Case Study: The Code Violation Nightmare on North 46th Avenue in Hollywood.
How we navigated looming fines, unpermitted work, and closed in 21 days, avoiding a costly code lien for a family in Hollywood Hills.
Project Lead: Max Cohen | Location: Hollywood, FL
Project Snapshot: The Hollywood Hills Property
The Challenge: A Property Overwhelmed by City Demands
When we first walked into the house on North 46th Avenue in Hollywood Hills, the initial impression wasn't just of a neglected property, but of a home under siege. Stacked neatly on the kitchen counter were numerous official red-letter envelopes from the City of Hollywood Code Enforcement, each one a testament to mounting fines and escalating demands.
The property, a classic 1960s block construction, had seen better days. The yard was significantly overgrown, with encroaching tropical vegetation that obscured the exterior and hinted at deeper issues. The paint was peeling, and the original shingle roof, well past its useful life, had active leaks causing visible water damage and areas of black mold inside.
The biggest hurdle, however, was an unpermitted addition at the rear of the house. What was likely intended as a simple utility room or Florida room had been poorly constructed years ago and never permitted. This structure was failing structurally, contributing to the roof leaks, and was a glaring code violation that the City of Hollywood was actively pursuing. The family, caring for their elderly mother who had recently moved to assisted living, was completely overwhelmed. They faced daily fines accumulating rapidly, with the very real threat of a code lien being placed on the property, which would cripple any traditional sale.
Our Approach: Transparent Assessment, Rapid Resolution
A traditional sale was simply not an option for this Hollywood property. No lender would finance a home with such significant code violations, especially an unpermitted addition and an actively leaking roof. A real estate agent would have advised the family to undertake costly repairs, obtain permits, and pay off all existing fines themselves—a burden they simply couldn't bear, both financially and emotionally.
At FL Home Buyers, we operate differently. Our team, led by Max Cohen, conducted a thorough assessment without asking the sellers to lift a finger. We didn't ask them to trim the overgrown hedges, fix the roof, or deal with the City of Hollywood. Instead, we calculated the extensive rehab costs, which included:
- Complete demolition and removal of the unpermitted addition, and securing the structure.
- A full roof replacement to address the leaks and aging shingles.
- Interior mold remediation and necessary drywall repairs.
- Landscaping and exterior cosmetic repairs to bring the property up to code.
- Our offer also factored in the existing code fines and any potential fees to clear the violations.
We presented a transparent, all-cash offer that laid out every detail. The family understood exactly how we arrived at our number, and more importantly, they saw that we were taking on all the risk and responsibility associated with the property's challenges. Our goal was to provide a clear, fair solution that relieved their immense stress, allowing them to focus on their mother's care.
The Result: Peace of Mind and a Swift Closing
The family accepted our offer, recognizing the immediate relief it provided. We moved quickly to close the deal on their timeline, completing the entire process in just 21 days at First American Title in Hollywood. There were no last-minute demands, no financing contingencies, and no further stress for the sellers. The proceeds were wired directly to their mother's account, giving them the financial flexibility and peace of mind they desperately needed.
"Max made this incredibly easy for us. We were truly overwhelmed with the City of Hollywood's demands and our mother's health situation. FL Home Buyers took all that stress away. They were fair and fast, exactly what we needed to move forward."
— Sarah M., Seller's Daughter, Hollywood, FL
This project on North 46th Avenue in Hollywood is a prime example of how FL Home Buyers steps in to solve complex property problems that traditional real estate channels simply cannot handle. We don't just buy houses; we buy challenges and provide solutions.
Do You Have a House Like This in Hollywood?
Is your Hollywood property burdened by major code violations, an unpermitted addition, or other challenging circumstances? Are you facing mounting fines from the City of Hollywood? We understand the stress and complexities involved.
While we can't promise every deal is exactly like this specific case, we promise the same dedication, transparent communication, and efficient process. Let us help you navigate the complexities and provide a straightforward cash offer.
Explore More & Connect:
Interested in learning more about how we help homeowners across the region? Explore more FL Home Buyers success stories.
If you're in Hollywood and need to sell your house fast, visit our main city page: See our main Hollywood page for local information and resources.