I Can’t Afford to Fix My House — What Are My Options?
It’s a situation that feels like a trap. Your house needs work (maybe a lot of it) but the money simply isn’t there. The roof is leaking, the furnace is on its last legs, or the foundation is showing cracks, and every time you look at it, the stress mounts. You might be thinking, I can't afford to fix my house, and you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common and incredibly frustrating position for homeowners in Ontario. The good news is that you’re not stuck. You have options beyond taking out a loan or letting the problems get worse. One of those options is selling your house as-is, which can provide a path forward when you feel like you’re out of choices.
What to Do When You Can’t Afford Home Repairs
When facing unaffordable repairs, assess the situation without panicking. What are the most critical issues? A leaky roof or faulty electrical system are urgent safety concerns, while cosmetic issues can wait. Some government programmes may offer grants or low-interest loans, but qualifying is difficult and the process is slow.
DIY repairs are risky—poorly done work can cost more to fix later. For many, the most practical solution is selling the property. But how do you sell a house needing extensive work? The traditional market is tough for properties in poor condition.
Can You Sell a House That Needs Major Repairs?
Yes, you can sell a house needing major repairs, but it's not easy on the open market. Most conventional buyers want move-in-ready homes. They see repair lists and get scared off by costs and effort. Home inspections revealing significant issues often cause deals to fall through.
When a home needs significant work, traditional listings often involve pricing adjustments, repair requests, and longer timelines. In these cases, many buyers may be investors or contractors because they have the resources to take on renovations. That path can still work—but for some sellers, the showings, conditional offers, and uncertainty feel overwhelming. If you’d prefer a private, as-is sale with a clear timeline, a direct cash offer can be the simpler option.
How a Cash Buyer Helps When You Can’t Afford Repairs
This is where a cash buyer can be a game-changer. A cash home buyer, like Lewis Brothers Properties, isn't afraid of a house that needs work. In fact, that's our speciality. We are professional home buyers who purchase properties in any condition. You don't have to fix a single thing. No repairs, no cleaning, no staging.
When you sell to us, you’re choosing a path of certainty. We provide a fair, no-obligation cash offer, so you know exactly how much you’ll get. There are no real estate commissions or hidden fees. We handle all the paperwork and can close quickly, often in just a couple of weeks. This allows you to sell your house fast and get the cash you need to move on, without the burden of repairs hanging over your head.
Stories of Ontario Homeowners We’ve Helped
We recently worked with a family in Oshawa whose home needed a new roof and had significant plumbing issues they couldn't afford to fix. They worried they'd sell at a massive loss. We gave them a fair cash offer that allowed them to sell in current condition and move into a more manageable home, avoiding repair stress and market uncertainty.
If you're thinking, I can't afford to fix my house, you have a reliable, stress-free option. We buy houses in any condition so book a call today for your free, no-pressure cash offer.