Can You Sell an Unfinished House? How to Sell Mid-Renovation

You’ve got a conundrum: for one reason or another, your home is a construction zone and you want someone to take it off your hands. Maybe you underestimated your budget and can’t finish a renovation. Maybe you were doing some repairs to get your home ready for sale but your contractor is ghosting you. Whatever the reason, you need to know how to sell an unfinished house fast.

Selling an unfinished house can be challenging, but it offers unique opportunities for both sellers and buyers. Understanding the market for such properties is crucial, as it differs significantly from selling a finished home. But, with the right know-how, it can be done.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Get a Cash Offer on Your Home With Cash Is King.

Want to skip the hassle of selling your home? We’ll make you a Guaranteed Cash offer. Get started now for free!

Get Started

Key Takeaways

Most buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes. Finding cash buyers, such as investors or flippers, could be more effective than waiting for the rare buyer interested in a project.
Being transparent with potential buyers about the property’s condition and required work is essential. Having concrete information about the estimated cost to complete the project(s) can help you secure an unsure buyer.
Effective marketing, including innovative techniques like VR renderings, can showcase the potential of an unfinished house, even if it can’t be traditionally staged.
Be prepared for lower offers. Seeking estimates from contractors can help you and your real estate agent determine a fair discount on the home sale price while retaining as high a value as possible.

Assessing Potential Challenges

Selling an unfinished house presents a unique set of pros and cons that differ from traditional real estate transactions.

Challenges	Opportunities
Perception and Visualization Issues: Unfinished houses lack the immediate appeal of move-in-ready homes, making them less attractive to a broad market. Buyers may struggle to envision the finished space, which can impact their decision-making.	Customization Appeal: Some buyers, such as those looking for fixer-uppers, are attracted to the possibility of customizing the final touches of their home.
Market Limitation: The buyer pool is smaller, as most buyers prefer turn-key homes. Obtaining bank financing for an unfinished property can also be difficult, limiting buyer options.	Unique Market Niche: A specific segment of the market, including cash investors and house flippers, often seeks out such properties.
Regulatory Compliance: If your unfinished project doesn’t comply with local building codes or safety regulations yet, it will be even harder to attract buyers	Looking For a Deal: Depending on your property’s location and how much of the home is unfinished, you can attract buyers looking for a low entry price in a desirable area

Negotiation can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Because of the unique nature of the sale, you may have more flexibility with terms. On the other hand, because the house isn’t turn-key, a buyer will have more room to ask for discounts.

Understanding these challenges and opportunities will help you come up with strategies to effectively market your home to the most interested homebuyers, netting you the best possible price.

Preparing an Unfinished House for Sale

Selling an unfinished house requires careful preparation to maximize its appeal to potential buyers. Here are key steps to consider:

1. Assess and Document the Property’s State

Conduct a thorough assessment of the house, noting completed areas and what remains unfinished. Document structural and safety issues, if there are any. Get estimates for completing your project(s) from the relevant contrators. This is a great time to get a pre-listing home inspection, as well.

2. Make Essential Repairs If Possible

If you have the time and money to make any fixes, focus on the problems that make it the hardest to sell a house. Prioritize repairs that address safety concerns and improve structural integrity. Even if you can’t fully complete a pending project, simple cosmetic fixes like a fresh coat of paint can also increase your home’s value before selling.

3. Set a Competitive Price

Using the information gathered in the previous steps, consider the current state of the property, costs needed to complete it, and local market conditions to set a realistic price. A local real estate agent can be of great help here. A well-priced property is more likely to attract serious buyers.

4. Prepare Detailed Marketing Materials

Create high-quality listings with clear descriptions of the property’s current state and potential. Include visuals like photos, videos, or architectural renderings.

Use virtual staging or architectural renderings to help buyers visualize the potential of the unfinished space. Highlight key features like natural light or square footage. Create multiple versions of the virtual staging to highlight the area’s customizability. In addition, using traditional staging techniques in the finished areas of the house is a good idea.

5. Be Ready for Negotiations

When buyers come see the property in person, aim to create a strong rapport with transparency and communication. Brainstorm the questions a buyer might ask and have the answers at hand.

Anticipate buyer requests for price adjustments or specific changes and be prepared to negotiate terms that work for both parties. The more prepared you are for potential negotiation tactics, the more likely you’ll be to reach your best outcome.

What Does “Subject to Completion” Mean When Selling a Home?

This is terminology you’d use if you intend to finish your home, but haven’t finished it at the time of listing. Selling “subject to completion” means that the unfinished projects must be completed before the sale can be finalized. This means that if you undertake home improvements before selling to increase the home’s value, you don’t need to wait for the improvements to be done before looking for a buyer.

If you’re selling a home subject to completion, some buyers may want to have a say in the final result. Being open to buyer requests for customization can help you build rapport for a successful home sale.

You may also see this terminology during the appraisal (or sale) of a new construction home. Basically, the appraiser estimates the value as if the home under construction is completed according to the blueprint specifications, rather than its current “as-is” state.

Selling to Cash Investors “As-Is”

Opting to sell an unfinished house “as-is” to cash investors can be a strategic move for homeowners. There are many benefits to selling an unfinished home “as-is” to a cash investor rather than tackling the traditional market:

Less hassle: Selling “as-is” to a cash investor means no need for marketing or staging, no worrying about buyer financing, no need for a home inspection, and no need to find a real estate agent. You can skip many steps of the home selling process and jump right to getting an offer.
No need for completion: Cash investors are often looking for properties they can renovate themselves, so they’re ready and willing to buy unfinished homes. You don’t need to spend the time, effort, and money to finish your home in order to have a successful sale.
Quick sale: Cash buyers offer a faster closing process without the typical delays of mortgage approvals. With Cash Is King, you can get an offer in 24 hours or less and close within two weeks.

Cash investors already have an eye for renovation potential and a clear understanding of renovation costs—you won’t have to worry about making sure they understand the potential ROI of your property.

Selling to cash investors “as-is” presents a viable option for homeowners looking to sell an unfinished house quickly and with minimal hassle. Understanding this market and approaching it strategically can lead to a fast sale at a fair price.

Tips for Selling an Unfinished House

Navigating the negotiation process and closing the deal on an unfinished house requires a blend of flexibility, understanding of market dynamics, and clear communication.

Flexibility in Negotiations: When it comes to unfinished houses, each potential buyer may have different needs and visions for the property. This diversity demands flexibility from the seller. Being open to discussing various aspects such as price adjustments, timelines, and the potential work needed on the property can go a long way in reaching a mutual agreement.

Understanding Buyer Concerns: Buyers of unfinished houses often have concerns about the costs and efforts required to complete the property. Addressing these concerns head-on by providing detailed information, possible estimates for completion, and even contacts for contractors can help alleviate their apprehensions and facilitate a smoother negotiation process.

Setting Realistic Expectations: It’s important for sellers to have a realistic understanding of the market value of their unfinished property. This understanding helps in setting a fair price and knowing where there’s room for negotiation. While it’s natural to aim for the highest possible price, being realistic about the property’s current state and the market can prevent prolonged sale processes.

Effective Communication: Clear and honest communication forms the foundation of successful negotiations. This includes being upfront about all aspects of the property, its potential, and any limitations. Providing potential buyers with a clear picture helps build trust and can lead to more productive negotiations.

In summary, selling an unfinished house involves understanding both the seller’s and buyer’s perspectives, maintaining open and honest dialogue, and being prepared for a variety of negotiation scenarios.

Get Cash For Your Unfinished Home

Selling an unfinished house requires a tailored approach, blending flexibility, strategic marketing, and clear communication. By understanding the nuances of this particular real estate scenario, sellers can navigate the process more effectively, finding the right buyer who recognizes the value and possibilities of an unfinished house—whether that buyer is a traditional homebuyer or a cash investor.