Each year, 350,000 homes succumb to fire, and if you own one of them, you might need to sell the property quickly. In Modesto, you’ve got a clear-cut path of how to sell your property after a fire- which is, actually, pretty simple!

After the Fire

Don’t go running straight back into your house when you can’t see any more flames; you’ll want to wait for permission from the fire department. Even then, you might only be allowed to enter to get important documents or personal belongings- the structure could be unsteady, and the last thing you want is to get hurt. Once it’s safe, cover any broken windows or other openings to prevent weather damage to the property. You may also want to put up temporary fencing to discourage vandalism.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Talk it out with your broker to learn what your insurance does and doesn’t cover, and what you should apply for. If you don’t currently have insurance, you may want to turn to the American Red Cross for immediate assistance.

Moving Forward

Before you do anything, you’re going to want to have your home re-inspected. While the damage may look minimal, having a home inspector there can address hidden concerns, like wiring, plumbing, or even structural issues leftover from the fire. After that, you’ve got two choices:

  • Repair and Renovate: You’ve always got the option to sell your fire-damaged property to a regular buyer. However, you do need to either repair the house and make it liveable beforehand, or have your buyer apply for a rehabilitation/renovation loan. Many buyers don’t want to buy a damaged home, so make sure to remember that your market may be a little slow to grow after a fire.
  • Sell Your Modesto Home for Cash: The easiest- and fastest- way to get a fire-damaged home off of your hands is to sell it to competent real estate investors like Rapido House Buyers. A good investor can make you a cash offer for your as-is home, providing you money with little to no work for it. You don’t need to worry about repairs or livability, and while your profits may be a little less than you’d get if you repaired it, you also don’t have to worry about paying for the repairs!

Recovering from a home fire can be devastating, but it is possible to move on.