Buying a House to Renovate

The Cuyahoga Land Bank works with both large and small professional, qualified rehabilitation contractors in addition to rehabilitating select properties on its own. Learn more by watching the below video:

You can find houses that the Cuyahoga Land Bank has available for rehabilitation below:

Property Transfer Policy and Rehabilitation Programs

In order to buy a house to renovate from the Cuyahoga Land Bank, the purchaser must:

1. Not own any real property that is in material violation of state and/or local codes or has a history of code violations
2. Not own any real property that has a history of being a site for criminal activity during the purchaser’s ownership
3. Not own any real property that is tax delinquent
4. Not have lost any title or had any foreclosure filings against any properties within the past three years
5. Use property consistent with current zoning requirements of the respective municipality
6. Comply with all fair housing and market regulations
7. Reside in Cuyahoga County or designate a local agent authorized to accept notice on behalf of the purchaser if non-Cuyahoga resident.

A potential purchaser may qualify for one of two renovation programs:

1. Straight Sale; or
2. Deed-In Escrow (Most purchasers will qualify for this program)

If the potential purchaser has previously completed a successful renovation with:

1. The Cuyahoga Land Bank
2. A community development corporation; or
3. A local government

Under this program, the purchaser must demonstrate a proficiency in renovations through references, photos, legal documents, etc. The straight sale is similar to any other real estate transaction except that the Land Bank does require that property get renovated to a certain standard of quality.

If the potential purchaser has NOT previously completed a successful renovation, they must go through the Deed-In Escrow Program.

Under this program, the purchaser agrees to renovate the home as required within the time period specified in the Sales Agreement. The timeline and budget work will be reviewed by Cuyahoga Land Bank staff and a collaborative effort will be made by both parties until an achievable and realistic plan is created. At the time of agreement, the title/deed to the home will be held in escrow until the renovations are complete and a Certificate of Occupancy obtained. All costs associated with labor, material, supplies, etc. are the sole financial responsibility of the purchaser. The purchaser must also pull all necessary permits, resolve Point of Sale violations, and execute whatever is necessary to complete renovations. Renovations are deemed complete when the applicable municipality issues an official Certificate of Occupancy to attest the house is safe. If renovations are not completed within the time frame, the title will be retained by the Cuyahoga Land Bank and the potential purchaser will lose the financial investment he/she has put into the renovation. Upon completion, the purchaser will pay to the escrow agent the contract purchase price, along with any other items listed in the purchase agreement, and closing fees. Cuyahoga Land Bank personnel will perform monthly inspections during renovation period to ensure progress is made and that renovations will be completed in a timely manner.

Regardless of renovation program, a set of established Housing Quality Standards must be followed to renovate a Cuyahoga Land Bank house.

To be considered for either program:

1. Fill out the Property Purchaser Application. Be sure to attach all necessary documentation or you will not be considered.
2. Review our Housing Quality Standards.
3. A background check and verification will be completed on all information provided.
4. Be patient! A member of our staff will contact you within 14 business days to discuss your application and the properties of interest.
5. A viewing of the property can be scheduled for further rehabilitation assessment.
6. Make your best offer!

The Cuyahoga Land Bank reserves the right to change, modify or amend these procedures at any time.