FL Wood Framed Home- Sell or Hold?

Question

Hey folks,

So i bought a property last year in Wellington Florida which was remodeled on the inside .I live in CA and got this house remotely with help of agent and i visited the property only few months after i purchased.

However after i bought the house i was told that it is a mistake to buy wood framed house in Florida. When i did inspection there was wood rot in the report and i was given seller credit for it.At the time of buying i did not feel it is big deal.

But now that i see problems arising i am unsure if it is too much upkeep to maintain the house.I got the property at low interest rate of 3 so i would like to hold on to it.

Is wood rot major problem that i need to address immediately. What are some of the measures i can take to ensure it does not get worse.

I am just scared that some day the house will just fall off.

Please advice if i should sell the property or what measures i cant take for this.

Jeff Hagen · Answer

My biggest concern would be hurricane resistance. If it has 2x6 framing with 5/8" sheathing, you'd be fine in that regard. Insurance may be a little more expensive though.

You just need to keep an eye out for termites and water ingress. Not the end of the world.

On the plus side, frame homes are easier to modify.

We'll probably never see the 3% 30 year mortgage again in our lifetimes, so I wouldn't let that go very easily.

Jake Browning · Answer

I agree with Ryan here. Wood-framed homes in Florida can be a disaster. Especially, if you are finding wood rot. It can last a long time but you have to inspect and maintain it properly. Depending on the year of the home. I would probably sell and try to make a profit.

Ryan Muska · Answer

Yes, address wood rot immediately. Think about it this way: would you address a structural issue if you had one? Wood rot is a structural issue.

If you are uncomfortable with any investment. Just get out of it. Sell it and hope that you get a profit.