Short answer: The City of Waukegan requires a point-of-sale inspection when a home changes hands. A city inspector walks the house and lists code items that need attention. If you list with an agent, those repairs usually land on you before closing or become a negotiation with the buyer. If you sell to Greentown Home Buyers, we take on every repair the inspection points out, and you don’t fix anything first.
What the point-of-sale inspection is
It’s a city inspection done as part of selling a house in Waukegan. The inspector checks the property for code issues, and the city lists what has to be corrected. Requirements and fees can change, so call the City of Waukegan Code Enforcement / Building Department to confirm the current steps for your property.
Why it matters to sellers
- Repairs can come due at the worst time. You find out what the city wants fixed right when you’re trying to sell and move.
- Older houses tend to have more items. Much of Waukegan’s housing is decades old, and inspections often find issues the owner never knew about.
- It can complicate a traditional sale. Buyers and their lenders may expect the items resolved, which can mean more repairs, credits, or delays.
Your three options
- Fix the items yourself before closing. Best if the list is short and you have the time and money.
- Negotiate with the buyer. Offer a credit or price reduction so the buyer handles the repairs. Some buyers and lenders won’t agree.
- Sell as-is to a buyer who takes them on. When you sell to us, we take on every repair the city’s inspection points out. You don’t fix, clean, or pay for anything up front.
Real Waukegan examples
On Porter St, a house had sat empty for years and the city had started sending notices. The owner decided it was time. He left everything inside, and we handled the city, the cleanout, and the repairs.
On Butrick Ave, a family was weeks away from losing their mother’s house to a tax sale. The house needed work from top to bottom. We bought it as-is in time, the back taxes were paid at closing, and we took on everything the city required.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fix the point-of-sale items before I sell to you?
No. We take on every repair the City of Waukegan’s inspection points out. You sell the house as it is.
Can I sell my Waukegan house if it already has code violations?
Yes. We buy houses with open violations and deal with the city after closing.
How fast can you close in Waukegan?
We give you a written offer within 24 hours of walking the house and can close in as little as 30 days, or on the date that works for you.
Selling a house in Waukegan? Call or text Mauricio or Rebecca at (224) 219-1502, or see how we buy houses in Waukegan. We were Waukegan teachers before we started buying homes here in 2009.