When You DON'T HAVE THE MONEY to Fix Your Home... STAY OR SELL? 

Imagine living in your living room for five years because the floor in your bedroom collapsed due to mold and water damage. You're sleeping on a couch. You have a child. You don’t have the money to fix it, and your home is literally falling apart around you.

This isn’t just a hypothetical situation—it’s a real story from a caller to the Dave Ramsey Show, and it's one that reveals a much bigger issue than mold.

In today’s article, we’re going to look at the real problem behind this situation and ask the difficult, but necessary question:

Should you stay and fix your home—or should you sell and move on?

A House That’s Not Livable Anymore

In this particular case, the caller shared that:

• The mold in her home came from an improperly ventilated addition.

• The support beams under the floor rotted due to water and mold.

• The floor caved in, making the space uninhabitable.

• Remediation costs were estimated between $6,000–$8,000, not including demo or reconstruction.

• The total cost is likely well over $20,000.

• They’ve lived like this for five years while raising a child.

• The couple is following the Ramsey plan and hesitant to take on more debt.

So now the couple is at a crossroads: Fix it or walk away?

Mold Is Not the Real Problem Here

As a seasoned real estate agent, I've been through hundreds of inspections and seen many kinds of property damage. Here's the truth: Most homes have mold. But when mold leads to rotted beams and structural damage, you’re not just fixing mold—you’re rebuilding part of your home.

And this is exactly what’s being missed in the conversation.

• The issue isn’t just mold.

• It's structural.

• It’s likely due to an unpermitted addition with no vapor barrier or moisture control.

• This could require a full tear-down and rebuild of that portion of the home.

You Need More Than a Mold Estimate—You Need a Plan

Most homeowners in these situations are looking for a simple answer—Should I take out a HELOC? A personal loan? Or stick to cash only?

But here’s what’s often missed:

Fixing your house isn’t just about the cost—it’s about your lifestyle, stress, and your family’s future.

Here’s what I would ask as your agent:

• Who told you it’s “just mold”?

• Do you have an estimate from a structural engineer?

• Was the addition permitted and inspected?

• Will you actually recover your investment if you fix it?

• Are you sacrificing your family's wellbeing by staying?

The emotional toll this takes—sleeping on a couch for 5 years, raising your child in unsafe conditions—that stress is worth money.

Sometimes, Selling Is the Better Financial Decision

You may be surprised to hear a real estate agent not push you to sell. But this isn’t about sales. This is about evaluating the total picture:

• Is it worth spending $20K–$30K on a house you may not be able to sell later?

• Is the house livable even after repairs?

• Could you sell as-is and move into a safe, comfortable rental instead?

• What would that do for your quality of life?

It’s not always about the money.
It’s about the stress, the safety, and the sanity of your household.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re in a similar situation, here’s my advice:

1. Call a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Not to sell—but to evaluate your options. Agents have access to vendors, inspectors, and estimators who can give honest opinions. An experienced agent will ask the hard questions and give you straight answers.

2. Get the Right Inspections

Don't rely on vague mold reports. You need licensed professionals to assess structural damage, moisture levels, and build quality.

3. Calculate ROI Carefully

If you spend $20K, will your home be worth that much more? Or will it be a sunk cost with no return?

4. Don’t Delay Tough Conversations

This couple waited five years. Don't let pride, fear, or financial stress delay decisions that could give your family a better quality of life right now.

Final Thoughts: What If You Can Never Fix It?

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go. Sell the home as-is. Start fresh. Move into a rental that is safe and peaceful. And know that your lifestyle matters more than your house.

“Stress is worth money. Lack of stress is worth money. Your lifestyle is worth money.”

You are not alone. If you’re overwhelmed and not ready to talk to an agent yet, join my Facebook group. We’re a community of people walking the same path. Ask your questions. Get support. Learn your options.

✅ Download My Free Seller’s Playbook

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It’s your guide to selling your home faster, for more money, with less stress.
Whether you’re ready now or 6 months from now, it’s completely free.

👉 Get the Seller’s Playbook Here

💬 Need Help?

If you're in a tough situation and don’t know where to start, reach out. I can connect you with 2–3 trusted agents in your area who will give you the truth, not a sales pitch.

You deserve better than a collapsed floor and five years of sleeping on the couch.
Let’s find your next chapter—together.

FIND AN AGENT HERE