If you’re planning on selling a home in Ankeny with an unpermitted addition, you’re probably asking yourself, “Will this affect my sale?” The short answer is, yes, it can. But don’t worry—Allison Hart and the Allison Hart Home team are here to guide you through the process and help you understand your options. Whether you’re dealing with a finished basement, a sunroom, or a garage conversion completed without permits, we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
What Is an Unpermitted Addition?
An unpermitted addition is any modification, expansion, or renovation made to your home without the proper permits or inspections required by the city of Ankeny or the state of Iowa. This could include:
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Room Additions – Adding a new bedroom, bathroom, or other living space.
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Finished Basements – Completing a basement without the required permits.
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Sunrooms or Decks – Building an outdoor structure without approval.
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Garage Conversions – Transforming a garage into a living space without following code requirements.
Permits are designed to ensure that additions meet safety standards and comply with local building codes. When these rules are bypassed, the issue can complicate your home sale.
Why Unpermitted Additions Matter in the Ankeny Real Estate Market
When selling a home in Ankeny, unpermitted additions can affect:
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Property Value – Appraisers may not include the addition in the total square footage or valuation of your home, potentially lowering the price.
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Legal Liability – Homeowners can be held liable for safety issues related to unpermitted work.
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Buyer Hesitation – Buyers may hesitate to purchase a home with unpermitted work, fearing potential costs or legal repercussions.
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Disclosure Requirements – As an Ankeny Realtor, Allison Hart will always advise sellers to disclose unpermitted additions to avoid legal disputes.
What Are Your Options When Selling a Home with an Unpermitted Addition?
You have several choices when dealing with unpermitted additions in Ankeny:
1. Obtain Retroactive Permits
In some cases, you can work with the city of Ankeny to obtain retroactive permits. This involves:
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Applying for Permits – Submitting plans and paying applicable fees.
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Inspections – Allowing the city to inspect the addition for compliance with building codes.
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Corrections – Making any necessary adjustments to bring the addition up to code.
Pros: Adds value to the property, reassures buyers, and prevents legal complications.
Cons: Can be costly and time-consuming, especially if the addition requires extensive modifications.
2. Sell the Home As-Is
If you don’t want to go through the permitting process, you can choose to sell the home as-is.
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Disclosure – It’s essential to disclose the unpermitted addition to potential buyers.
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Pricing Adjustment – The price may need to be lowered to account for the unpermitted work.
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Finding the Right Buyer – Allison Hart and the Allison Hart Home team can help you find buyers willing to purchase the home despite the addition.
Pros: Quick and straightforward, avoids permit-related costs.
Cons: May result in a lower selling price and limited buyer interest.
How Allison Hart Can Help You Navigate Selling an Ankeny Home with Unpermitted Additions
Navigating the sale of a home with an unpermitted addition can be challenging, but with the right Realtor by your side, it doesn’t have to be. At Allison Hart Homes, we specialize in helping Ankeny homeowners sell their properties for top dollar, even when complexities arise. Here’s how we can help:
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Expert Guidance – With extensive knowledge of the Ankeny real estate market, we’ll provide you with options and help you choose the best path forward.
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Marketing Strategy – We’ll craft a tailored marketing plan to attract qualified buyers, even if your home has an unpermitted addition.
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Negotiation Skills – Our negotiation expertise ensures you get the best possible price for your home, regardless of its challenges.
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Disclosure Assistance – We’ll guide you through the disclosure process to protect you from future legal complications.
Tips for Selling Your Ankeny Home with an Unpermitted Addition
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Get a Professional Opinion – Consult a licensed contractor to evaluate the addition and estimate the costs of bringing it up to code.
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Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor – The Allison Hart Home Team understands how to market properties with unique circumstances.
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Be Transparent – Always disclose unpermitted additions to avoid legal issues down the road.
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Understand Your Buyer Pool – Some buyers may be investors or DIY enthusiasts willing to handle the permitting process themselves.
Conclusion
Selling a home in Ankeny with an unpermitted addition doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right guidance from the Allison Hart Home Team, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve a smooth sale. Whether you decide to obtain permits, sell as-is, or remove the addition, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Sell Your Ankeny Home?
Contact Allison Hart and the Allison Hart Homes team today for expert guidance and a seamless selling experience!
Phone: 515-210-5198
Email: [email protected]
