Selling a House That Needs Major Repairs in DuPage County, IL

Yes, you can sell a house that needs major repairs in DuPage County without fixing it first. You can sell it as-is for cash or list it as-is. Either way, you still disclose the problems you know about. It also helps to check for open permits and look at the DuPage floodplain map.

Last reviewed: October 2026, by Brad Esposito

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Who's writing this guide?

I'm Brad Esposito with Family Property Buyers in St. Charles. I look at DuPage County houses with old roofs, cracked foundations, wet basements and remodels that stopped halfway.

That includes houses in West Chicago, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Lombard, Villa Park and Naperville.

Here's what I'd check before you decide whether to fix, list or sell as-is.

Which question brought you here?

Can I sell a house that needs major repairs in DuPage County?
Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is?
How do I find out if my DuPage house is in a floodplain?
Who handles permits for a house in unincorporated DuPage County?
Will you buy a house with water damage or a failing septic system?
Do I need repair quotes before I call you?
Which DuPage towns do you buy houses in?

What's actually wrong with the house?

Roof leaks, or a roof at the end of its life
Foundation or structural cracks
Basement water, or a sump pump that can't keep up
Old wiring, plumbing or furnace
A private well or septic system
A remodel never finished, or work done without a permit

You don't need quotes or inspections to start.

Who handles permits for your address?

Most DuPage County homes are inside a city or village. That town's building department handles permits and code issues.

For homes in unincorporated DuPage County, it's the DuPage County Building and Zoning Department, 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton (630-407-6700). Ask about open permits before you sell, so nothing surprises you at closing.

Is your house in a floodplain?

DuPage County Stormwater Management has an online floodplain map based on the FEMA flood maps dated Aug. 1, 2019. Lenders use FEMA flood maps when they look at flood insurance.

Look up your address before a buyer's lender does. For unincorporated homes, Stormwater can help read the map at 630-407-6673.

Is the house on a well or septic system?

The DuPage County Health Department keeps permit, test and inspection records for private wells and septic systems. Request the records for your parcel, and tell any buyer what you know.

What do you still have to disclose?

Selling as-is usually doesn't remove disclosure duties. Illinois has seller disclosure forms, including one for radon, and older houses may need the federal lead paint disclosure. The EPA and IEMA explain those.

Be honest about what you know. Ask an attorney what applies to your house.

Should you fix, list or sell as-is?

Fix and list. Can bring more money, but you pay for repairs up front and wait.
List as-is. Some buyers' lenders balk at major problems or flood-zone issues.
Sell as-is for cash. No repairs, no lender inspections, and you choose the closing date.
Our part. We buy as-is: no showings, no repairs needed. No agent commissions when you sell directly to us. We can often cover closing costs. Your written offer shows your number before you sign.

How do you check out any cash buyer before you sign?

Get the offer in writing. It should show the price and who pays which costs.
Read the whole contract. Ask about any line you don’t understand before you sign.
Have your own attorney. An Illinois real estate attorney can review the contract for you.
Check that the business is registered. You can look it up on the Illinois Secretary of State business search.
Don’t pay upfront fees. You shouldn’t have to pay anyone just to sell your house.
Ask about your right to cancel. Illinois law gives owners behind on a mortgage or taxes extra protections in some sales. An attorney can tell you what applies to you.

This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to an Illinois attorney about your situation.

What happens if you reach out to us?

Tell me about the house. Use the form, call or text (331) 422-3828, or email [email protected].
We look at the house together, in person or by phone.
You get a written cash offer within 24 hours of our first visit or meeting. Show it to your attorney or family before you decide.
If you say yes, we close on your timeline, often in a few weeks.

Which DuPage County offices can help?

Building and Zoning, 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton. 630-407-6700. Permits for unincorporated areas.
Stormwater Management. 630-407-6673. Floodplain maps.
Health Department. Well and septic records.

What do DuPage County owners ask me about repairs?

Can I sell a house that needs major repairs in DuPage County?

Yes. You can sell it as-is, without fixing it first. You'll usually still disclose the problems you know about.

Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is?

Usually yes. Selling as-is usually doesn't remove disclosure duties. Ask an attorney what applies to your house.

How do I find out if my DuPage house is in a floodplain?

Look up your address on DuPage County Stormwater Management's floodplain map. Lenders use FEMA flood maps when they look at flood insurance.

Who handles permits for a house in unincorporated DuPage County?

The DuPage County Building and Zoning Department in Wheaton. If your house is inside a city or village, that town's building department handles it.

Will you buy a house with water damage or a failing septic system?

We look at houses in any condition. We buy as-is: no showings, no repairs needed. Tell us what you know up front so your written offer reflects it.

Do I need repair quotes before I call you?

No. Tell us what you know about the house. We look at it with you and give you a written offer.

Which DuPage towns do you buy houses in?

West Chicago, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Lombard, Villa Park and Naperville. If your town is not listed, call or text (331) 422-3828 and ask.