Selling Your House with Water Damage

 

Have you recently experienced a flood? What about a broken pipe? Leaking roof? These can all cause catastrophic water damage, but water damage is not uncommon. If you’re looking to sell your house and have experienced water damage or flooding it can be difficult to attract potential buyers. This can leave you in a difficult position. 

Before you list your home, decide if investing your time and money into a repair and renovation is right for you or if you should sell as-is. With either option you are legally obligated to disclose the water damage to a potential buyer, whoever that may be. Honesty really is the best policy in these types of situations. It’s important for  you to understand your options and the steps to take when dealing with flooding or water damage in your house.

Minimize the Damage

When you experience water damage, it is important to begin minimizing the damage as soon as it is safe and possible to do so. It is important to follow these steps as soon as you can.

  • Call Insurance immediately. Make sure you document all damage by taking photos of ALL damage- small or large. It’s important to note that most insurances will not cover gradual damage.
  • Remove water logged items such as mattresses, furniture, and bedding. Transport these belongs outside to dry if possible.
  • Dehumidify your floors and keep it running as long as possible. Often, wood floors can be salvaged after water damage or flooding. This can also help dry out the walls and ceilings.
  • Cut out drywall. Typically your drywall cannot be salvaged and must be cut out to avoid a mold infestation. 
Repair the Water Damaged Areas

When you go to sell a water damaged home to potential buyers, any signs of water damage can scare buyers away. It is critical you repair all underlying damages and issues before selling your house.

It is also important to not attempt to hide water damage from potential buyers. Again, you are legally obligated to disclose water damage sustained to the house. Remember, just because you disclose water damage does not mean you will be stuck with a house you do not want.

Eliminate Mold

Mold is the number one issue associated with water damage and can be a buyer’s worst fear. The toxins associated with mold can have serious health consequences. You will need to have your home tested for the presence of mold in order to make it safe and sellable. Whether the mold is toxic or not, you will need to have it removed by professionals. Remember when dealing with mold it is best to wear boots, rubber gloves, and a mask for your safety. 

Hire an Inspector

Hiring an inspector will put your potential buyer’s mind at ease and can better detect an underlying water damage you may not know is present. This will also help you to get the highest price for your water damaged house. You will have to pay a fee for services from an inspector, which will add to the potential costs incurred.

Make sure to get the inspection and any resulting repairs in writing to show that you have done your due diligence in fixing the water damage properly. Being able to show prospective buyers documentation will provide reassurance and help you sell your house.

Sell As-Is

If this list looks daunting, we understand. Repairs can be costly, stressful, and take up a lot of your time. Urban Dwell Homes buys houses for cash, as-is. Our goal is to make your life easier and help you get out from under this property that is causing you stress while making you a fair, cash offer. If you want to avoid all the time and delays associated with putting a house on the market, we can help by buying hassle-free and without the headaches of appraisals. We can also help you avoid dealing with loans and the typical homeowner requests for repairs. With Urban Dwell Homes you won’t pay any for realtor commissions, closing fees, or costly repairs. You can close fast and get your cash in as little as 7 days, or we can take our time and close when it is convenient for you. To get started, give us a call at 423-226-4560 or fill out our form for a free no obligation cash quote today!

 

Resources:
https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-handle-water-damage-claims-3860314