If your Florida home has foundation problems, it probably feels like the ground is literally falling out from under you. Cracks in the walls. Doors that won’t close. Uneven floors. It’s not just frustrating—it can make selling your house feel impossible.
But here’s the truth: you can sell a house with foundation issues. In fact, people do it every day. Whether you’re dealing with settling soil, root intrusion, storm damage, or a decades-old concrete slab that’s seen better days, there are real options that don’t involve pouring tens of thousands into repairs.
At Orbit Properties, we’ve helped homeowners across Jacksonville and beyond sell houses with all kinds of structural issues. The key? Knowing your options, being upfront about the situation, and working with the right kind of buyer.
So, let’s walk through what you’re really dealing with—and how to move forward without the weight of foundation issues dragging you down.
What Causes Foundation Problems in Florida?
Florida homes deal with a unique cocktail of soil conditions and weather that makes foundation trouble fairly common. The most frequent culprits?
- Sandy soil that shifts and settles over time
- Heavy rains and flooding, especially in low-lying areas
- Tree roots growing too close to the structure
- Poor drainage systems around the home
- Improperly compacted soil from original construction
The result? Slabs crack. Piers sink. Crawl spaces shift. And the warning signs can range from annoying to alarming.
Signs Your House May Have Foundation Damage
Not sure what you’re dealing with yet? Here’s a checklist of red flags that often signal deeper issues:
- Cracks in exterior brick or stucco
- Diagonal cracks above doorways or windows
- Uneven floors or sunken areas
- Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly
- Gaps between walls and ceilings
- Separation around garage doors or porches
While one or two of these might just be cosmetic, several combined usually point to something more serious—and buyers will notice.
Can You Sell a House With Foundation Problems in Florida?
Yes. But here’s the thing: not every buyer will be interested, and not every type of sale will make sense.
Traditional buyers working with mortgage lenders often hit roadblocks when there are known structural issues. Lenders want homes that pass inspection, and foundation problems usually require repairs before approval.
So what are your choices?
You’ve got three main routes:
1. Fix the Foundation Before You Sell
If you’ve got the money and time, repairing the foundation can help you get top dollar. But there’s a catch.
Foundation repair in Florida can range from $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on the severity. And that’s before factoring in other fixes that often follow—like patching cracks, repainting walls, replacing flooring, or redoing landscaping.
This option only works if:
- You can afford the repairs upfront
- You’re not in a rush to sell
- The rest of the home is in excellent shape
If even one of those is off? It might not be worth it.
2. Sell the House As-Is on the Open Market
Another option is to list the house through a realtor and disclose the foundation problems. This approach works best if you’re in a hot neighborhood where cash buyers and investors are actively looking for fixer-uppers.
Pros:
- You may attract multiple offers if priced right
- No upfront repair costs
- Potential for a fair sale price
Cons:
- Your buyer pool shrinks
- Inspections may delay or kill the deal
- It can take months to close
And if you need to move quickly or avoid the stress of showings, open houses, and negotiations? This might not be the best fit.
3. Sell Directly to a Cash Buyer Who Buys Homes With Foundation Issues
Here’s where things start looking up—especially if time, money, or stress are pressing issues.
When you sell your house for cash in Florida, you can skip the repairs, inspections, and back-and-forth entirely.
At Orbit Properties, we buy homes in any condition—including those with major structural damage. We’ve closed deals on homes with sinking slabs, shifting piers, water-damaged basements, and crawlspaces that looked like a small earthquake passed through.
Here’s what you get with a cash sale:
- Close in as little as 7 days
- No agent commissions or fees
- No repair costs or cleanup
- Flexible move-out schedule
- No risk of a deal falling through due to inspections
It’s a simple, fast way to move forward.
A Quick Look at Your Options
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Speed | Cost to You | Risk of Deal Falling Through | Buyer Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repair Foundation & List | Slow | High | Medium | Traditional buyers |
| Sell As-Is Through a Realtor | Medium | Medium | High | Investors only |
| Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer | Fast | None | Low | Cash buyers |
What About Insurance and Disclosure Laws?
In Florida, sellers must disclose any known structural defects. That includes foundation problems. Failing to do so can land you in legal hot water—even after the sale.
That’s why honesty is your best friend here. Disclose everything up front, and you’ll avoid lawsuits or rescinded offers later.
And yes—insurance companies may refuse to insure the house or hike up premiums for buyers if they know about past foundation issues. That’s another reason cash buyers (who often don’t require insurance for purchase) are such a reliable option.
Common Life Situations That Make a Fast Sale Smart
Let’s be honest—foundation issues are rarely the only thing going on when someone’s trying to sell fast. If any of these hit close to home, you’re not alone:
- Job relocation and no time for repairs
- Facing foreclosure and need to sell before auction
- Divorce and both parties want out
- Inherited property with existing damage
- Landlord tired of tenant complaints
In these cases, patching up a crumbling foundation may not be the best use of your time—or money.
How Orbit Properties Buys Houses With Foundation Damage
You might be thinking, “Okay, but how does this actually work?”
Here’s our process, from first contact to payday:
1. You Reach Out
Start by filling out the form on our website at https://sell2orbit.com/. We’ll ask for a few quick details about the home and schedule a time to see it.
2. We Do a Quick Walkthrough
This isn’t an inspection. We’re just checking things out—cracks, sloping floors, exterior gaps, etc. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.
3. You Get a Cash Offer
No strings. No pressure. Just a clear, fair number based on local values and repair estimates.
4. You Choose the Closing Date
Want to close in a week? Cool. Need 30 days to sort things out? That works too. We’re flexible.
5. You Get Paid
At closing, the money’s wired directly to your bank account—or handed to you as a certified check. No fees. No surprises.
Cost Comparison
Here’s a simple side-by-side look at how the costs stack up depending on how you sell:
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs When Selling a Home With Foundation Problems
| Expense Category | Realtor Sale (With Repair) | As-Is Sale to Cash Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Repair | $15,000 – $40,000 | $0 |
| Realtor Commission | 5% – 6% of sale price | $0 |
| Closing Costs | 2% – 3% | $0 (we cover it) |
| Holding Costs (3+ mo.) | Mortgage, taxes, insurance | Minimal |
| Repairs/Staging | $5,000+ | $0 |
| Inspection Concessions | Varies | $0 |
So yeah—if you’re short on time, cash, or patience, the savings speak for themselves.
Don’t Wait for Cracks to Get Worse
Foundation issues don’t tend to fix themselves. Waiting too long often leads to:
- City code violations
- Further structural damage
- Higher repair costs
- Buyers walking away after inspections
Whether you’re ready to sell today or just want to talk through your options, Orbit Properties is here to help. We’re a local team, and we’ve seen it all—so nothing surprises us anymore.
Need help fast? Reach out and let’s talk.
Visit https://sell2orbit.com/ to request a no-obligation cash offer and see what your options look like. No pressure—just real help from real people who know the Florida market inside and out.
