Selling a House With Fire Damage for Its Best Value
Of all the horrible things that could happen to your home, a house fire is among the most serious. It’s particularly devastating if you were hoping to sell your home soon, because now you’re worried about the challenges of selling a house with fire damage.
A house marred by flames and smoke often bears scars that go beyond physical deterioration, with prospective buyers wary of potential underlying issues and the home’s history.
Gene Darden, a top-selling real estate agent in Birmingham, Alabama, with over 500 transactions under his belt, has seen his fair share of homeowners struggle with selling a house with fire damage.
When selling a house with fire damage, homeowners can choose to sell their home as-is to a cash buyer, or focus on restoring their home to its previous condition and selling to a traditional buyer using an experienced real estate agent.
Immediate action after a house fire
It’s understandable that after a house fire, you will be overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and stressed out about the financial ramifications. However, there are important actions you must take immediately after a house fire.
According to Ready.gov’s comprehensive guide about home fires, if you need temporary housing, food, or medication, you should contact the Red Cross or your local disaster relief service for help. They can also help with mental health support and recover documents for financial recovery.
After getting in touch with a disaster relief organization, you’ll need to:
Only enter the residence after the fire department confirms that it is safe to do so.
Inform utility providers about the fire and request emergency shut-off service.
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company to begin the claims process.
Hire a fire restoration contractor to assess the damage, get estimates, and start cleanup.
ServPro is a reputable nationwide company specializing in fire restoration, but you can also find local companies with reviews via Home Advisor or Angi.
Document the damages with photographs and detailed notes.
Get an official report from the fire marshal or fire investigator for the insurance claim.
After getting the all-clear, open all the windows throughout the house to vent smoke.
Remove everything from the refrigerator and freezer once the power is disconnected.
Next, you’ll need to decide if you will sell your home in as-is condition or if you’ll make the repairs.
