Advice Welcomed: Unwanted Transaction in Austin

Advice Welcomed: Unwanted Transaction in Austin

Investor · New York City · Member since 2019 · 4 posts · 1 vote

My offer of $335k was recently accepted on a house that needs to be renovated and I am now in the option period. It’s in east Austin, 3bed 1.5bath. Houses in this neighborhood that are renovated go for around $450k.

Two issues: (1) I no longer want to take on this project. The inspection came back with lots of work needed (new AC unit and water heater, extensive termite damage, critters living in attic, roof needs a tune up, and cosmetic repairs onto of this) but not terribly bad (furnace is fine, roof doesn’t need replacing, foundation is fine). Termite repairs seem not very expensive but I don’t have experience here. (2) I don’t want to lose my option $, I went pretty high.

I have been advised on a few ways to make sure I don’t lose money or at least break even, but am looking for further advice. A few ideas so far are: (1) buy it, do minimal repairs, and sell right away, (2) have an investor take over this contract, (3) buy it, Reno, rent, then sell after a year.

If you have any advice on how to break even or profit, I would love to hear. I am trying to weigh out all of my options.

Thank you in advance!

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Ryan KellyBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4y

@Jenna G. by the way, your OPTION money is not-refundable, so it goes to the seller whether you buy or terminate. The EARNEST money is refundable and is returned to the buyer if you terminate using a valid contingency in the contract. Just want to create a distinction between the two. This is specific to Texas contracts for those not in Texas.

Ryan Kelly Group - Keller Williams5109 Reviews
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  • Greg H.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Broker/Flipper · Austin, TX · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    Other investors are going to have the same concerns about the numbers. Don’t get yourself into a worse situation trying to recoup your option fee

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    So if I have this right, you are currently in at $335k? And the house is worth $450k when fixed?

    AC = $5000, WH = $800, Termite   = $3000, critter removal = $500, roof tune up = $1500, cosmetic = ?

    So once you throw a little over $10-20k into this place, you stand to net almost $100k.

    Why do you want out of this deal? Most houses you'll find are going to need some repairs, unless you buy a turn-key, and then there's no profit in it.....

    Am I missing something?

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    PS - If you really want out, I'm sure someone here on BP will take it off your hands, wink, wink.....

  • Ryan KellyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Jenna first of all, that's a very low price for a home inside the city limits and I would expect it will have lots of issues. Your options to terminate will all be dictated in your contract. Are you working with a Realtor? They should know all the ways you can terminate. If you are in your option period, just terminate using that clause and you can get your earnest money back. As others have said, if you want a home with fewer problems, be prepared to pay a higher price.

    Ryan Kelly Group - Keller Williams5109 Reviews
  • Ryan KellyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Jenna G. by the way, your OPTION money is not-refundable, so it goes to the seller whether you buy or terminate. The EARNEST money is refundable and is returned to the buyer if you terminate using a valid contingency in the contract. Just want to create a distinction between the two. This is specific to Texas contracts for those not in Texas.

    Ryan Kelly Group - Keller Williams5109 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · Merritt Island, FL · Member since 2017 · 974 posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Jenna G. - while still in your inspection period, have you obtained a quote (or reasonable idea) for the work needed? It is hard to gauge from what you've written because you write "extensive termite damage" followed by "termite repairs seem not very expensive". Those two comments don't work so well together. Based on your purchase price and ARV, here's my suggestion: If it is $30k or less, move forward. If higher, step away.

    Good luck!

  • Rental Property Investor · Boston, Massachusetts (MA) · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    new ac unit--write a check, some time if fully integrated. Not a problem.

    new hot water unit--write a check, half day of contractor work. Not a problem.

    critters living in attic--write a check to wildlife removal company. Not a problem.

    These are known problems with known solutions and prices and can easily be accounted for by your budget. 

    The roof either leaks or it doesn't and the termite stuff can be anywhere from minor to major if it has stopped.

    Its the "cosmetic repairs" that will make or break you. Are we talking just painting or detox, refinish, paint, replace cabinets and vanities etc.?

  • Realtor · Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 925 votes
    4y

    @Jenna Grezlik can I ask why you offered on the home in the first place ? Flip, house hack, rental ?

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