A Massachusetts home in poor condition can be sold — but most financed buyers can't touch it. Here's what FHA flags, what you must disclose, and the fastest path to close.
Massachusetts requires disclosure of known material defects under MGL Chapter 93A. Poor condition is not a single defect — it is many. Answer the Massachusetts property disclosure form honestly. You can sell as-is after disclosure. What you cannot do is conceal known problems — that risks double or treble damages plus attorney fees under Chapter 93A.
| Condition | FHA/VA | Cash Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Active roof leak / missing shingles | FHA flags; repair required before funding | Purchases as-is; no roof repair required |
| Broken or missing windows | FHA requires weather-tight envelope; broken windows flagged | Buys with broken/missing windows |
| Exposed or unsafe electrical wiring | FHA flags safety hazard; electrical repair required | No electrical upgrade required |
| Inoperable or absent HVAC | FHA requires functional heating system in climate that requires it | Buys with non-functional heating/cooling |
| Peeling paint (pre-1978 housing) | FHA requires peeling paint addressed — lead paint protocol | No lead paint remediation required for cash sale |
| Active basement water intrusion | FHA flags as health/structural hazard; source must be addressed | Purchases with active water intrusion in place |
| Visible mold | FHA requires professional remediation; re-inspection before funding | No mold remediation required |
| Significant foundation damage | FHA requires structurally sound foundation; engineer cert needed | Purchases with foundation issues as-is |
| Missing kitchen or bath fixtures | FHA requires functional kitchen and bath for habitable use | Buys without functional kitchen or bath |
| Extensive deferred maintenance (general) | FHA appraiser notes; may condition loan on repairs if safety hazard | Accepts deferred maintenance in any state |
Any condition. Disclose and sell. Cash offer in 24 hours, close in 7 days.
Call (401) 396-7427Get Cash Offer →Yes — disclose under MGL Ch. 93A and sell as-is. FHA/VA can't fund most poor-condition homes due to minimum property standards, but a cash buyer purchases in any condition with no lender requirements.
Active roof leaks, missing windows, unsafe electrical, inoperable HVAC, peeling paint (lead paint era), active water intrusion, visible mold, significant foundation damage, and missing kitchen or bath fixtures. Any of these require remediation before FHA or VA will fund.