 

Here are a few of the steps to our process: 

• Initial meeting — Either through email or phone, we chat with the homeowner about the condition of their home and their selling goals. Based on that information, we offer a ballpark range for what an offer may look like. 

• Property visit — We schedule a 30-minute appointment to meet the homeowner at their house and take a look around the property. We get a better understanding of the condition of your home. 

• Cash offer — In just 24 hours, we reach back out to the homeowner with an all-cash offer you can trust. We guarantee that 24-hour timeline, otherwise we’ll pay you $100. 

• Closing — If the homeowner chooses to accept the cash offer, we schedule closing in as little as five days (or whatever timeline works for them). They pay no realtor commissions, closing costs, or hidden fees throughout the process. 

And just like that, we’ve helped a homeowner sell their home in as little as five days! Could you be the next?

Ready to Sell Your West Michigan Home As-Is? Contact Hometown Development

If you’re eager to sell your home, we’re eager to buy it from you! At Hometown Development, we specialize in buying as-is homes for cash — getting them off your hands and making them better for community growth. 
We’ll visit your home and provide a cash offer in just 24 hours, no matter what condition it’s in. To get the process started, request a free, no-obligation cash offer from us today.

As a homeowner, problems like leaky pipes or cracked window frames are typically minor inconveniences. They can be resolved quickly, and your house can be back to looking and operating as normal in no time. Structural problems, on the other hand, can be a major cause for concern. 

Structural damage is any type of damage that puts the overall integrity of your home at risk. This could include anything from a sagging roof to a cracked foundation or uneven flooring. It’s more serious and more expensive to fix than smaller home improvement projects. 

If your home has structural problems, it can be scary and unsafe to live in. But it can also be pretty intimidating to sell. In this article, we’ll walk you through some steps to better prepare you. 

Can You Sell Your House If It Has Structural Problems?

Yes! You can absolutely sell your house, even if it has structural problems. In fact, no problem is too big to make your home unsellable. 

However, selling a home with structural problems is a different process than selling one without. It might leave you with questions like: 

• Do I have to spend time and money on repairs before selling my home?
• Do I have to sell my home for a much lower price? 
• Will anyone even be interested in buying my home?

Fortunately, we’ve got answers to each of those questions in the sections below. 

Common Signs of Home Structural Damage

The first step to selling your home with foundation problems is noticing that there are problems. In many cases, you’ll be able to identify signs that point to foundation issues without the help of a professional inspector. Here are a few of the most common signs of structural damage to look out for on your own: 

• Cracked, bulging, or bowing walls
• Leaning chimney
• Cracked bricks or masonry
• Unaligned and difficult-to-open/close doors
• Sloping, uneven, or cracked floors
• Cracked foundation
• Damp basement

If you notice any of these signs within or outside of your home, don’t ignore them. It’s best to act quickly and find a solution so that the problem doesn’t escalate — even if the solution is to sell the home and get it off your hands.

5 Tips for Selling a House With Structural Problems

Selling a house with structural problems is possible. Getting a fair price for it is possible too. Here are some tips to get you started. 

1. Determine the Severity of the Problem

First thing’s first: figure out the severity of your home’s structural problems. This involves identifying the issue (and hopefully the source of it), then documenting the extent of the damage surrounding it. Knowing what you’re working with can help you make informed decisions regarding repairs, estimates, and potential listing prices. 

2. If Needed, Get a Professional Opinion

Having trouble identifying the cause or severity of your home’s structural damage? You may consider getting a professional opinion. Calling a structural engineer to inspect your home can give you a better idea of what you’re working with. 

In some cases, a professional can even help you identify “false” signs of structural damage. Things like hairline cracks in concrete and popping nails aren’t always true indicators of larger structural damage at play. 

3. Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

If your house’s structural damage was a result of a natural disaster like a storm or tornado, it may be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy. If so, your insurance provider will likely cover a portion or all of the costs for repair. Then you could sell your house repaired, for a better price. 

Every policy differs and has different conditions, so it’s worth a look before getting too far ahead with this plan. It’s also important to remember that most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover damage or aging due to everyday wear and tear. 

4. Disclose Any Structural Problems to Potential Buyers

In most states, including Michigan, you must disclose what you know about your home’s damage to potential buyers. This includes anything from small imperfections to big issues like structural damage. If you or your buyer choose to work with a real estate agent, they’ll require a home inspection as part of the process just to make sure nothing was missed in your disclosure. 

5. Make Repairs vs. Negotiate Repair Costs vs. Sell As-Is

This is where things start to get trickier. If you want to sell your home with structural problems, you need to choose the selling option that works best for you. Generally speaking, you have three different options: make repairs before selling, negotiate repair costs in the listing price, or sell as-is to an investment buyer. 

• If you choose to make repairs before selling, you’ll likely add value to and get a better price for your home. You’ll also probably be able to attract more buyers who place competing bids you can choose from. However, if the extent of your damage is large (it usually is with structural problems), you’ll have to invest a lot of time and money into the project. Some homeowners don’t have the time or budget for that. 

• If you choose to negotiate repair costs in your listing, you won’t have to spend the time on repairs, but you’ll still have to spend the money. Even though it won’t seem like money coming out of your pocket, you’ll still get less for your home overall. 

• If you choose to sell as-is to an investment buyer, you won’t have to handle any of the repair work or associated costs. While homes with structural damage typically sell for less, you’ll make up that money in saved repair costs and time. Plus, many investment buyers offer cash and can have the whole process completed in a matter of days. For many homeowners struggling with structural damage, this is the most lucrative, convenient route — allowing them to move on quickly to something better. 

Sell Your Structurally Damaged Home to Hometown Development

If your home has structural problems, you can still get a fair offer for it. How do we know? Because we’re one of the West Michigan all-cash home buyers that will take it! 
At Hometown Development, we’re passionate about giving homes like yours the TLC they need — taking a huge weight off of your shoulders and uplifting your community as a whole. To learn more about our passion and process, give us a call at 616-379-3077 or contact us online.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — July 21, 2022: Hometown Development Company has welcomed two new team members: Lance Poelman and Ray Brechting. Both Lance and Ray started on July 5th. 

Lance Poelman joined the team as Director of Construction. Formerly with Timberline Construction in Colorado, he brings many years of experience as a construction and business leader to Hometown Development. 

Ray Brechting joined the team as Project Manager. Formerly with Modernistic’s Fire & Water Damage Restoration division, he brings many years of construction and project management experience to Hometown Development. 

“I’m excited to have Lance and Ray join our team,” said Jeremy Duprey, Founder of Hometown Development. “I’m confident that they’ll add incredible value to the company, helping us continue to grow and add value to all of the projects we take on. They’ll help us restore more beautiful homes in the West Michigan neighborhoods we all love.”

With the additions of Lance and Ray, Hometown Development’s team of real estate and construction experts grew to consist of 14 employees. The company is looking to continue this growth trajectory, so anyone with construction experience and a passion for West Michigan real estate is encouraged to apply to open positions. They can be found here.  

About Hometown Development Company

Hometown Development Company is a leading real estate investment company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since its inception in 2016, the company has renovated nearly 200 homes in West Michigan. Its mission to improve the community’s neighborhoods and help homeowners sell their homes quickly for fair cash offers is shown in every project Hometown Development completes. For more information, please visit www.hometowndev.com.  

We’ve heard it before, and we’re sure we’ll hear it again: “My house needs SO much work.”

Homeownership comes with quite a bit of maintenance. While some of the smaller tasks can be completed easily, others can become more difficult to manage over time. As the years go on, many homeowners find themselves with more work than they can find the time or money for.

If you relate, you might be wondering what you can do. You don’t want to live in a house in disrepair, but you also don’t have the time or money to commit to fixing all of it. We’re here to help you find a solution.

What To Do If Your House Needs a Lot of Work: Your 3 Options

If your home is in need of more repair than you can manage, you have options. We’ll discuss a few of them, along with their pros and cons, below.

1. Do the Repairs (-$$)

The most obvious option is to complete the home repairs, but that’s also probably the least appealing option. Let’s be honest — home improvement isn’t everyone’s favorite pastime, and there’s likely a reason you didn’t get to it in the first place.

But on the chance that this is the route you choose to take, you have two more options: do all of the repairs and fix your house completely or just attend to the most pertinent repairs. While you may not get the exact results you wanted, you won’t have to live with safety hazards like leaky plumbing and structural issues.

If you have some DIY skills, you could try to tackle the job on your own. It’d save you some money on labor costs, but you’d still have to pay for any materials you need — not to mention the time, energy, and possible frustration you’ll spend throughout the long process. So, again, this definitely isn’t the best solution for most homeowners.

2. Hire Someone to Do the Repairs for You (-$$$)

Another option is to hire someone to complete the repairs for you. Whether that’s a reputable contractor or your friendly neighborhood handyman, there are many people out there that’d be willing to help.

Having an experienced professional complete the work could help expedite the process, but it’ll cost you more money. You’ll pay for the convenience in both material costs and labor costs. Depending on the scope of work, you may also have to find alternate living arrangements while your home is under construction.

So although this option seems more convenient than the first, it might not actually turn out to be.

3. Sell Your Home As-Is (+$$$)

For many homeowners who are struggling with the “my house needs so much work” problem, the best solution is to sell their home as-is.

An as-is sale is exactly what it sounds like: a homeowner sells their home exactly as it is without any remodeling, repairing, cleaning, or staging. Even homes with extensive water damage, structural damage, fire damage, etc. can be sold as-is.

There are many benefits to the as-is selling process, including:

• You don’t need to spend money, time, or energy on repairs
• You can sell your home fast, often without a realtor
• You can move on to something better in less time
• You can finally relieve yourself of a burden you’ve held onto for a while

One drawback of selling your home as-is is that you might receive a lower offer than if you sold it in perfect condition. However, you make up for that loss by saving time and avoiding the costs of selling traditionally, such as making repairs. And, if you’re selling to a reputable real estate investment company, they’re likely to give you a fair offer in all cash.

Learn more about the offer comparison between traditional and as-is home sales in this blog.

Does Your House Need A Lot of Work? We’ll Buy It As-Is for Cash

If your house is in disrepair and you don’t have the time, energy, or money to bring it back to life, Hometown Development can help. We’ll happily visit to take a look at it, then provide you with a fair all-cash offer in just 24 hours. That way, you can quickly get it off your hands and move on to something better.

Yes — it’s really that easy! For more information on our home buying process, contact our team online.

The past few years have brought record-high home prices and record-low home inventories across the country, including West Michigan towns. This has made the selling process a quick, simple, and lucrative one for many homeowners. Unfortunately, we can’t always say the same for those looking to buy a home.

Buying a home in a competitive seller’s market can be difficult — but it isn’t impossible. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

5 Tips for Buying a House in a Competitive Market

Ready to start your home buying journey? These five tips will set you up for success, no matter how congested your local real estate market is.

1. Do Your Research

Doing your research is an important first step in any home buying process, but it becomes even more important when you’re dealing with a competitive market. Even though you feel like you need to move quickly, moving too quickly can do you more harm than good.

Take some time to gain a good understanding of your local real estate market. While you may have heard things in the news or online about the nationwide market, it’s important to know what’s going on in the specific place you’re looking to move. This could mean doing a number of the following activities:

• Talking with a local real estate agent
• Driving around to scope out different neighborhoods in the area
• Touring a number of homes in the area (physically or virtually)
• Chatting with friends, family, or coworkers in the area

Regardless of how you choose to do your research, spending that time getting to know your market can give you the knowledge and confidence you need to start making solid offers.

2. List Out Your Needs & Wants

Once you’ve done your research, the next step is to list out your needs and wants — and yes, those are two different things! If you’re hoping to buy a home in a competitive market, it’s likely you’ll have to make some compromises. Having an upfront understanding of what’s negotiable and non-negotiable is important.

Your needs are non-negotiable features you must have in your new home. Your wants are negotiable features you’d like to have, but that you could also compromise on if need be. For example, you may need two bathrooms and office space. You may want a finished basement and a fenced-in backyard.

Knowing your needs and wants — and the difference between them — can help you more easily determine if a home meets your standards or if it’s time to walk away. It’ll help you act faster in a market that requires quick decision-making.

3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

The majority of home buyers need some sort of financing. If you’re in the same boat, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is important.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting allows you to make smarter decisions about your financial investment. You’ll have a better understanding of what price range you can afford because all your financial information will be in front of you, including:

How much you can borrow
How much you can spend overall
How much your monthly mortgage payments may be (based on your income, credit score, and down payment)
How high your interest rate may be

All of this information can help you narrow down your home options and make informed financial decisions about what you can and can’t afford. And when homes are selling for $5,000-$50,000 over the asking price, that’s an important number to know.

4. Avoid Panic Buying (& Overpaying!)

That brings us to our next tip: don’t get sucked into panic buying! It can be easy to feel overwhelmed in a competitive real estate market, but it’s important to stay as calm and patient as possible. Panicking and rushing into a home purchase can result in overpaying for a home and regretting your decision.

Unless it’s really a perfect match and a price you’re comfortable with, don’t purchase the first home you see. One benefit of a congested market is that you’ll likely find another one you like on the market in no time.

5. Consider Investing in a Fixer-Upper

If you’ve been exclusively looking at new homes, try broadening your search to include some older fixer-uppers. These properties are typically priced much lower than new homes, and there typically aren’t as many people flocking to buy them.

Investing in a fixer-upper home can be extremely rewarding, even if you don’t have the DIY skills, time, or energy to complete renovations by yourself. Nowadays, there are many real estate investment firms (including our team at Hometown Development!) that purchase fixer-upper homes for cash, then work their magic to remodel and transform them into gorgeous living spaces.

Having a real estate investment firm professionally remodel your home comes with many benefits. You can have the price savings and longevity of a new home without having to commit to the remodeling work yourself. Also, these houses are usually located in growing neighborhoods close to schools, businesses, restaurants, and other amenities, so you can enjoy an equally fulfilling life outside of your home. It’s truly a win-win process, especially when new homes are overpriced and hard to get your hands on — just ask some of our past clients!

Trust Hometown Development to Flip a Home You Love

In a competitive real estate market, it can be tricky to find a home that you adore and that you can afford. At Hometown Development, we’re here to make that process easier for you. We’ll take an affordable, fixer-upper property and transform it into a home your family will love for years, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. To learn more about how and why we do what we do, contact our team online.