How to Sell Your Vacant House Fast in St. Paul, MN

Owning a vacant house in St. Paul, MN can quickly turn into a financial and security burden. Whether it’s an old rental property, a home you inherited, or a house you moved out of, selling a vacant property fast can help you avoid ongoing costs, vandalism, and city code violations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the fastest ways to sell a vacant house in St. Paul and get it off your hands without stress or delays.

Why Vacant Homes Are Difficult to Sell

Vacant houses tend to stay on the market longer for a few key reasons:

• Perceived as neglected or distressed
• Maintenance issues (unmowed lawns, pest problems, weather damage)
• Higher insurance costs
• Risk of vandalism or squatting
• Prone to code enforcement from the City of St. Paul

To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to sell quickly and strategically.

Step 1: Secure and Maintain the Property

Before listing or marketing the house, take some basic steps to make it more appealing and avoid fines:

• Secure all doors and windows
• Keep the lawn mowed and snow cleared
• Forward the mail or stop delivery
• Install temporary lighting or motion sensors
• Consider short-term vacant home insurance

Even if you don’t plan to live there, showing the home is well cared for can improve your chances of a fast sale.

Step 2: Understand Your Selling Options

There are two main routes to selling a vacant house in St. Paul:

Option 1: Traditional Sale (MLS Listing)

Pros:

• May fetch a higher price

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Repairs, showings, inspections
• Agent commissions (5–6%)
• Holding costs while waiting for a buyer
• Potential appraisal issues if the house is in poor condition

Option 2: Sell to a Local Cash Home Buyer

Pros:

• Sell as-is—no repairs or cleanup needed
• Close in 7–21 days
• No commissions, no fees
• Ideal for homes in poor condition, with code violations, or behind on taxes

This option is often the fastest and most convenient route, especially if your vacant home is sitting unused and costing you money every month.

Step 3: Prepare the Documents

To streamline the process, have the following ready:

• Proof of ownership (deed or title)
• Any outstanding mortgage or lien info
• Utility bills or tax records
• Any disclosure forms required in Minnesota

If you’re selling to a professional buyer, they’ll often guide you through the paperwork and even pay your closing costs.

Step 4: Market the Property (If Selling Traditionally)

If you choose to list your house with an agent or FSBO (For Sale by Owner), consider:

• Hiring a local photographer to capture flattering images
• Staging with minimal furniture or virtual staging software
• Highlighting the home’s potential (especially for investors or renovators)

However, keep in mind that this route takes longer and may require out-of-pocket expenses.

Step 5: Close Quickly and Get Paid

If you sell to a cash buyer, the closing process is simple:

1. You agree on a price.
2. The buyer handles title work and due diligence.
3. You sign the closing documents.
4. You receive your money—often in as little as 7 days.

If time and simplicity are priorities, this option can’t be beat.

Advantages of Selling Your Vacant House Fast

• Avoid property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance costs
• Reduce risk of theft, vandalism, or legal issues
• Stop worrying about city violations or complaints from neighbors
• Turn a non-performing asset into cash in your pocket

Final Thoughts

Vacant homes in St. Paul can be costly, time-consuming, and even risky to hold onto. Whether it’s sitting empty due to a move, inheritance, or tenant turnover, the faster you sell, the better.

If you want to skip the hassle and sell your vacant house fast and as-is, connect with a trusted local cash buyer who understands the St. Paul market and can close on your terms.