Case Study: The Major Code Violations on Livingston Street in Orlando.

Project Snapshot: Deal Stats

The Challenge: A Mount Everest of Violations in Orlando

When we first walked into this 1960s concrete block home on Livingston Street in Orlando's Colonialtown South, the air hung heavy with a distinct smell of mildew, a common Florida problem exacerbated by neglect. The property, owned by Mrs. Eleanor Vance for over fifty years, had fallen into severe disrepair after she moved to an assisted living facility. Her niece, Sarah M., residing in Jacksonville, was overwhelmed by the daunting task of managing the property from afar.

The front yard was severely overgrown, leading to multiple notices and accumulating fines from the City of Orlando Code Enforcement. The biggest headache, however, was an old carport that had been converted into an enclosed patio decades ago without any permits. This unpermitted addition was not only structurally unsound, with a sagging roof and visible water intrusion, but it also made the property ineligible for traditional financing.

Inside, the original 1960s electrical panel was outdated, and exposed wiring suggested amateur repairs. The roof was visibly failing, with sections of missing shingles and water stains evident on the ceilings. Beyond the unpermitted work, there were ongoing issues with galvanized plumbing, evidence of a cracked block foundation, and significant deferred maintenance throughout. Sarah was receiving constant pressure from neighbors and escalating liens from the City of Orlando. Listing it with a realtor was out of the question; no agent would touch a property in such condition without extensive and costly repairs first. Sarah was stuck, facing a mountain of problems with no clear path forward in Orlando.

Our Approach: Transparency, Speed, and Expertise

Sarah reached out to FL Home Buyers, desperate for a solution. Our approach was direct and transparent. We understood that asking her to fix the unpermitted addition, deal with the city liens, or undertake extensive renovations was simply not feasible. Instead, we visited the property within 24 hours of her call.

Our team meticulously assessed the property, calculating the extensive rehab costs, the expense of remediating the code violations, and the payoff for the city liens. We presented Sarah with a clear, no-obligation cash offer. This wasn't a "low-ball" offer; it was a fair market value proposition that accounted for the significant work required to bring the property up to code and prepare it for resale. We walked her through every line item, explaining how we arrived at our figure, ensuring she understood the challenges and the value we were providing by taking them off her hands.

We handled all the paperwork, coordinated directly with the City of Orlando Code Enforcement office to understand the full scope of the outstanding issues, and even worked with a local title company to ensure a clean transfer despite the property's complexities. Our promise was to buy the house entirely "as-is," allowing Sarah to avoid any further financial drain or stress. In a city like Orlando, with its specific permitting challenges and code requirements, our local expertise made all the difference.

The Result: A Stress-Free Closing in Orlando

Just 18 days after Sarah first contacted us, we closed the deal at Foundation Title Company, conveniently located just off Robinson Street in Orlando. Sarah didn't have to lift a finger, pay a single repair bill, or navigate the labyrinthine City of Orlando bureaucracy. We took care of everything, from the back taxes and city fines to the unpermitted structure. She received her cash funds promptly, allowing her to focus on her aunt's care without the burden of a problematic property.

"Max and the FL Home Buyers team were a godsend. I thought this house was going to be a nightmare forever, but they took care of everything, even the city fines. It was truly 'as-is' and so fast. What a relief!"
- Sarah M., Jacksonville, FL

This case on Livingston Street in Orlando is a prime example of how FL Home Buyers steps in to provide a genuine solution for sellers facing challenging circumstances, allowing them to move forward with peace of mind.