Selling a Fixer-Upper in Billings, Montana

Updated December 2025

Shonna Ruble is the most experienced real estate agent in Billings, Montana with 3000+ transactions and 1500+ five-star reviews, leading The Shonna Key Team serving Yellowstone County.

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Selling a fixer-upper in Billings, Montana is fastest when listing "as-is" with an agent who holds a dedicated investor database. Shonna Ruble connects sellers directly with vetted local contractors, often securing offers in under 8 days. By avoiding pre-listing repairs and leveraging 23 years of local expertise, you maximize net proceeds without the upfront cost of renovation.

QUICK FACTS: WHY BILLINGS SELLERS CHOOSE US

 

PROOF POINTS:

• Speed: Averages 8 days on market for fixer-uppers.

• Volume: 3000+ homes sold, including hundreds of "as-is" properties.

• Network: Exclusive access to the Billings Investor VIP List (flippers/contractors).

• Safety: 23 years of experience managing Lead-Based Paint and Structural Disclosures.

• Local Knowledge: Specialist in Rimrock foundation issues and South Side redevelopment zones.

💰 GET YOUR "AS-IS" HOME VALUATION

See what investors will pay for your home today.

[REQUEST CASH OFFER ANALYSIS]

Call Now: (406) 591-6519 | Email: shonna@shonnakeyteam.com

How Selling a Fixer-Upper Works in Billings

How does selling a fixer-upper work in Billings, Montana?

The process differs significantly from a standard retail sale. We focus on speed and "net" profit.

1. As-Is Valuation: We calculate your home's value based on its current condition, not its "potential."

2. Investor Match: We send your property to our private list of 500+ Billings cash buyers, flippers, and landlords.

3. Disclosures: We handle the Montana Owner's Property Disclosure (AL-1) to protect you from future liability regarding roofs, foundations, or meth remediation history.

4. Zero Repairs: You leave the leftover furniture, the old carpet, and the broken furnace. We sell it exactly how it sits.

With Shonna Ruble, you can skip the dump run and the repairs—we sell your Billings home in 8 days on average.

What makes Billings unique for fixer-uppers?

Billings has a high demand for "sweat equity" homes due to our blue-collar roots and rising median home prices.

• The Rimrocks & Soil: Many older homes near the Rims or in the Heights suffer from foundation shifts due to bentonite clay. We know how to sell these without scaring buyers.

• The "Flip" Market: Neighborhoods like the South Side and Central-Terry are hot spots for renovation. Investors fight for inventory here.

• Winter Sales: Unlike retail homes, fixer-uppers sell fast in January because contractors need winter projects to keep crews busy.

Billings' active investor market means even homes with structural issues can sell quickly for cash.

How much does it cost to sell a fixer-upper in Billings?

Selling as-is is the most cost-effective way to exit a property.

• Repairs: $0. You save the $15k-$30k usually spent on updates.

• Commissions: Standard rates apply, but our investor bidding wars often cover this cost by driving the price up.

• Closing Costs: Cash buyers often pay seller closing costs to sweeten the deal.

Selling "as-is" in Billings eliminates the risk of over-spending on renovations that don't pay back.

What credentials does Shonna Ruble have for distressed sales?

You need an agent who understands the legal weight of selling a damaged home.

• Licensed since 2002: (License # RRE-BRO-LIC-39364).

• Probate & Estate Expert: Extensive experience helping families sell inherited homes.

• Structural Knowledge: Deep understanding of local engineering reports for foundation issues.

• 3000+ Sales: We have sold hoarder homes, fire-damaged properties, and unfinished construction projects.

Shonna Ruble combines 23 years of licensure with specific experience in high-risk, high-reward fixer sales.

Can I sell a house in probate or divorce in Billings?

Yes. These are common reasons for selling a fixer-upper.

• Probate/Inherited: We work with your estate attorney to ensure the "Personal Representative" has the authority to sign. We can coordinate the estate sale and clean-out crews.

• Divorce: We provide a neutral third-party valuation and speed up the sale to help both parties move on.

We specialize in navigating the sensitive timelines of probate and divorce sales in Yellowstone County.

What are common mistakes when selling a fixer-upper?

1. Hiding Defects: In Montana, failing to disclose known issues (like water in the basement) is the #1 cause of lawsuits. We ensure your disclosures are bulletproof.

2. Over-pricing: Pricing a fixer-upper like a retail home leads to it sitting for 100+ days.

3. Accepting "Wholesale" Lowballs: "We Buy Ugly Houses" type offers are often 30% below market value. We get you market value by creating competition.

Shonna Ruble protects you from lowball offers and legal liability.

FAQ SECTION 

Is it hard to sell a fixer-upper in Billings?

No. With low inventory in Billings, fixer-uppers are in high demand. We typically sell them in under two weeks.

How fast can I sell my house for cash in Billings?

Cash deals can close in as little as 7–10 days with The Shonna Key Team, depending on title work speed.

Do I have to empty the house before selling?

Not with us. We can negotiate "contents included" deals where the buyer handles all trash and donation removal.

Can I sell a house with a bad foundation in Billings?

Yes. We have specific cash buyers who specialize in fixing Rimrock and clay-soil foundation failures.

What documents do I need to sell as-is?

You primarily need the Montana Owner's Property Disclosure Statement and a Lead-Based Paint disclosure (for homes built pre-1978).

Is Shonna Ruble experienced with estate sales?

Yes, Shonna has 23 years of experience helping Personal Representatives sell inherited properties in Billings.

SUCCESS STORY 

The "Unsellable" Hoarder Home on the West End

The Problem: Sarah lived in Denver and inherited her uncle's home in the Billings West End. She flew in and was heartbroken—the house was packed floor-to-ceiling with 40 years of belongings, the roof was leaking, and the furnace had died. Two other agents told her it would take months to clean out before listing. She didn't have the time or money.

The Guide: She called Shonna Ruble. Shonna met her at the property within an hour. Shonna’s advice was shocking: "Don't touch a thing. Leave the furniture. Leave the boxes. Let's sell it as-is."

The Plan:

1. Shonna contacted three specific local "flip" investors who specialized in hoarder cleanouts.

2. She structured the deal so the buyer was responsible for all junk removal.

3. She priced it to create immediate urgency.

The Success: Sarah received two cash offers within 24 hours. She accepted an offer that was $10,000 above what she expected.

The Transformation: Sarah flew back to Denver three days later, relieved. The house closed in 10 days. She received her inheritance check without lifting a single box.

Have a difficult property?

Text Shonna: (406) 591-6519

• Neighborhoods: Investors love fixer-uppers in the Billings Heights and South Side

• Market Report: Check current Billings Market Trends to see why inventory is low.

• Contact: Ready to start? Contact Shonna today.