The secret to Selling a Home with a Bad Roof in Jacksonville

One of the biggest concerns potential buyers have when considering a new home is the condition of the roof. A roof in poor condition can be a nightmare for buyers and sellers alike, but is it possible to sell a home with a bad roof? 

The short answer: yes. But there are some caveats. 

How do you know if you have a bad roof? 

There are a number of ways to determine if you have a bad roof such as:

1. Visually – discoloration, missing shingles, visible holes, or other damage is an easy indicator that something is wrong with your roof. 
2. Age – Most roofs have an estimated lifespan. A roof that has exceeded its lifespan is likely bad, or likely to become bad in the near future. 
3. Water intrusion – Water intrusion in your ceiling or walls is often caused by leaks in the roof. Wet spots or discoloration in the ceiling should be an indicator that the roof needs to be looked at. 

However, something to consider is that there are many types of roofs, and each will have different characteristics to keep an eye out for. For example, asphalt shingle roofs typically last 25-30 years, whereas metal roofs typically last 40-70. 

The best way to determine the condition of your roof is to hire a roofing contractor to do a roof inspection. These professionals will examine for roof damages, and advise on repairs of the roof if they are needed. Plus a roof inspection can offer peace of mind to your potential buyers, though they can be pricey. 

What is the cost to replace a roof?

The cost to replace a roof depends on many factors. The material, size of the house, and even time of year will affect the final price. 

For a normal shingle roof in Florida a homeowner can expect to pay between $8,000 and $13,000, with some luxury roofs costing many times that number. 

A roof inspector can better identify if it’s better to repair or replace your current roof. If it’s just some light wear and tear, a quick fix might be sufficient, but if it’s an older roof or has more extensive damage, a replacement is usually the right choice. 

How to sell a house with a bad roof without repairing it first

If you can’t afford to repair your roof before selling, or don’t want to deal with the hassle, there is an alternative option. You can sell your home as-is to a real estate investor. A good investor will pay cash for your home sale, and won’t require you to make any repairs, including to the roof. 

So to recap, can you sell a home with a bad roof? The answer is yes, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. And if you have a home with a bad roof in Jacksonville, be sure to give Duval Home Buyers a call!