A house fire turns life upside down, whether it's one burned kitchen or a total loss. Once everyone is safe, the questions start: Do we rebuild? How long will it take? Can we even sell a house in this condition?
You can. Here's what we'd tell a friend in that spot.
First things first after a fire
- Stay safe. Don't go back in until the fire department or a qualified professional says it's safe.
- Call your insurance company. Start the claim early and ask what they need from you.
- Document everything. Take photos and videos of every room, and keep receipts for any emergency costs.
- Secure the property. Boarding up windows and doors helps prevent break-ins and further damage.
- Let your mortgage lender know. Lenders are often named on insurance checks for the structure.
Smoke and water damage go deeper than they look
Fire damage isn't just the burned area. Smoke can get into insulation, ducts and drywall throughout the house, and the water used to put the fire out can lead to mold if it isn't dried properly. That's one reason repair estimates after a fire often grow once walls are opened up.
Your three main paths
1. Repair or rebuild
If your insurance coverage is strong and you want to stay in the house, rebuilding may make sense. Expect permits, contractors and a timeline that can stretch out, especially after a large fire when crews and materials are in demand.
2. List it on the open market
Some buyers will take on a fire-damaged house, but many traditional buyers can't, because lenders often won't finance a house that isn't livable. That narrows the pool and can mean a longer wait.
3. Sell it as-is for cash
A direct cash buyer can make an offer on the house in its current condition, with no cleanup, debris removal or repairs on your end. That can let you move on with your insurance claim and your life on a schedule you choose.
Questions to ask your insurance company
Before you sell, ask your insurer and, if needed, an attorney how a sale affects your claim. Useful questions include: What happens to coverage for the structure if I sell? Are there funds for additional living expenses, and do they change? Who is named on the checks? Every policy is different, so get the answers in writing.
Disclose the fire
California sellers need to disclose known problems, and a fire is a big one, even if it was repaired. Being upfront about what happened, what was fixed and what wasn't helps the sale go smoothly. Many foothill neighborhoods, like parts of Highland near the San Bernardino Mountains, are also in mapped fire hazard zones that come with their own disclosures. Escrow will provide the forms, and an attorney can help with questions.
How we buy fire-damaged houses
We make cash offers on fire-damaged houses from a single room to a total loss. We'll walk the property with you, then send a written, no-obligation cash offer, usually about 24 hours after we get your property details. You don't need to clean up, haul debris or start repairs.
A licensed, neutral escrow and title company handles the closing, and any mortgage is paid off from the proceeds. We can close in about 7 days, or on your timeline. If you need money for a rental or moving costs, you may qualify for a cash advance of up to $30,000 before closing on qualifying homes.*
We buy across San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange counties. Start with your address on our offer form or call (909) 833-4848.
*Cash advance of up to $30,000 is available case by case, on qualifying homes and situations only, and is subject to our review of the property and title. Any advance is subtracted from your proceeds at closing. It’s money paid to you, never a fee: we never ask sellers to pay us anything up front.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a real estate attorney, CPA or other qualified professional about yours.