Key Takeaways
It’s freezing outside. Your furnace dies. Of course it does—always at the worst possible time.
Don’t Panic: You don’t have to pay $12,000 to replace a furnace just to sell.
Expensive Repairs: Replacement takes 2-4 weeks and costs $8,000–$15,000 in Virginia.
We Buy As-Is: We purchase homes with broken HVAC systems or “Red Tagged” units.
Fast Timeline: Skip the repairs and close in as little as 14 days.
Here’s what nobody tells you: You don’t actually have to replace that furnace.
The Problem (Real Talk)
When a furnace or heat pump dies during a home sale, it’s not just about being cold. It becomes a deal-breaker.
The inspector writes it up. The buyer sees “HVAC Failure” or “Red Tagged Unit” on their report. And suddenly they’re either:
- Demanding you pay for a new system before closing.
- Asking for a $15,000 price reduction.
- Or just backing out entirely.
You can’t afford $15,000. You didn’t expect this. Your timeline gets pushed back. Maybe way back.
It’s Not Just About the Heat
Here’s the truth: it’s not about the furnace itself. It’s about the buyer’s anxiety. A broken furnace triggers the question: “What else is wrong with this house?”
When a buyer sees “furnace non-functional,” they spiral:
- “Is the electrical system old?”
- “How old is the roof really?”
- “Can I trust anything in this house?”
They get spooked. A broken furnace gives them permission to walk away.
The Real Numbers: Furnace Replacement Costs in VA
Let’s be honest about what this actually costs you in Virginia right now:
- Cash Cost: A new gas furnace or heat pump runs $8,000–$15,000 depending on your area.
- Red Tag Risk: If a technician “Red Tags” your unit for safety (cracked heat exchanger), they legally have to shut it down. Now you have no heat and a mandatory repair bill.
- Time Cost: Contractors are booked. It takes 2–4 weeks to schedule and install.
- Closing Delay: Your date gets pushed back 30+ days.
If the buyer backs out? You’re stuck with a house that still needs a new furnace and no buyer to show for it.
There Is Another Option
Here’s what most people don’t realize: You can sell a house with a broken furnace. You just have to sell it to someone who actually buys houses in any condition.
We do. We buy homes with broken furnaces. We buy homes where the entire HVAC system is shot. Doesn’t matter to us. We specialize in buying distressed properties in Virginia.
How It Actually Works
When you sell to us, here’s what happens:
- We Have No Inspection Contingencies: We don’t hire an inspector who’s going to freak out about your broken furnace or a Red Tag sticker. We look at the house. We make an offer.
- Lender Issues Are A “Non-Issue!”: We pay cash. We don’t have a bank second-guessing the heating situation.
- No Negotiations: Buyer sees broken furnace? With us, there’s no back-and-forth. We quote you what the house is worth as-is.
- You Don’t Pay for the Furnace: I cannot stress this enough. You do not write a check for $12,000. We handle it after we close.
The Best Part? Speed. While a traditional buyer is calling contractors, you could already be done. We can close in as little as 14 days.
The Numbers Actually Work Out
Let me walk you through this because the math is probably better than you think.
Option A: The Traditional Route
- Pay for furnace replacement: $12,000 out of pocket
- Realtor commission: 6% of sale price
- Closing costs: Another 2-5%
- Timeline: 60-90 days
- Result: You lose months of time and pay thousands upfront.
Option B: Sell to WBH Virginia
- Repairs: $0 (We handle it)
- Commissions: $0 (No agent)
- Closing Costs: $0 (We pay them)
- Timeline: 14 Days
- Result: You walk away with a fair cash amount. No repairs. No waiting.
FAQ (Real Questions People Ask)
A: Yes. Broken furnace, broken HVAC system, old heat pump that quit—doesn’t matter. We buy as-is.
A: Yes. A Red Tag just means it’s unsafe to operate. We are cash buyers who will replace the unit anyway, so a Red Tag doesn’t scare us.
Q: What’s your offer going to be? A: We know what HVAC replacement costs in your area. We factor that in. Our offer accounts for what a new system actually costs, plus the realtor commissions and closing costs you’d normally have to pay.
A: 14 days if you need it that fast. It’s your timeline, not ours.
A: Yeah. We buy houses in Fredericksburg, Richmond, and everywhere in between.
A: Even better. Roof leaking? Plumbing a mess? We buy it all as-is. Check out our guide on selling a house without repairs.
Stop Freezing and Start Selling
Don’t spend $12,000 replacing a furnace just to sell your house.
Get Your Cash Offer – No Furnace Replacement Needed
Or just call: (540) 787-3300

