The Dirty Secret of Unclosed Permits
➡️ Most homeowners never check this before selling... and it can cost thousands $$$$
Title companies don't want to talk about it.
Many real estate agents don't know about it.
Most sellers have no clue.
👉 But smart buyers get protected from it!
➡️Ownership = liability - Always check before closing!
If there are open permits on a property, whoever OWNS the property is responsible for any problems surrounding this open permit AND getting it closed.
Doesn't matter if you've only owned the house for an hour.
➡️ One extra line on your contract can save you thousands. Many agents don't do this!
Sounds MINOR? Think again💸
To protect my clients and ensure that the permit section of the contract is enforceable, I add an additional line in Section 20 of the Florida "As Is" contract.
➡️Don't inherit someone else's unfinished business
REAL TALK: Three of my current listings had open permits the sellers didn't even know about.
Unclosed permits are like bad family patterns - they get passed down until someone finally fixes them.
➡️Licensed Contractor...Always verify permit closure!
REAL LIFE example #1:
One of my sellers just had her ENTIRE house renovated from top to bottom by a LICENSED contractor. The home needed a city inspection to be able to close the permit. The plumbing FAILED inspection.
She had to spend extra $$$ (in addition to what she had already spent, JUST to get the permit closed and the house to SOLD.
➡️A pretty home can hide an expensive secret!
REAL LIFE example #2:
My buyer found his "perfect home", it was a beautiful flip....until we found open permits.
The flippers had not done the required inspections during renovation. The city insisted on a demolition of the work done, down to jackhammering the floor to ensure work had been done properly.
💰 Estimated $50,000 fix avoided.
My clause: "No Open Permits." SAVED him.
🌟There's a fix for everything - if you know who to call.
SOLUTIONS (St Pete, FL):
👉 Permits before 2000 → can often be closed administratively.
👉If the original contractor is still active → ask them to reopen & close.
👉Otherwise - hire a company that specializes in closing permits.
Need a referral? DM me.
✅ PRO TIP: Always verify permit closure before paying the final invoice.
👉 My Personal Rule: When I hire contractors, l personally (kindly) threaten that I will hunt them down if they don't close ALL permits. Just joking..... not joking .
➡️Protect your wallet! - Protect your peace!
👉 SELLERS: Pro-actively check with your city to be sure ahead of time that ALL your permits are closed.
👉 BUYERS: Don't sign your offer contract without making sure that "All permits closed" is written into the contract.
🔸Laura Marie, REALTOR®
Helping you strategically Buy, Sell & Invest
Laura Marie Group @ eXp Realty
YourHomeSoldFL.com
(727) 350-7003
