Code Violations vs. Permitting Issues: What Atlanta Sellers Should Understand

Not every home sale goes smoothly, especially when local inspectors get involved. If your Atlanta property has work done without permits or open violations, you could face serious delays or cost additions during a sale.

We're Denny Buys Houses Fast, and we buy houses in Atlanta, Georgia, in any condition, including ones that come with a pile of city paperwork. Here's how to tell the difference between code problems and permit issues and why it matters if you're selling.

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What Is a Code Violation?

A code violation means the property breaks a rule set by your local government. Common issues include:

  • Broken windows or damaged siding
  • Unsafe electrical or plumbing systems
  • Overgrown yards or accumulated junk
  • Illegal or unpermitted structures (like sheds, additions, or fences)

Most violations fall under safety, sanitation, or zoning rules. If the city finds them, they'll issue a notice, and if you ignore it, they may fine you or place a lien on your home.

If you're selling a home that's sat empty or suffered neglect, violations are common. In some cases, sellers aren't even aware they exist until the title search begins.

Want to know if your situation makes sense for a cash offer? Learn what Georgia homeowners should know about avoiding capital gains when selling.

What Are Permitting Issues?

Permitting issues happen when work was done without the city's approval or proper inspection. This can include:

  • Garage conversions
  • Finished basements
  • Roof replacements
  • Decks, sheds, or additions

If a home improvement wasn't permitted and inspected, it could create liability for the next owner, or block a traditional sale entirely. Lenders may refuse to approve a mortgage if unpermitted work is found.

As a seller, this often becomes a problem during inspection or appraisal. You may have to backtrack, apply for retroactive permits, or even undo the work.

See What Homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia, Are Saying

We've worked homeowners across Atlanta and Georgia to sell their houses quickly and easily. Here's what some of them had to say about working with us:

"Selling my home to Denny was the best decision I could have made. From our first conversation, he was direct, honest, and transparent about the process. He made a fair cash offer that met my needs, and—true to his word—closed exactly as promised, without any surprises or last-minute changes."

 

 

 

 

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Ernest Shiflett

Alpharetta, GA

"...That’s when I found Denny Faircloth, and everything changed. Denny didn’t just make promises—he took action. He quickly connected me with a real cash buyer who closed in under a week, just in time for me to move forward with my new home. He was honest, direct, and truly cared about helping me. Without him, I would have lost not just my home sale, but also my dream of moving closer to family..."

 

 

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Linda Miletic

Cumming, GA

"As a real estate investor, I typically focus on flips that require minimal cosmetic updates. But on one particular property in Riverdale, GA, I underestimated the amount of work needed. Rather than tie up capital in a lengthy renovation, I needed to sell quickly and move on to my next project."

 

 

 

 

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Jonathan Phillips

Roswell, GA

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Why These Problems Make Traditional Sales Difficult

Listing a home with code or permit problems often means:

  • Delayed closings
  • Lower offers
  • Demands for repairs or corrections
  • Lost buyers

Real estate agents may struggle to list the home competitively. Even if a buyer loves the property, their lender might walk away once the issues surface.

Some homeowners turn to investors instead, especially those offering as-is cash deals that skip the red tape.

Still weighing your options? Here's how selling to an investor compares to listing with an agent in Georgia.

How Denny Buys Houses Fast Allows You to Sell As-Is

As local buyers, we've worked with Atlanta sellers facing code violations, expired permits, stop work orders, and more. On top of our home-buying process, you get:

  • No inspections or appraisals
  • No need to pull permits or fix violations
  • No risk of a buyer walking away

We buy houses in all conditions. If your situation is messy, we're ready to handle it and close on your timeline.

Think you might be dealing with wholesalers instead of real investors? Know the difference so you can sell with confidence.

Get Your Free Cash Offer Now!

Fill out this form to get your no-obligation all cash offer started!

Get Your Free Offer TODAY!

Fill In This Form To Get Your No-Obligation All Cash Offer Started!

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Denny Faircloth - Sell Your Georgia Home Fast - Owner

Sell Your Atlanta Property Without the Paperwork Headache

Permitting issues and code violations don't have to kill your sale. With Denny Buys Houses Fast, you can skip the back-and-forth and move forward with a fair cash offer.

Sell your house in Atlanta, Georgia by filling out the form today.