Selling a home as-is can be challenging enough, but when you add in an encroachment issue, it can feel even more overwhelming. An encroachment occurs when part of a neighbor’s property extends over the boundary line into your property or vice versa. Whether it’s a fence, driveway, or even a building that has crossed over property lines, encroachment issues can complicate the home-selling process. However, selling a home with an encroachment issue is possible. In this blog, we’ll guide homeowners through how to sell their property as-is, even with an encroachment issue.
1. Understand What Encroachment Means
Before diving into the selling process, it’s important to fully understand what encroachment means and how it affects your property. Encroachment occurs when a neighbor’s structure—such as a fence, shed, or even a portion of their driveway—extends onto your property without permission. Alternatively, it could be your property that encroaches onto your neighbor’s land.
Encroachment issues can cause legal disputes and can make it more difficult to sell your home because they often deter buyers. However, if handled correctly, selling your home with this issue is not impossible.
2. Get a Property Survey
If you suspect there is an encroachment on your property, the first step is to hire a professional surveyor. A property survey will clearly define the legal boundaries of your property and pinpoint exactly where the encroachment is occurring.
Having this documentation is crucial when selling your home as-is, as it provides potential buyers with a clear picture of the situation. Moreover, a survey can prevent further disputes by officially clarifying property lines.
3. Disclose the Encroachment Issue
Transparency is key when selling a home as-is with any type of issue, especially an encroachment. It’s essential to disclose the encroachment to any potential buyers upfront. Failure to disclose this issue can lead to legal problems down the line, and buyers may walk away from the deal if they feel misled.
Being honest about the encroachment issue will help you build trust with potential buyers, and many buyers may still be interested in the property, especially if they plan to resolve the issue or if it’s a minor encroachment.
4. Explore Resolution Options
While selling your home as-is with an encroachment issue is possible, resolving the issue beforehand can make your property more appealing to buyers. There are a few potential ways to address the encroachment:
- Easement Agreement: You can establish a formal easement agreement with your neighbor, allowing them legal rights to continue using the encroached portion of the property. This agreement would transfer to the new buyer, offering them peace of mind.
- Adjust the Property Line: Another option is to adjust the property boundary through a lot line adjustment, which involves working with your neighbor and a land surveyor to modify the property lines legally.
- Removal of the Encroachment: In some cases, the easiest solution may be to ask your neighbor to remove or relocate the encroaching structure. If the encroachment is minor (like a fence), your neighbor may be willing to cooperate to resolve the issue quickly.
Resolving the encroachment issue can make your home more marketable, but it’s not always necessary if you’re selling as-is. Some buyers, such as investors, may be willing to take on the encroachment issue themselves.
5. Market Your Property to Cash Buyers and Investors
When selling a home as-is with an encroachment issue, it’s important to target the right kind of buyers. Traditional homebuyers might be hesitant to take on a property with legal complications, but cash buyers and investors may be more open to the situation. These buyers are often looking for homes they can renovate or flip and are used to dealing with properties that come with challenges.
By marketing your home to cash buyers or real estate investors, you can speed up the sales process and avoid the lengthy negotiations and inspections often required by traditional buyers.
6. Work with a Home Buying Company Like Moe Buys Homes
If you’re looking for the easiest and fastest way to sell your home as-is with an encroachment issue, consider working with a home buying company like Moe Buys Homes. We specialize in purchasing homes in any condition, including those with encroachment issues, boundary disputes, or other complications.
At Moe Buys Homes, we provide fair cash offers for properties, allowing you to sell your home quickly and move on without the hassle of repairs, legal work, or lengthy negotiations. Our team will handle the paperwork and guide you through the process, so you can have peace of mind while we take care of the details.
7. Set Realistic Expectations for the Sale
When selling a home with an encroachment issue, it’s important to set realistic expectations. While you can still get a fair price for your property, the encroachment may affect the sale price, especially if the buyer will need to address the issue after purchasing the home.
However, if you’re working with a company like Moe Buys Homes, you’ll receive a cash offer based on the current condition of your home, and you can close on the sale quickly—often within a matter of days.
Conclusion
Selling a home as-is with an encroachment issue doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the encroachment, disclosing it to potential buyers, and marketing your home to the right audience, you can successfully sell your home without the need for repairs or legal resolutions.
If you’re ready to sell your home as-is with an encroachment issue, contact Moe Buys Homes today. We offer fair cash offers, quick closings, and a hassle-free sales process to make selling your home as simple as possible.