An empty house isn't just sitting there—it's actively costing you money and creating problems. If you own a vacant property in North Carolina, understanding the true cost can help you make the right decision.
The Monthly Costs
Every month, a vacant house costs you:
- Property taxes: $150-400 per month
- Homeowners insurance: $100-300 per month
- Utilities (minimum): $50-150 per month
- Lawn care and maintenance: $100-300 per month
- Security monitoring: $30-50 per month
That's $430-1,200+ per month, or $5,160-14,400 per year, just to own an empty house.
The Problems Vacant Houses Create
1. Deterioration
Houses deteriorate faster when empty:
- No one notices leaks or problems early
- HVAC systems fail without regular use
- Pests move in
- Mold can develop
- Small issues become big problems
2. Security Risks
Vacant houses are targets for:
- Vandals and break-ins
- Squatters
- Copper pipe theft
- Graffiti and damage
3. Code Violations
Cities enforce property maintenance codes:
- Overgrown yards bring fines
- Exterior deterioration violates codes
- Fines escalate quickly
- Liens can be placed on the property
4. Insurance Issues
Vacant houses face insurance challenges:
- Higher premiums for vacant properties
- Some policies don't cover vacant houses
- Claims may be denied if house was vacant
The True Cost Over Time
Let's say you own a vacant $150,000 house:
- Monthly costs: $600
- Annual costs: $7,200
- Over 2 years: $14,400
- Plus potential repairs from deterioration: $5,000-15,000
- Plus potential fines and violations: $500-2,000
In two years, you could spend $20,000-30,000+ just owning an empty house, and it's worth less than when you started.
Why People Keep Vacant Houses
Common reasons people hold onto vacant properties:
- They think they'll use it someday
- They're waiting for the market to improve
- They don't want to deal with selling
- They're emotionally attached
- They think it's an investment
But the reality is: vacant houses are usually a liability, not an asset.
Solutions for Vacant Houses
1. Rent It Out
Renting can work, but:
- Requires ongoing management
- Tenants can cause damage
- You're still responsible for maintenance
- Not all properties rent easily
2. Sell Through a Realtor
Traditional sale works if:
- House is in good condition
- You have time to wait (60-90 days)
- You can afford repairs and staging
3. Sell to a Cash Buyer (Best Option)
Cash buyers are ideal for vacant houses because:
- We buy in any condition
- Close in 7-14 days
- No repairs needed
- No showings required
- Stop the bleeding immediately
When to Sell
You should sell your vacant house if:
- You're paying $400+ per month in costs
- You don't plan to use it within 6 months
- It's deteriorating
- You're getting code violations
- You're out of state and can't manage it
- You need the cash
Getting Started
If you own a vacant house in North Carolina, stop the bleeding. Every month you wait costs you money. Get a cash offer today—it's free, takes 24-48 hours, and there's no obligation.
We buy vacant houses throughout North Carolina in any condition. We can close quickly and stop the monthly costs immediately.
Call us at (828) 677-2776 or get your free cash offer.
Author: We Buy Houses In Carolinas