Fire or Flood Damage? How to Sell Your Houston House Fast After a Disaster

If you're reading this, something awful probably happened to your house. Maybe the water came in during a storm, or a kitchen fire spread further than anyone expected. Now you're dealing with adjusters, contractors and a house you may not even be able to live in. It's a lot, and it's normal to feel stuck.

The good news: you don't have to rebuild before you sell. Houston has buyers who purchase damaged homes exactly as they are.

Your three real options

• Repair, then list. Usually gets the highest price, but it can take months, and you carry the mortgage, taxes and insurance the whole time.
• List it as-is with an agent. Possible, but most buyers need a loan, and lenders often won't finance a house with major damage.
• Sell as-is to a cash buyer. You skip the repairs and the financing problem. The price reflects the work needed, but you're done in weeks.

What happens to the insurance check?

If you have a mortgage, the insurance check for damage is often made out to both you and your lender. Talk to your adjuster and lender about how the money is released. Depending on your policy and your sale contract, some or all of it may stay with you even if you sell before repairs. Get that answer in writing before you sign anything.

You still have to disclose the damage

Texas's seller disclosure form asks about past flooding, flood insurance claims and other damage. Selling as-is doesn't change that, so be honest about what happened. A good cash buyer expects the damage and prices it in, so honesty won't cost you the deal.

How it works with us

• Tell us the address and what happened (fire, flood, mold, roof, foundation).
• We do a short walk-through. You don't need to clean up or remove anything.
• You get a written cash offer, and you pick the closing date.

Whether you sell to us or not, we're happy to talk through your options. Call or text 832-866-FAST any time.