What we buy
We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. We can talk through what the notice says and what repairs it lists, then you can decide whether a sale works for you.
What can affect closing
Iowa law lets cities require an owner to abate a nuisance or remove, repair, or dismantle a dangerous building. If the owner does not act within a reasonable time after notice, the city may do the work and assess its cost against the property, where it can be collected like a property tax. The rule is in Iowa Code §364.12(3). Counties have similar abatement and cost-assessment authority under Iowa Code §331.384.
For an abandoned or unsafe building, a city or county may ask a court to order the problem corrected. A court may appoint a receiver, and the receiver's costs can become a lien under Iowa Code chapter 657A. An open court order or enforcement deadline may still affect the sale; city assessments and receiver liens may need to be addressed at closing.
If you have a notice or court paper, we can talk through what it says and how it may affect the sale.
When you sell to us, we're the buyer, so the repairs become our job.
What happens next
We talk through the house and any notice or court paper. We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours. You get a written offer and written terms before you commit, and we close through a title company.
Local help with permits and notices
Fort Madison's Building Department issues building permits at City Hall. You can reach the department at 811 Avenue E, Fort Madison, IA 52627, or by phone at (319) 372-7700.
City of Fort Madison Building Department · City Hall and local government
Costs and questions
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Iowa real estate transfer tax. Your mortgage balance, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes are separate. Compare your own assumptions with the Fort Madison home-sale net proceeds calculator.
Fort Madison code-violation questions
Can I sell my Fort Madison house with code violations?
Yes. USA Home Buyers buys houses as-is in Fort Madison and Lee County, Iowa, including houses with code violations. A city or county assessment, lien, or open court order may still affect closing.
Do I have to repair the house before selling to you?
We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. When you sell to us, we're the buyer, so the repairs become our job.
What happens after I share the address and notice?
We talk through the house and notice. We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours. You get a written offer and written terms before you commit, and we close through a title company.
What closing costs do you pay?
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Iowa real estate transfer tax. Your mortgage balance, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes are separate.
What our sellers say
“The house in Allentown was sitting empty for 2 years after my dad passed. getting code violations from the city. sold it to them for cash, no cleanup needed.”
“The house had some foundation issues and hadn't been updated since the 80s. I got quotes from contractors and the repair costs were going to eat everything I'd make listing it. USA Home Buyers bought it as-is. I'm glad I called.”
Talk through the notice and the house
Call USA Home Buyers at 888-274-5006 or use the form to share the address and notice.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Share the address and what the notice says. We can review the house as-is.