Selling a Fire-Damaged Property
After a fire, the safety of your family comes first. When you are ready, you have options for the property.
First steps
- Stay out until officials say it is safe to enter.
- Call your insurance company and ask about your coverage and deadlines.
- Get a copy of the fire report.
- Secure the property as your insurer or city requires.
Repair, or sell as it is?
Compare the insurance payout and estimated rebuild cost with what the property could sell for. Before you sell, ask your insurer how a sale affects any open claim, and whether your mortgage lender must be involved in the payout.
City requirements
A city may require the property to be secured, repaired or demolished. Ask about any deadlines, and tell any buyer about notices you have received.
Selling as-is
We can look at fire-damaged properties in their current condition. You can send photos and the report, and you do not need to clear the debris first.
This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state and city, so please check with a qualified professional about your situation.
First Steps After a House Fire
- Make sure everyone is safe and do not enter until the fire department says it is safe.
- Call your insurance company and ask about temporary housing, securing the property and the claims timeline.
- Get the fire report from the local fire department. Your insurer and any buyer will want it.
- Secure the house. Board up windows and doors to prevent further damage and liability.
- Document everything. Photos, receipts and a list of damaged belongings.
Repair or Sell As-Is?
Fire damage often goes beyond what you can see. Smoke and soot travel through ducts and walls, water from firefighting can cause mold, and wiring may need to be replaced. Rebuilding usually means permits, inspections and months of work. Insurance may cover part of it, but many owners decide they would rather settle the claim and sell the house as it is.
Insurance and a Sale
Ask your insurer how a sale affects your claim before you sign anything. In many cases, you can keep insurance proceeds that have already been paid or are owed to you, but policies differ. We are happy to coordinate timing with your adjuster.
Dealing with a fire-damaged house? Get a cash offer without cleaning up or rebuilding.