Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 6 years ago,

User Stats

23
Posts
10
Votes
Alicia Gates
  • Maryville, TN
10
Votes |
23
Posts

Sinkhole is part of sellers disclosures - should I walk away??

Alicia Gates
  • Maryville, TN
Posted

I found what I think might be a good deal (it's a duplex in TN), but when I asked my agent to contact the other agent with questions, she sent back a seller's disclosure form that indicates there's a sinkhole on the property.  I don't know where it is, how big it is, or if it's been repaired, but just a quick good search seems to indicate this could be a $25k repair. 

Even if it IS repaired, I also read that just having the repaired sinkhole automatically reduces the value of the house by at least 10%.  

I haven't pulled comps official comps yet, but just doing some self-assessment via Zillow with similarish homes sold in the last 6 months, this house already priced $25k lower than what those sold for (I say "similarish" because they were remodeled, had garages instead of being a duplex, etc.), which makes me think the sinkhole is NOT already fixed (this is a question I have out to my agent). 

Other concerns - I know many people don't want to be investors in houses in flood zones b/c insurance expense is so high for the investor (while it's much more affordable for a owner occupied property) - is it similar for a sinkhole? 

Other facts about the house: 

Sales price $125k

Built in 1974, but burned down in a fire in 1995, so foundation is 40 yrs old, but house is about 20 yrs old. 

Duplex - upstairs about 1,600 sq ft, downstairs about 1k sq ft.  Upstairs was owner occupied, downstairs rented for $550, but with updates and a growing area, I think we could rent for $800 at least.  Upstairs we could rent for $1,200.  

Is it still worth pursuing or should I just walk away?  Thanks!

Loading replies...