How Many Homes Need Considerable Repair?

In today’s Houston real estate market, there is an interesting trend among older homes. More than 65% of existing homes are over 25 years old, and roughly half of those were built between 1900 and 1945. Many of these homes require significant repairs, updates, and remodels to meet modern living standards.

For homeowners, financing these repairs can be a major challenge. Many are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to access affordable financing for home improvements. For these homeowners, selling their home for a cash offer or moving into a more modern property may be the most practical solution.

How Many Homeowners Spend Nothing on Upkeep?

According to a study by Harvard University, homeowners across all income levels face difficulties budgeting for home maintenance. Those in lower income brackets, around $32,000 per year, have the hardest time allocating funds for upkeep. Approximately 30% of these homeowners spend nothing on home repairs annually.

Even homeowners in the highest income brackets face challenges, with 15% not investing in home maintenance. This demonstrates that the struggle to keep up with home repairs is not limited to low-income households—it affects a wide range of homeowners, creating opportunities for cash home buyers to step in.

The Most Expensive Home Repairs

Some home repairs can be cost-prohibitive, especially in older properties. The most expensive typically involve structural issues:

  • Foundation repairs can cost up to $11,000 or more, depending on the severity.

  • Roof replacements start around $6,000, and costs increase if the home needs a new roof deck.

  • Mold and water damage remediation can also run as high as $6,000, depending on the affected area and severity.

Other common costly repairs include:

  • Water line and sewer drain replacements

  • Electrical rewiring, which averages $2.65 per square foot, meaning a smaller home could cost around $5,000

  • HVAC system overhauls

  • Plumbing replacements, which can cost up to $6,000

These high repair costs make it difficult for homeowners to keep older homes in market-ready condition, especially if repairs have been deferred over time.

Financing Home Repairs Can Be Costly

Financing major repairs can be challenging. Home equity loans and lines of credit often carry high interest rates—over 7% in recent months. In many cases, even these options may not cover the full cost of repairs.

For homeowners with poor credit, a personal loan may be the only alternative, but these loans can carry extremely high interest rates—sometimes up to 35%. The long repayment period and interest accumulation can make home repairs a financially stressful experience.

Working With a Real Estate Investor to Sell Your Older Home

For homeowners with older properties in need of considerable repair, partnering with a real estate investor can be a practical solution. Houston Capital Home Buyers specializes in buying older homes as-is with fair cash offers.

By working with cash buyers, homeowners can:

  • Sell their home quickly, often in as little as seven days

  • Avoid costly repairs, renovations, or staging

  • Receive a transparent and stress-free process

  • Walk away with cash and move on to a property that better suits their needs

Cash home buyers like Houston Capital Home Buyers purchase homes regardless of condition, taking care of repairs and updates themselves. This provides homeowners with the flexibility to liquidate their property without delays and avoid the stress of traditional real estate transactions.

Conclusion

A significant portion of Houston homes require considerable repairs due to age, deferred maintenance, or structural issues. High repair costs and financing challenges make it difficult for many homeowners to maintain their properties or sell them on the open market.

For homeowners looking to sell quickly and avoid costly repairs, a cash offer from Houston Capital Home Buyers provides a practical, stress-free solution. Whether you’re dealing with an older home, structural repairs, or outdated systems, selling as-is to a trusted investor allows you to move forward without delay.

📞 Call Houston Capital Home Buyers today at (713) 581‑9075 to get a fair cash offer and sell your home fast!