Selling a house in rough shape in Superior, Wisconsin

Wisconsin, not Minnesota

Superior sits across the bridges from Duluth, and it is in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Deeds are recorded by the Douglas County Register of Deeds, and estates go through the Douglas County Circuit Court. A Minnesota blog or a friend's story from Duluth may not fit your case. We are based in Duluth and have no office in Superior.

The Wisconsin condition report

Wisconsin does not use the Minnesota form. An owner of 1 to 4 dwelling units generally must give the buyer a real estate condition report. The owner must give it no later than 10 days after the contract is accepted, and every item must be answered. Only the buyer can waive it in writing. The report asks directly about mold, basement and foundation defects and fire damage. See the disclosure guide.

City orders in Superior

A Wisconsin city may order the owner to raze a building that is dangerous, unsafe or unfit for human habitation. An inspector may instead post a placard and prohibit use until repairs are made. Repairs costing more than 50 percent of the assessed value are presumed unreasonable. If you got a letter, the Chief Building Inspector's office and the Code Compliance Officer are the Superior offices that deal with this. Read the condemned guide.

Old houses and high water

The typical Superior house was built around 1957. If a house gets wet, Wisconsin's health department says to dry and ventilate it within 24 to 48 hours after the water recedes. Read the water and mold guide.

When selling to us is the wrong move

If the house is sound and you can wait, an agent may bring more. If an insurance claim is open, talk to the adjuster first. The worksheet runs your numbers.

Where to read next

Start with the home page for the short version, or the full list of towns we buy in.