The real cost of an empty house
Vacant homes keep generating bills: mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, lawn and pool care, and association dues. Many standard homeowners policies also limit coverage after a home has been empty for a period of time, which can mean paying more for a vacant-property policy.
Then there are the risks. Leaks and air conditioning failures can go unnoticed for weeks, which in humid climates can lead to mold. Empty homes attract break-ins, vandalism, and squatters. And an overgrown yard or neglected pool can bring code enforcement notices and fines.
Why owners end up with a vacant property
- An inherited home that no one in the family plans to live in
- A former rental between tenants, or after a difficult tenant moved out
- A house left behind after a job relocation or a move to assisted living
- A property that needs too much work to live in or rent
- A second home that no longer gets used
How we buy vacant houses
We review the property based on photos, the details you share, and a walkthrough we can arrange through a lockbox or a local contact if you are out of town. You do not need to clean, repair, or empty the house. If the offer works for you, we coordinate the closing with a title company, and many owners sign remotely or with a mobile notary.
Protecting the property until closing
- Tell your insurer the home is vacant.
- Keep the power on so the air conditioning can manage humidity.
- Have someone check the property regularly.
- Keep the yard mowed and the pool maintained to avoid code complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be there to sell a vacant house?
No. We can arrange access through a lockbox or a local contact, and closing documents can often be signed remotely.
Will you buy a vacant house with code violations?
Yes. Open violations and fines show up in the title and lien searches, and we factor them into our offer.
What if there are squatters in the house?
Tell us. Unauthorized occupants complicate a sale but do not always prevent one. Do not try to remove them yourself; contact local law enforcement or an attorney.