Yes, it’s possible to sell a house in Washington with fire damage, but it may require some additional steps and considerations.
When you’re trying to sell your home after a fire, you basically have two options: you can sell it as is, or you can repair it.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 356,500 home fires were reported in 2020, resulting in $8.4 billion in property damage.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and stressed out about the financial implications after a house fire. However, you should take certain precautions immediately following a fire.
For temporary housing, food, or medication, the Red Cross or your local disaster relief service are recommended in Ready.gov’s comprehensive guide to home fires. Additionally, they can also assist with mental health support and financial recovery.
Once you’ve contacted a disaster relief organization, you’ll need to:
- Once the fire department has confirmed it is safe, enter the residence.
- Request an emergency shutoff from utility providers.
- Get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance company to begin the claim process.
- You should hire a fire restoration contractor to assess the damage, get estimates, and begin the cleanup process.
- Document the damage with photographs and detailed notes.
- Obtain an official report from the fire marshal or fire investigator.
- Once the power has been disconnected, remove everything from the refrigerator and freezer.
How to sell a home with fire damage
Disclose the damage
It is important to disclose the fire damage to potential buyers. Hiding the damage or failing to disclose it could result in legal issues later on.
Assess the extent of the damage
The severity of the fire damage will affect the value of the property. A minor fire that only affects a small portion of the house may be easier to repair than a major fire that damages the entire property.
Obtain a professional inspection and opinion
Get an inspection from a qualified professional who can evaluate the extent of the damage, identify any safety concerns, and provide an estimate for the cost of repairs.
Work with a real estate agent experienced in selling damaged properties An agent who has experience selling damaged properties can help guide you through the process, including pricing the home appropriately and marketing it effectively to potential buyers.
At Highest Offer, our team includes top licensed real estate agents that are experts avt selling homes. In 2022, our brokerage sold over 40 homes in all conditions and situations. Since our brokerage started, we have helped more than 600 homeowners sell their homes. If you are interested in finding out what your home could sell for as-is or after recommended repairs, please contact us today.
Consider selling to a cash home investor
Some real estate investors like us specialize in buying damaged properties. This may be a good option if you are looking to sell quickly and don’t want to invest the time and money into repairs and the traditional real estate process. Get in touch with us if you’re considering selling your home as-is to a cash buyer. We have helped encumbered homeowners out of every situation, and we can do the same for you.
At Highest Offer, we are both a real estate brokerage and investors that buy homes for cash. As a result, we can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our team is here to assist if you need to sell your house quickly and would like to learn what it will sell for to a cash buyer, as-is on the traditional real estate market, or after certain fixes that will maximize your sales price.There is no obligation to contact us, just honest fair advice.