Code violations and unpermitted work make a normal sale complicated — but they don’t make your house unsellable. Here’s what your options are and why a cash sale is often the simplest route.
Why violations complicate a traditional sale
When a buyer needs a mortgage, the lender wants the property to meet standards. Open violations — anything from an unpermitted addition to safety issues — can make the lender refuse to fund the loan until they’re fixed. That pushes the cost, permits, and re-inspections onto you, the seller, before you can close.
What about unpermitted work?
A finished basement, an addition, a deck, or electrical/plumbing work done without permits is extremely common — and it surfaces during appraisals and inspections. On the retail market it can lower the appraisal or kill the deal. A cash buyer can take it on as-is; the key is to disclose what you know so everyone’s clear up front.
How a cash sale handles it
We buy houses with code violations and unpermitted work as-is. We take on resolving the violations after closing — you don’t pull permits, hire contractors, or schedule re-inspections. You get a written offer within 24 hours and close on your timeline.
Will it affect my offer?
The cost of resolving the violations is factored into an as-is offer, since the buyer takes that on. But weigh that against what you’d otherwise spend on repairs, permits, and re-inspections yourself — plus the months of delay. For many sellers, handing off the whole problem for a fair cash price is the better deal. See selling a damaged or as-is house for related situations.
Want a real cash offer on your Maryland home?
No repairs, no fees, no obligation. We make an offer within 24 hours and you choose the closing date.
Areas We Serve
AKO House Buyers pays cash for homes across Maryland: Frederick, Carroll County, Washington County, and Montgomery County. See how a cash sale works or get a cash offer today.