Case Study: The Code Violation Nightmare on SW 180th Avenue in Homestead.

When Mrs. Elena Rodriguez reached out to us about her parents' former home on SW 180th Avenue in Homestead, the situation was dire. The 1968 concrete block house, a family home for decades, had fallen into disrepair after her parents' passing. Mrs. Rodriguez, living out of state, was overwhelmed.

The primary issue wasn't just deferred maintenance; it was a snowballing code enforcement nightmare from the City of Homestead. A neighbor's complaint had triggered an inspection, revealing a series of significant, unpermitted alterations:

• Unpermitted Garage Conversion: The original garage had been converted into a bedroom years ago without permits. This meant incorrect electrical work, lack of proper ventilation, and structural integrity concerns. The City of Homestead demanded it be brought up to code or demolished.
• Failing Roof and Water Intrusion: The old shingle roof was actively leaking, leading to extensive mold growth in the converted garage and adjacent rooms. The smell of mildew was pervasive upon entering.
• Overgrown Property: The yard was severely overgrown, a violation itself, and attracting unwanted pests.
• Accumulating Liens: The City of Homestead had already placed significant daily fines on the property, which had accrued into a hefty lien. This lien was threatening to lead to a city-initiated foreclosure if not addressed promptly.

Mrs. Rodriguez was facing tens of thousands in fines, estimated repair costs that dwarfed her ability to pay, and the daunting task of navigating Homestead's rigorous permitting and inspection processes from a distance. Listing it with a traditional realtor was out of the question; no buyer would qualify for a loan on a property with active code liens and unpermitted structures.

Our approach for Mrs. Rodriguez's Homestead property was designed for transparency, speed, and comprehensive problem-solving. We understood her need to offload this burden, not add to it. Here’s how FL Home Buyers made the difference:

• No Repairs Needed: We didn't ask Mrs. Rodriguez to lift a finger or spend a dime on any repairs, cleanup, or code violation remediation. We bought the house completely "as-is."
• Transparent Offer Calculation: Our offer was based on a thorough assessment of the property's post-rehab value, minus our estimated renovation costs (including bringing the unpermitted addition to code or demolishing it, a new roof, mold remediation, and general updates), holding costs, and our modest profit margin. We explicitly factored in the existing Homestead code liens and committed to paying them off directly at closing.
• Code Lien Negotiation: Our team has experience dealing with Homestead's code enforcement department. While Mrs. Rodriguez was ready to accept the full lien amount, we proactively engaged with the city to understand the exact process for clearing them, providing Mrs. Rodriguez with peace of mind that all outstanding issues would be resolved.
• Fast Cash Close: We provided a firm cash offer, eliminating the need for bank appraisals, inspections, or lender approvals that would have been impossible with the property's condition. We closed on her timeline, which was expedited due to the looming threat of city foreclosure.

Our commitment was to transform a heavy financial and emotional burden into a clean, swift transaction for Mrs. Rodriguez, allowing her to move forward without looking back at the complexities of the Homestead code violations.

Just 21 days after Mrs. Rodriguez contacted us, we closed on the property at a reputable local title company in Homestead. She received her cash funds, free and clear of all liens and the responsibility of the code violations.

The closing was smooth and uncomplicated. All outstanding City of Homestead liens were cleared directly from the proceeds, ensuring a clean title transfer. Mrs. Rodriguez was able to sell her inherited home, despite its challenging condition and the immense pressure from code enforcement, and use the funds to address other financial needs without any lingering stress.

"I honestly didn't know what to do with that house in Homestead. The city fines were terrifying, and I live so far away. Max and the FL Home Buyers team made this incredibly easy. They handled everything, paid off the liens, and I finally have closure. It felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders."

Our work didn't end at the closing table; it began. We've since started the extensive permitting and renovation process, coordinating with Homestead building officials to bring the property up to current codes, ensuring it will be a safe, beautiful home for its next owners.