If your house has been damaged by fire, you’re unlikely to be able to patch up the damage and move on. A house impacted by fire must be sold for a homeowner to recover in full. However, selling a fire-damaged home is far from easy because of the many repairs that may have occurred and the potential safety hazards.
Awareness of these difficulties doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible; with some marketing savvy and preparation, it can still be possible to get your home off the market quickly and safely. Here are some tips to successfully sell a fire-damaged house without running into significant roadblocks.
1. Conduct Repairs as Needed
Fire damage often requires extensive repairs – from replacing broken windows to rebuilding burned walls. You must ensure the home is safe and up to code before listing it. Get in touch with a professional contractor who can do a thorough assessment of the damage and provide an estimate for required repairs.
Try to get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and decide which option works best for your situation. The average cost of repairing fire damage can vary greatly depending on the size and severity of the damage. Still, it is essential to factor this expense into your overall budget.
2, Price Your Home Competitively
Fire-damaged homes typically take longer to sell than other properties because buyers are often hesitant when considering such purchases due to safety concerns or potential repair issues. To ensure a successful sale, you must price your home competitively, so buyers are more likely to take the plunge.
Research the local market and look at what similar homes are going for, this will give you a good idea of what range your home should fall into. A good rule is to price your home at least 20% to 30% less than the estimated market value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
3, Sell for Cash
The traditional route of real estate transactions can often be challenging when trying to sell a fire-damaged home, as it requires financial institutions to approve the transaction and may involve an extensive waiting period for closing. Consider selling your home “as-is” for cash to speed up the process. This will enable you to close quickly without additional costs or paperwork.
Cash buyers are often more willing to purchase homes that have been impacted by fire, and they can provide a much-needed financial lifeline for those dealing with this situation. For instance, Mill City Homebuyers is a great place to start if you’re looking for cash buyers in your area. When selling for cash, you don’t need to worry about repairs or other normal costs associated with a real estate transaction.
4, Invest in Good Marketing
When it comes to selling a fire-damaged home, good marketing is vital. It’s important to highlight your home’s positive aspects and focus on its potential. Use high-quality photos and videos to show what the home looks like post-fire; this will help potential buyers see past any damage and paint a better picture of the property’s full potential. You should also share your story on social media, as it can be an effective way to find buyers with an affinity for your property.
Selling a fire-damaged house can be challenging, but with the right strategy, it is possible to get your home off the market quickly and safely. Use these four tips to ensure a successful sale and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe.