Question:
“I converted my garage without a permit. Will this be an issue when I sell?”
Answer:
Assuming your conversion was of good quality, you will face a few minor to moderate challenges when selling:
First, most homebuyers prefer a garage to a garage conversion. And the “nicer” the neighborhood, the more people will want a garage.
Second, some (perhaps 20%?) of buyers won’t buy a home with such major unpermitted additions/conversions. And many of the others will expect a lower price or credit.
The approach I take is to factor that into the price, disclose it up front, and tell agents and potential buyers that it’s already reflected in the price.
The good news is I’ve sold many dozens of homes with conversions, some permitted, some not. So you’ll still be able to sell your home.
