Selling a house with foundation problems

Why foundations move around Austin

Much of the Austin area, especially east of I-35 and out toward Pflugerville, Manor, Hutto and Taylor, sits on expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink in drought. Slab-on-grade houses ride that movement. Over years it can show up as cracks in brick or drywall, doors that stick, gaps at window frames and floors that slope.

Why it makes a normal sale harder

Buyers using a mortgage usually order an inspection, and a structural concern often leads to an engineer’s report. Lenders may require the repair before they will fund. That leaves the seller with a choice between paying for the work, cutting the price after the buyer’s inspection, or watching the contract fall apart.

How we handle it

We look at the house with the foundation issue in mind from the start. On renovation projects we work from engineered plans and licensed contractors, so the repair is part of our budget rather than a surprise. You disclose what you know, including past repairs and any transferable warranty, and our written offer accounts for it.

How we can help

• A written offer, with our numbers explained
• No commission or fee charged by us
• No repairs, cleaning or showings
• You choose the closing date
• Closing at a Texas title company
• We tell you in writing if we may assign the contract

This page is general information about Texas, not legal, tax or financial advice. For your situation, talk to an attorney or tax professional.