A house fire is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and losing personal belongings is the least of their worries. Homeowners must work with their insurance company to assess water and smoke damage. The damage to your home might persuade you that selling is the wisest option.
The thought of selling your fire-damaged home may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You can follow a few steps to sell your house and start your new life. You have two choices: sell your home as is, or repair it before selling.
Selling a Fire-damaged House in 2022
Homeowners must contact their insurance company immediately after a house fire, and the insurance company will find an insurance adjuster to assess the property damage. You should start an insurance claim right away, and the insurance claim will detail the damage, including any structural damage.
At such times, emergency services such as the red cross can help with temporary living arrangements until the insurance company can provide an alternative.
The insurance agent will know how much fire damage cleanup will be needed. They are experienced in fire damage restoration and the mitigation of any further damage. The fire department may have extinguished the fire, but the standing water left in your home can create more problems if not dealt with immediately.
Homeowners insurance typically gives an actual cash value for personal property that was not salvageable, and the actual cash value will be less than the depreciation that comes with use. You may be able to save some of your valuables, but your insurance company will help you with belongings that were not salvageable.
You can sell your fire-damaged home at a discounted price to a real estate investor that deals with these types of houses. You can expect a cash offer but will lose out on any profit you would make if you were to proceed with the fire damage restoration process. An added advantage to a cash offer is that it can speed up the closing date.
You avoid the headache of staging and showing your home to potential buyers when you choose to sell to a real estate investor. These companies buy fire-damaged houses as is, even with structural damage, which means you don’t fix these things when selling your house.
You can also hire a restoration company and repair your house before selling. They are experts at restoring fire-damaged homes and will be able to make your home look as good as new, and they will even know everything about getting rid of the smell of smoke in your house.
The restoration process will take some time, but eventually, you will have a house ready to put on the market. It is best to consult with a real estate agent with some experience selling fire-damaged homes, and they will guide you through selling your home with complete transparency.
Should You Repair a Fire-Damaged House Before Selling?
If you want to sell a house fast in Houston, you must repair a fire-damaged house to see the most profit from selling your home. Unfortunately, the real estate market is challenging; few cash home buyers in Texas want a fire-damaged house, and the mere mention of fire damage can frighten many buyers from considering the property.
It is crucial that the cause of the fire is identified and that the problem has been fixed. Buyers will know that the house has been fully restored.
The homeowner’s insurance policy should cover some of the restoration services cost. Some fires are contained in one area of the house like a kitchen fire might only damage the kitchen. The restoration costs will be minimal. A home that suffered more significant damage will require more extensive repairs that will cost more money and time.
In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Unfortunately, they cannot resolve the inconvenience of a temporary living arrangement while your house is being repaired. Homeowners might have to find a place for several weeks or longer.
If you want to avoid the stress of repairing your fire-damaged home, you can sell it as is to a company that buys fire-damaged houses. You won’t have to be bothered about repairs and inspection reports, and the company will assess the property and make a reasonable offer.
Homeowners will take a loss on the value of their house, but it may be worth it when they consider the hassle of repairing and selling. Some people want to leave the traumatic memories of a house fire behind as they move on.
Get Your Fire-damaged House Inspected Before Selling
You must have your fire-damaged house inspected by professionals. They will assess the damage and recommend what needs to be done to repair your home. They will thoroughly inspect all areas of your home, from the drywall to your HVAC system. It is essential to have the structure of your home inspected.
You should hire a restoration company that has valid iicrc credentials. These credentials show that the company’s employees have been thoroughly trained in restoration services. Repairs for any structural damage are a priority when selling.
It is best to have paperwork showing all inspections and work done to the home. In Texas, homeowners must disclose any fires to the property. Failure to disclose a fire and the damages can result in liability for the seller. In addition, hidden problems caused by the fire may cause problems down the road, and the seller could be held responsible.
Getting Proof of Inspection Before Selling
Experiencing a house fire is very traumatic. Unfortunately, the stress does not stop when the fire is extinguished, and it is just getting started. You will need to contact your insurance adjuster to start an insurance claim, and the insurance adjuster will help you through the process.
Once you have started the process, hiring a restoration company to inspect the home and write a report detailing the damage and restoration cost is best. You should also photograph and document all the fire damage to the house.
Ask the fire marshall for a copy of the fire damage assessment report. This is a detailed report that identifies the cause of the fire. The report will also include the estimated loss of the home and personal property. Your insurance company will require a copy of this report for the insurance claim.
It is best to keep copies of any reports, inspections, and quotes for the fire-damaged house. If you have decided to have the house repaired, all receipts and details of completed work should be kept in a file to be given to potential buyers.
Homeowners should have a home inspection done after all the repairs. An inspection report will show that the house is sound and will protect the buyer and the seller. A final inspection report will provide peace of mind for potential buyers. No one wants to buy a house and has to worry about the possibility of a fire.
Tips for Selling a Fire-damaged House in 2022
Selling a fire-damaged house does not have to be as stressful as you might think. Luckily, some companies will buy your home as is. They will want to pay significantly less than what your house was once worth, but the loss may be worth it. You can accept a cash offer for your home and keep the insurance payout.
Selling your fire-damaged home as is allows you to get over the traumatic experience and move on with your life. You can get a fresh start in a new home. You don’t have to worry about cleaning and repairing your home. Even once the repairs have been done, you will have to put your house on the market and try to sell it.
In Texas, sellers must disclose that there has been a fire on the property. They must reveal the area of the fire and all damages associated with it. This can make it much harder to sell a property to a buyer. The real estate agent and buyer will want a list of all repairs. Buyers want the assurance that they are making a wise investment.
You may repair your home to reap as much profit from the sale. It is best to work with a restoration company to repair the fire damage correctly. An experienced restoration company can make the repair process as seamless as possible. The restoration process will greatly increase the value of your fire-damaged home.
Your homeowner’s insurance company can recommend a certified restoration company for dealing with fire, water, and smoke damage. They can restore your home to how it was before the fire or even better. You may decide to invest in extra renovations to increase the value of your home.
Final Thoughts
A house fire can be devastating. Losing your personal belongings may seem unbearable, but it is manageable. You can survive and even thrive when you know how to deal with the amount of damage that a house fire has caused.
Selling your home may be the best route to a new start in your life, and you must decide how to sell your house. We buy houses Arlington sellers need off their hands, even if they’re fire-damaged. So contact us today to find out what options are available to you!