Property Tips

Sell a House With Major Repairs in Missouri (Your 3 Options)

May 16, 2025
6 min read
Storm felled oak tree falls on house ripping through its roof

Selling a home that needs major repairs can feel overwhelming, especially in Missouri's competitive real estate market. Whether you inherited a fixer-upper in St. Louis, experienced storm damage in Kansas City, or simply can't afford costly renovations—you have options, and they're better than you might think.

What Qualifies as "Major Repairs"?

Major repairs are structural or systemic issues that significantly impact a home's value, safety, or livability. These include:

Structural Issues

  • • Foundation cracks or settling
  • • Roof replacement needed
  • • Damaged load-bearing walls
  • • Sagging floors or ceiling

System Failures

  • • HVAC system not working
  • • Electrical rewiring required
  • • Plumbing replacement needed
  • • Sewer line issues

Safety Hazards

  • • Mold or asbestos
  • • Termite or pest damage
  • • Fire or storm damage
  • • Code violations

Water Damage

  • • Basement flooding issues
  • • Water intrusion or leaks
  • • Rotted framing or subflooring
  • • Moisture problems

The Cost Reality

Major repairs aren't cheap. Here's what you might be facing:

Average Repair Costs in Missouri:

Foundation repair $4,000 - $15,000
Roof replacement $8,000 - $20,000
HVAC system replacement $5,000 - $10,000
Electrical rewiring $6,000 - $12,000
Plumbing replacement $4,000 - $10,000
Mold remediation $2,000 - $8,000
Water damage repair $3,000 - $12,000

Your 3 Options for Selling

Option 1: Make the Repairs Yourself

How it works: Pay for all repairs upfront, then list with a realtor for maximum value.

Pros:

  • • Potentially highest sale price
  • • Attracts more buyers
  • • Better financing options for buyers

Cons:

  • • High upfront costs ($10K-$50K+)
  • • Time-consuming (3-6 months)
  • • No guarantee of ROI
  • • Still pay 5-6% commission

Best for: Sellers with cash reserves and 6+ months to spare.

Option 2: List As-Is with a Realtor

How it works: Disclose all issues upfront and list at a reduced price to attract investors or renovation-savvy buyers.

Pros:

  • • No repair costs
  • • Broader market exposure
  • • May get competitive offers

Cons:

  • • Still pay 5-6% commission
  • • Limited buyer pool
  • • Longer time on market (3-6 months)
  • • Deals often fall through
  • • Low appraisals kill sales

Best for: Sellers with time to wait and who want to test the market.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer (Recommended)

How it works: Contact a cash home buyer like Synergy Home Investors who specializes in distressed properties. Get a fair offer within 24-48 hours and close in 7-14 days.

Pros:

  • • Zero repair costs
  • • No commission or closing costs
  • • Close in 7-14 days
  • • Guaranteed closing
  • • No showings or staging
  • • Sell in any condition

Cons:

  • • Offer below market value
  • • (But often nets more after costs)

Best for: Sellers who need speed, certainty, and want to avoid repair headaches.

⭐ Most Popular Option

9 out of 10 sellers with major repairs choose this route

Why Cash Buyers Work Best for Distressed Properties

Cash buyers specialize in properties that need work. Here's what makes us different:

We Buy As-Is

Foundation problems, roof leaks, fire damage, code violations—we buy it all. You don't fix a single thing.

Fair Offers

We calculate repair costs and provide a transparent offer. No surprises, no hidden deductions.

Lightning Fast

Get an offer in 24-48 hours. Close in as little as 7 days. You choose the timeline.

Guaranteed Closing

No financing contingencies or appraisal issues. Once you accept, closing is certain.

Real Example: The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's say your home is worth $200,000 fully repaired, but needs $35,000 in work:

Repair & List:

Repaired Value:$200,000
Repair Costs:-$35,000
Commission (6%):-$12,000
Closing Costs:-$5,000
Carrying Costs (4mo):-$4,000
Net to You:$144,000

6+ months process

Sell to Cash Buyer:

Cash Offer:$150,000
Repair Costs:$0
Commission:$0
Closing Costs:$0
Carrying Costs:$0
Net to You:$150,000

7-14 days process

The Result: You net $6,000 MORE by selling to a cash buyer, save 5+ months of time, and avoid all the stress of managing contractors and hoping a buyer comes through.

Take the Next Step

Don't let major repairs hold you hostage. At Synergy Home Investors, we buy Missouri homes in any condition—from minor cosmetic issues to properties that need complete overhauls. Get your free, no-obligation cash offer today and see how much you could walk away with.

Sell Your Fixer-Upper for Cash

No repairs needed. Fair offer in 24 hours. Close in days, not months.

Get My Free Cash Offer