How To Sell A House With Water Damage In Orlando
Water damage, whether from storms, heavy rain, or an unexpected burst pipe, can be overwhelming to handle. If your house has been affected, you’re likely facing a long list of repairs, cleanup, and difficult decisions. Whether you're thinking about selling your house quickly or just need guidance on the next steps, it’s important to consider all your options. At We Buy Ugly Houses®, we understand how challenging water damage can be and are ready to help you determine the best path forward for your situation.
Severe downpours and burst water pipes can cause major damage in seconds. Let's look at what to do if you discover water in your house, how to repair water damage, what insurance covers, and how to sell a water-damaged house.
Water damage is a common issue in Orlando houses.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, "Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting homeowners, costing billions of dollars annually." It can rust metal, destroy foundations, and cause the spread of dangerous bacteria along with mold and mildew.
In fact, in Orlando, water damage claims are second only to crime and theft house insurance claims.
Steps to take if water enters your house
If water starts creeping into your house, swift action is your best defense to minimize damage.
· Stop the water flow: First things first—halt the water in its tracks. For flooding, use towels and blankets to block doorways and other entry points. Got a roof leak? Cover your furniture with plastic and catch drips in pots and buckets. If a pipe bursts, turn off your main water supply at once.
· Contact your insurance agent: Reach out to your insurance company right away. They’ll guide you through the next steps and help you understand your policy coverage.
· Remove the water: If the water level is more than an inch, turn off your power at the breaker box to stay safe. Wear rubber boots and gloves and start removing the water with any tools you have on hand: fans, wet/dry vacuums, mops, and towels can all help.
Remember, acting quickly can make a huge difference in protecting your house and belongings. Stay calm, stay safe, and tackle the job.
Inspect the damage.
Once you’ve removed all the water, it's time to check out the damage. Remember, some problems might be hiding under floors or behind walls. This is why it's a good idea to bring in a professional inspector, which is often covered by your insurance. They have special tools to peek inside walls and floors and detect hidden moisture.
Another issue to watch out for is mold, which can start growing within just a day or two. Mold not only causes health problems but can also do more damage to your house. While you can tackle small mold problems yourself, larger infestations might need professional help.
According to ConsumerAffairs, “In Orlando, mold removal typically costs between $1,000–$3,000. Don't hesitate to call in the pros to ensure your house stays safe and sound.”
Restoration work
When it comes to fixing up your house after water damage, you might need some restoration services, which are often covered by your insurance. Be sure to check with your agent about what your policy includes. You might have to remove and replace damaged materials like wood, flooring, and drywall.
The good news is that water-damage professionals will take care of sanitizing and deodorizing the affected areas, making your house fresh and safe again. Don't hesitate to reach out for help to get your house back in tip-top shape. Keep receipts and document the work to show potential buyers if you decide to sell the house.
Flood insurance in Orlando
The majority of homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage from a flood. If you live in a flood zone in Orlando, your mortgage company will probably require you to buy a flood insurance policy. The average cost of flood insurance in Florida is $781 per year for a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program.
How to sell a house with water damage
Selling a house with water damage can be difficult through traditional methods. Mortgage companies typically won’t approve loans for houses that have major issues, and in Florida you legally must disclose any issues with the house, including water damage.
But don’t worry, there’s an easier way! We Buy Ugly Houses®, an off-market house buyer in Orlando, purchases houses “as is.” Whether you’re dealing with a leaky roof, old wiring, or foundation problems, we make fast offers and provide a smooth, convenient sale with top-notch customer service. Our fantastic seller reviews highlight some of the ways we provide great assistance.
You can have confidence when accepting our offer. After signing the contract, you have 3 days to consider your decision. If you choose not to move forward, simply reach out to your property buyer to cancel the sale. We want you to feel comfortable and fully confident in your sale.
Just reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Orlando-area property buyers. We’ll visit your house, take a look, and answer all your questions. Sometimes, we can present an offer on the same day. If you accept our offer, we may be able to close in as little as 3 weeks. Need more time? We’ll try our hardest to accommodate your timeframe.
Contact us today and let us help you make selling a house “as is” easy and hassle-free.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
