Have you noticed a house on your block that’s been sitting empty for months, or even years? Maybe the yard is overgrown, windows are broken, or the roof is starting to cave in. Abandoned houses in Dallas are more common than most people think, and they can cause big problems for neighbors and property owners alike.
Whether you’re trying to figure out who owns abandoned houses in your area or thinking about buying a run-down property yourself, here’s what you should know.
Tip #1: Know how to spot an abandoned house.
Not every empty house is abandoned. Some properties are just sitting vacant for a short time—maybe the owner moved out and hasn’t sold yet. But an abandoned house in Dallas usually means the owner has walked away completely. They’re not taking care of it, and they don’t plan to come back.
Sometimes, abandoned houses are tied up in probate after someone passes away. Other times, people fall behind on payments and just leave. Either way, once a house sits empty long enough and starts to fall apart, it becomes more than just an eyesore.
Tip #2: Understand why abandoned houses are a problem.
Abandoned houses in Dallas can create all kinds of trouble. They often attract squatters, vandalism, and even illegal dumping. The longer a house stays empty, the worse the damage can get—both to the house and the neighborhood.
A broken-down house brings down property values nearby and makes the area feel less safe. On top of that, repairs can get expensive fast. Fixing a collapsed roof, busted plumbing, or mold problem could cost thousands of dollars.
Tip #3: Find out who owns the abandoned house.
If you're wondering who owns abandoned houses near you, the best place to start is the Dallas County Appraisal District (DCAD) website. You can search by address and see who’s listed as the current owner. Sometimes it’s a person, and other times it might be a bank, or even an investor who hasn’t done anything with the property.
You might even come across an abandoned house for sale by owner, which means the owner is still trying to sell it, even if it’s in rough shape.
Tip #4: Be prepared if you are looking to buy an abandoned house.
Some buyers look for cheap abandoned houses for sale as investment opportunities. Just keep in mind that buying a fixer-upper isn’t always as easy or cheap as it sounds. A lot of these properties need major repairs like new roofs, updated electrical systems, foundation work, and more.
If you’re considering buying an abandoned house, always try to inspect the property (legally and safely—don’t trespass), and get a rough estimate of repair costs before making any decisions.
Sell your house before it becomes abandoned.
If you’ve inherited an abandoned house or just don’t want to deal with the stress of selling your fixer-upper, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help. We specialize in buying houses in all kinds of conditions, including ones that have been vacant for years.
You don’t have to clean out the house or make repairs. With our 3-step home-buying process, we buy houses “as is” and can close quickly—sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. Whether you’re handling an empty property from out of town or simply looking for a convenient way to sell, we make the process simple.
Call We Buy Ugly Houses in Dallas today to see if we’re the right fit for your next step.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
