How to sell a water-damaged house in Jacksonville
Dealing with water damage—whether from extreme weather problems like hurricanes, heavy rainfall, or a sudden burst pipe—can be incredibly stressful. You may be facing extensive repairs, a big cleanup, and tough decisions about what to do next. Whether you're considering selling your house quickly or simply need advice on the best course of action, it’s important to explore all your options.
At We Buy Ugly Houses®, we understand how difficult water damage can be and are here to help you find the right solution for your unique situation. If your house has water damage, it’s important to look at the issue logically and take one step at a time. Let’s look at what types of damage water can cause, insurance, how to remediate, and how to sell a house with water damage.
Take care of the water issue quickly.
It’s important to have a speedy response to water in your house. If you don’t take quick action, a host of other problems can occur that can lead to more major issues, such as:
- Structural damage to your house: Water can warp and rot wood, erode concrete, and cause foundation issues.
- Mold and mildew: Mildew and mold may begin to grow and spread in damp areas and can do so in as quickly as 24–48 hours. Mold is an allergen and can pose health risks. It can also cause damage to the building’s materials such as sheet rock and wood framing.
- Damaged belongings: Speedy action can save electronics, clothing, furniture, and other possessions from water damage.
- Electrical dangers: Water can get to electrical outlets, wiring, and appliances and cause shocks, short circuits, and fires.
- Health risks: Damp conditions and standing water can breed bacteria that can lead to illness.
Call your insurance company.
If you can stop the water from entering your house, do that at once, then call your insurance agent.
According to Friedlander with News4Jax, “…typically one inch of flood water is equivalent to $25,000 worth of damage to a home.” According to Forbes, 24% of home damage claims involve water damage, and the average claim is $12,514.
If the water is from flooding, many insurance companies won’t cover that unless you have a separate flood insurance plan, which 80% of Florida residents don’t have. However, flood insurance in Jacksonville runs about $65 a month, according to NerdWallet, and is a wise investment. If you don’t have flood insurance, federal disaster aid may be able to help.
Remove standing water in your house.
Calling your local Jacksonville fire department is a smart move if there’s a lot of water. If the water is coming from a broken pipe, they can turn off the supply. They can also turn off your electric breaker box and examine the area to see if it’s safe enough to clean up. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots, and use tools like shop vacs, mops, and fans to remove standing water. Follow up with dehumidifiers.
If the water is too much for you to handle, your insurance agent can recommend companies that specialize in water removal and cleanup. The cost depends on the amount of damage you have.
Assess the water damage in your house.
Consider hiring a professional inspector to evaluate the damage. Water damage is often hidden, but inspectors know what to look for. Insurance companies usually cover the cost of restoration services to address structural damage and mold remediation. Talk to your agent to learn what is covered under your policy.
How to sell a water-damaged house
It may be difficult to sell a house with significant water damage the traditional way. Many mortgage companies would deny a loan to a potential buyer when there’s water damage to a house. But if the extent of the damage is more than you’re willing to fix, there is a good solution available. You can sell your house to We Buy Ugly Houses®, a reputable off-market house buyer in Jacksonville, in its current condition for a fast offer.
We buy houses “as is,” so there’s no need for repairing water damage or cleaning it up. In fact, you can leave water-damaged items in your house, and we’ll take care of them for you. After accepting our offer and signing the contract, you’ll have 3 days to consider your decision and ensure it’s the right one for you. If you decide not to proceed, just contact your property buyer to cancel the sale. Our priority is for you to feel completely comfortable and confident in your choice.
Simply contact us for a consultation at your house, and one of our local, friendly franchisees will meet with you, take a tour of your Jacksonville property, and answer your questions. Sometimes, we can provide an offer on the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If you need more time, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
We’re America’s trusted house buyer** and have amazing reviews from our sellers. You can rely on us for a streamlined, hassle-free sale with no commissions and no hidden fees. We also pay typical closing costs. Our offers are usually discounted below market value in exchange for speed and convenience. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your water-damaged house “as is.”
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
