Selling A House With Water Damage

How To Sell A House With Water Damage in 2024

Selling a house with water damage is not a walk in the park.

Actually, it can be an absolute nightmare if you aren’t prepared financially and mentally for it.

But then again, who really is prepared for that kind of thing?

I know I wasn’t.

Last year I sold my house that had water damage. Even worse, it was two different occurences of water damage: the roof and a leaky pipe.

Luckily, I was on top of it and I knew it existed before I sold the house.

What’s great about that is now you don’t have to make all the mistakes I made! Instead you can learn from my experience and use that to your advantage when selling your own house with water damage.

I’m going to show you:

1. Why water damage is actually a problem when selling
2. What 90% of homeowners don’t know about water damage
3. One type of water damage is bad enough, another is a deal breaker
4. The one person you should not call for help
5. My secret weapon for selling a house with water damage

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who owns a home with water damage and you’re looking to sell the house without the hassle and haggling, then stick around and I will show you a better way.

But before we get to all of that, why would you even listen my advice?

Do I even know what I’m talking about?

For one, I’ve done what you’re trying to do.

I’ve sold a house without fixing the water damage a bad roof and old pipe caused.

And two, I’m an expert at home renovations and real estate sales. Many publications trust my experience and knowledge on many household topics. Water damage being one of them!

I’ve been featured in the NY Times, the Washington Post and on Architectural Digest for many years now.

Okay. You’re ready to trust me now? Great!

Let’s jump in!

MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Selling a house with water damage can be problematic. A proactive approach will save you headaches and hassles along the way.
• You have two options: you can either fix the water damage and the source of it or you can sell your house with water damage. Both require some planning.
• If you decide to sell your house with water damage, you may want to consider what will work best for you and your family. The traditional approach is not always the best.

Does Previous Water Damage Affect Home Value In Pennsylvania?

Unequivocably: Yes.

Water damage can have serious impacts of the value of your real estate. Whether you own a home, an investment property or a commercial building…water damage can reduce the value of your property.

But why?

The reason homeowners need to take water damage seriously boils down to two things:

1. Marketability of the property
2. Health hazards

If you’re not concerned with either of those, then maybe your water damaged house is not a big deal. But for many in America, they don’t want to risk their health or financials just because of some water leak or mold damage.

So how does water damage affects the value of your home when you go to resell it?

Think about it this way:

You plan to sell your house and move to another state. You call up your realtor to come take pictures and list the property. He or she points out all the water stains and informs you that this must be disclosed on the listing.

Now, for months on end, your house is shown to potential buyers.

Showing after showing.

Appointment after appointment.

But no offers come in. No one wants to buy a house that needs repairs.

Finally, months later you get a really low offer and now you are now forced to take.

And just like that, water damage has affected the value of your house.

But there is a better option. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead you can just sell your house, right now, with water damage included. Of all the homeowners I surveryed, 90% of them did not know that this option even existed for selling a house with water damage.

How Much Damage Can Water Do To A House?

There are countless ways that water can damage a house.

You might have a burst pipe that floods your attic and down all the inside of the walls in the home. This kind of issue requires mold remediation, evaluation for structural damage and extensive plumbing services.

Or maybe your gutters are slowly leaking water and causing puddles to pool up against your foundation. Now after many years of not addressing the issue your basement wall is bowing and creating moldy substances on the floor joists and walls.

Neither of these scenarios are desirable in the least. Both of them occured in my own home.

I owned a 200 year old home in Philadelphia that had extensive water damage and I needed to sell it. After realizing that these two water issues were plaguing my potential sale, I immediately became frustrated.

My case might seem extreme but it’s a great example of how much damage water can do to a house. The answer is quite a bit.

Many of the estimates I received to fix this issue before selling the house were in the ballpark of $50,000-$60,000.

Are you unsure of what causes water damage in your house? Check out some of these common causes of water damage:

Water Damage Example #1: Leaking Pipes

Water Damage Example #2: Running Fixtures

Water Damage Example #3: Sewer Water Backup

Water Damage Example #4: Basement Flooding

Water Damage Example #5: Clogged Gutters

Water Damage Example #6: Snow & Ice

Water Damage Example #7: Natural Disasters

Water Damage Example #8: Bad Roof

How Do You Know If Water Damage Is Serious?

Well for me, it was a no brainer. My water damage was absolutely serious.

However, your case might be different. Maybe you have a leaky window that is contained to just that area of the home. Or it’s even possible that you live in a flood zone and have remnants of water damage from years prior. Are either of those cases serious?

It’s the answer you didn’t want to hear, but it’s true: Yes, they are.

Any kind of water damage is serious. Even if it is a small amount.

Small amounts of water damage can lead to immense mold problems or rotted structural beams. I’ve even seen small pinhole leaks in a roof that stained and entire ceiling in a bedroom.

If you’re on the fence thinking “I can probably just hide this water damage and sell the place”. Then think again.

If you sell your home with water damage thinking it’s not serious and you don’t disclose this to the buyer and their realtor, then you might be a whole lot of trouble down the road.

It is illegal to not disclose water damage when selling a house. If the buyer finds out that you knew about this and decided to not bring it up, then you could face fines or other penalties in the future.

As I stated above:

Any amount of water damage is serious. Be safe and disclose it.

How Do You Remove Water Damage From A House in PA?

First off, take a deep breath.

It’s not the end of the world, even if it might feel like it.

The key is to approach this with a clear plan. Start by identifying the source of the water damage. Is it a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or maybe a sneaky little crack in the foundation? Knowing where the water is coming from is half the battle.

Next, assess the extent of the damage. Is it confined to one room, or has it decided to spread its love throughout the entire house? You might need to bring in the pros for a thorough inspection to get the full picture.

Now, don’t be too hasty to throw in the towel. If the damage is more on the mild side, you can try some DIY magic. Invest in a good dehumidifier to suck the moisture out of the air, and get those fans going to promote some healthy airflow. Mold and mildew don’t stand a chance against your newfound air-drying tactics.

If the damage is more serious, it might be time to call in the professionals – a restoration service is going to be your best bet.

These folks are like the superheroes of water damage, armed with industrial-strength equipment and know-how. They’ll dry, dehumidify, and restore your house to its former glory. But it’s going to be expensive!

Sure, it might seem like a daunting task, but before you put that “For Sale” sign up, you might want to give your house a fighting chance. With a bit of determination and the right tools, you can turn this waterlogged situation around. Who knows, you might end up with a house that’s not just standing but thriving against the odds!

If that all sounds too hectic, too pricey and just too much overall…then you might want to just considering selling the house to a local house buyer. These kinds of companies can buy your house with any amount of water damage. They will work quickly to get you an offer and can close at your convienence.

Depending on the extent of your water damage, you might just want to throw in the towel and sell your house to a pro.

My team and I do it all the time for homeowners in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.

For sellers who are either fed up with trying to fix the mold, the pipes and any other contributor to water damage: we can step in and help.

Options For Selling A House With Water Damage In Pennsylvania

There are a few different ways you could go about selling your water damaged house. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each.

Hiring A Realtor:

When selling a house with water damage, you might be tempted to call an agent and ask them to list your house. We see this happen frequently and it’s typically the option that looks the easiest but never really is.

Homeowners often think that because they are paying an agent that they will get the job done and sell the water damaged house. Not always the case though.

The problem with realtors is that they might require you to fix the damage before listing it. Or, if they don’t, they might just take the listing and hold your house hostage on-market for months on end.

Realtors are great at selling homes, but as we now know: this isn’t a straightforward sale.

For Sale By Owner:

Another option is to try and sell the house yourself.

This option can save you money on commissions, but it can also be diffucult, as you will have to handle all of the marketing and sales efforts yourself. On top of that, what’s the plan with the water damage?

Will you fix it and then try to sell the house?

Will you sell the house “as is”?

So while you do save money compared to listing with an agent, you also still won’t be able to close the deal as fast as you’d like and you may not really get around the water damage issue at all.

Local Cash House Buyer:

Homebuyers are professionals. They deal with all kinds of issues from mold to rot and even leaks to floods. Your situation will not be intimidating or challenging to cash home buyer who buys properties like this frequently. To you and a realtor, it could be. But not for these guys.

Homebuyers also are not realtors so they do not charge you a fee. For sellers who want to sell their house with extensive amounts of water damage, this is a real savings! Imagine selling your house without paying a commission. You could use that money to get started somewhere else.

Homebuyers are also ready to purchase and close quickly. There will be no issues around home inspections, appraisals, repairs, water stains and any other kind of water damage.

Selling A House With Water Damage FAQ

Can I sell my house with water damage?

Yes, you can sell a house with water damage, but it’s essential to address the issue beforehand. Disclose everything! Buyers are often wary of water damage, so taking steps to repair and disclose the damage is crucial for a successful sale.

How do I determine the extent of water damage in my house?

To assess water damage, start by identifying the source and then thoroughly inspect affected areas. Look for signs such as stains, discoloration, and a musty odor. Hiring a professional inspector can provide a comprehensive evaluation, helping you understand the full scope of the damage.

Should I make repairs before selling my water-damaged house?

It really depends.

Making repairs is essential when selling a water-damaged house in you are trying to get the full market value. If it was my house and it only had a little bit of water damage – then I might fix it and sell it. Repairs not only enhance the property’s appeal but also instill confidence in potential buyers. However, many people don’t feel comfortable addressing issues like mold, structural damage, and fixing the source of water intrusion. All of those are crucial to achieving a fair market value. If that’s too much, you can also sell your house “as is”.

How do I disclose water damage when selling my house?

Full disclosure is key. Provide a detailed history of the water damage, repairs undertaken, and any preventive measures in place. This transparency builds trust with potential buyers and protects you legally.

Can I sell my water-damaged house as-is?

Yes! It’s more common than you think.

Selling a water-damaged house as-is is possible, but it may significantly impact the selling price. Buyers often expect a discount for the potential risks and costs associated with repairing the damage. Consult with a real estate professional to determine the best strategy based on your specific situation.

The findings and information in this article are focused on Pennsylvania, however, it is applicable in many locations nationwide!

Best Way To Sell A House With Water Damage

Signature Properties provides the easiest and simplest way to sell your house in Pennsylvania. We buy houses through fair and honest cash offers.🙂 Whether you are avoiding the bank from foreclosure, coming into an inheritance, going through divorce or any other situation – we have real estate solutions to get you the outcomes you desire when you sell your house to us. We help homeowners with costly home repairs, mounting liens, code enforcement violations and even vacant homes. Are you trying to sell your house in surrounding areas or other counties and states near Pennsylvania? We buy properties in New Jersey and Delaware as well as many other towns! In fact, we buy homes all over Pennsylvania. So if you’re selling a house with water damage and can’t find a solution – look no further, we will help you!