Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get Full Access
Succeed in real estate investing with proven toolkits that have helped thousands of aspiring and existing investors achieve financial freedom.
$0 TODAY
$32.50/month, billed annually after your 7-day trial.
Cancel anytime
Find the right properties and ace your analysis
Market Finder with key investor metrics for all US markets, plus a list of recommended markets.
Deal Finder with investor-focused filters and notifications for new properties
Unlimited access to 9+ rental analysis calculators and rent estimator tools
Off-market deal finding software from Invelo ($638 value)
Supercharge your network
Pro profile badge
Pro exclusive community forums and threads
Build your landlord command center
All-in-one property management software from RentRedi ($240 value)
Portfolio monitoring and accounting from Stessa
Lawyer-approved lease agreement packages for all 50-states ($4,950 value) *annual subscribers only
Shortcut the learning curve
Live Q&A sessions with experts
Webinar replay archive
50% off investing courses ($290 value)
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 2 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.
General Real Estate Investing
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

User Stats

18
Posts
9
Votes
Josh Silvester
9
Votes |
18
Posts

Has anyone bought a house with crumbling foundation???

Josh Silvester
Posted May 21 2024, 20:16

Curious if there’s anyone out there that’s recently bought a home with a crumbling foundation. Specifically in CT it’s a hot topic so would love to hear anyone’s experience. Were you able to negotiate with the seller? Did you just walk away from the deal? Government reimbursement? Etc.

 Thanks!!

User Stats

11,272
Posts
12,905
Votes
Bruce Woodruff
Pro Member
#1 Contractors Contributor
  • Contractor/Investor/Consultant
  • West Valley Phoenix
12,905
Votes |
11,272
Posts
Bruce Woodruff
Pro Member
#1 Contractors Contributor
  • Contractor/Investor/Consultant
  • West Valley Phoenix
Replied May 21 2024, 20:47

Bad foundations were my money-makers. They are rarely as big a deal as most people think.... Of course you should get a General Contractor (Note - not Foundation Contr) to give an opinion.....

But in reality, most fixes are not that bad. If the price is right, it is even  a deal to redo a complete raised foundation. Been there done that...

User Stats

151
Posts
130
Votes
Kristine Ann
  • Investor
  • WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State
130
Votes |
151
Posts
Kristine Ann
  • Investor
  • WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State
Replied May 21 2024, 21:24

My family used to buy crumbling foundations when I was kid.  All summer, they'd hike up the houses and repour the foundations.  It was a big headache, but there are companies that will do it.  Now I can always spot a bad foundation and I most definitely avoid them.

BiggerPockets logo
Network With Property Managers
|
BiggerPockets
Partnering with a property manager before you buy will boost your bottom line. Match and mingle with top property managers now!

User Stats

18
Posts
9
Votes
Josh Silvester
9
Votes |
18
Posts
Josh Silvester
Replied May 22 2024, 04:41
Quote from @Kristine Ann:

My family used to buy crumbling foundations when I was kid.  All summer, they'd hike up the houses and repour the foundations.  It was a big headache, but there are companies that will do it.  Now I can always spot a bad foundation and I most definitely avoid them.

Interesting. I’m in CT and they have funding to replace the foundations in the way you described. Knowing this, would you by a house with a crumbling foundation if it were a deal?

User Stats

6,041
Posts
3,453
Votes
Bob Stevens
Pro Member
#1 Investor Mindset Contributor
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Cleveland
3,453
Votes |
6,041
Posts
Bob Stevens
Pro Member
#1 Investor Mindset Contributor
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Cleveland
Replied May 22 2024, 05:46
Quote from @Josh Silvester:

Curious if there’s anyone out there that’s recently bought a home with a crumbling foundation. Specifically in CT it’s a hot topic so would love to hear anyone’s experience. Were you able to negotiate with the seller? Did you just walk away from the deal? Government reimbursement? Etc.

 Thanks!!


 AS I mentioned 100x RE is nothing but math. So negotiate a proper price, 

User Stats

10
Posts
5
Votes
Patrice Hardy
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Greenville NC
5
Votes |
10
Posts
Patrice Hardy
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Greenville NC
Replied May 22 2024, 06:13

I wouldn’t because I don’t like big projects. However, if I were to come across one with great potential and the numbers are what I’m looking for to make a good profit. I MIGHT! , but It really depends on the numbers. 

User Stats

151
Posts
130
Votes
Kristine Ann
  • Investor
  • WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State
130
Votes |
151
Posts
Kristine Ann
  • Investor
  • WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State
Replied May 22 2024, 06:56
Quote from @Josh Silvester:
Quote from @Kristine Ann:

My family used to buy crumbling foundations when I was kid.  All summer, they'd hike up the houses and repour the foundations.  It was a big headache, but there are companies that will do it.  Now I can always spot a bad foundation and I most definitely avoid them.

Interesting. I’m in CT and they have funding to replace the foundations in the way you described. Knowing this, would you by a house with a crumbling foundation if it were a deal?

Personally no, but it's just something I don't like to deal with.  My family would literally use car jacks and hike the house up!  They mixed and poured the concrete themselves. Looking back, I can't believe they did those projects.  

If you're able to get a good deal, some grant money, the numbers work and you know what contractors to call, it might be a thing you like to do.  It's a little too intense for me.  My preferred houses need paint and a new roof.

User Stats

11,272
Posts
12,905
Votes
Bruce Woodruff
Pro Member
#1 Contractors Contributor
  • Contractor/Investor/Consultant
  • West Valley Phoenix
12,905
Votes |
11,272
Posts
Bruce Woodruff
Pro Member
#1 Contractors Contributor
  • Contractor/Investor/Consultant
  • West Valley Phoenix
Replied May 23 2024, 07:40
Quote from @Bob Stevens:
Quote from @Josh Silvester:

Curious if there’s anyone out there that’s recently bought a home with a crumbling foundation. Specifically in CT it’s a hot topic so would love to hear anyone’s experience. Were you able to negotiate with the seller? Did you just walk away from the deal? Government reimbursement? Etc.

 Thanks!!


 AS I mentioned 100x RE is nothing but math. So negotiate a proper price, 

 @Bob Stevens is right again. RE is nothing but getting out a spreadsheet and putting in all of your costs and all of your income. If the last number in the column makes you smile then you do it.

This applies to foundations, total guts, interest rates....everything about RE. The numbers can always work. 

But bear in mind that this works both ways! Even in a perfect market with low interest rates and high resale numbers, and the perfect Contractors and Property Managers..... You can have a horrible deal. Ask me how I know....

Just do the math. And then pray Mr. Murphy doesn't show up.