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We're considering entertaining the idea of buying our neighbor's house. The owner no longer lives there and it's a MAJOR eye sore.
Earlier this week someone broke into the house at night. I heard the glass break and turned the outdoor lights on, but couldn't see any activity.
Our lots are really small and the house is close to ours. We built our house a little over a year ago. The neighbor's house is about 1500 sf, on a 7500 sf lot.
The owner expects to sell for the tax value, but she's dreaming. The house/lot is probably worth no more than $100 - $110k.
According to the Polaris tax value, the land is worth $80k and the house is worth another $80k.
But the house is so dilapidated... trees growing into the side of the house, broken windows, roofing damage.
It's flat out ugly and now we're worried it's going to be a magnet for criminals.
I have no idea about demolishing a house. What would it cost to demo a small house?
Where do you live? If your goal is to have the house demolished or improved without buying it, I'd call my local planning/building inspections/neighborhood services department and see if the city/county can force the owner to either fix it up or tear it down.
"Housing Code Enforcement
The City of Charlotte Housing Code requires homeowners and landlords to keep their homes in good condition. The code also applies to abandoned commercial structures. Code inspectors check dwellings to insure that the structure meets the minimum standards prescribed by the ordinance. Infractions can range from repairable situations such as broken windows to major structural integrity issues. Depending on the situation, inspectors will determine if a house needs to be repaired to in some cases demolished."
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