Case Study: The Code Violations on Banyan Way in Melbourne.

The Challenge: City of Melbourne Code Enforcement & Mounting Stress

When we first heard from the Miller family, their 1968 block home on Banyan Way in Melbourne wasn't just old; it was a ticking time bomb of code violations. They had owned the home for over 40 years, and like many homeowners in Melbourne, they had done their best to maintain it. However, years of DIY repairs and an unpermitted patio enclosure that was converted into a third bedroom had finally caught the attention of the City of Melbourne Code Enforcement department.

Walking into the property, the smell of mildew from active roof leaks was immediate. What was once a vibrant family home was now a maze of hazards: exposed wiring from amateur electrical work in the unpermitted bedroom, deteriorating original cast-iron plumbing under the kitchen sink, and a backyard fence that was collapsing onto a neighbor's property. Letters from the City of Melbourne with escalating daily fines were piled high on the kitchen counter, alongside notices of looming liens against the property. The Millers, an elderly couple, were overwhelmed and physically unable to tackle the extensive repairs required to bring the house up to code. Every phone call from Code Enforcement was a source of immense stress.

They had tried talking to real estate agents in Melbourne, but the message was always the same: "You need to fix everything first, get permits, and resolve the liens." This was not an option for them, both financially and emotionally. They needed a way out, and fast, before the fines wiped out any remaining equity in their home in Melbourne.

The Solution: Transparent Offer, No Repairs, Fast Resolution

Our approach for the Millers' home in Melbourne was straightforward, transparent, and designed to alleviate their stress immediately. Unlike traditional real estate transactions, we didn't ask them to fix a single thing. We understood the severity of the code violations, the active roof leaks, and the complex electrical issues.

Our team performed a thorough assessment, not to demand repairs, but to accurately calculate our own rehab costs, including the substantial expense of resolving the unpermitted work, replacing the roof, updating the electrical system, and settling the accumulated City of Melbourne fines. We presented a fair, all-cash offer that factored in these costs, along with a clear explanation of how we arrived at our price. The offer explicitly stated that we would handle all outstanding fines and liens with the City of Melbourne directly, removing that enormous burden from the Millers' shoulders.

We moved quickly. From our initial meeting at their Banyan Way home to the presentation of our written offer, it was less than 48 hours. We provided all the necessary documentation to ensure they understood every step of the process. Our goal was to provide a swift, ethical exit from a deeply challenging situation, allowing them to move forward without the constant pressure of inspections, contractor quotes, and bureaucratic hurdles from the City of Melbourne.

The Result: A Stress-Free Closing in 17 Days

The closing for the Banyan Way property took place at a reputable local title company in Melbourne, exactly 17 days after the Millers accepted our offer. We ensured the process was seamless and on their timeline. All outstanding City of Melbourne code enforcement liens and fines were settled by us at closing, and the Millers walked away with cash in hand, free from the property's burdens.

After the closing, Mrs. Miller shared her relief:

"Max made this so easy. We thought we were stuck with that house forever, and the City of Melbourne was just piling on the fines. FL Home Buyers came in, understood our situation, and truly delivered. No agents, no showings, no stress. We are so grateful."

This project is a prime example of how FL Home Buyers helps homeowners in Melbourne facing difficult property situations. We provide a solution when traditional methods fall short, ensuring a transparent, respectful, and quick closing.