Five Things You Must Do to Effectively Market and Sell Your Fire-Damaged Home

People who lose their homes to fire, be it big or small, often find the task of rebuilding or repairing the property overwhelming. The question foremost on their minds is: Can you sell a fire damaged house? The good news is, in Rhode Island and many other states, you can sell a fire-damaged home—you just need to market it effectively, and you're sure to find a buyer. Here are five steps you need to take to market your fire-damaged home.

1. Document the damage

Once your home has been declared safe to enter again, do so to document the damage. Take high-quality photos of the affected areas, including close-up shots of the damage done by fire, heat, smoke, soot, and water. You also want to capture signs of structural damage.

2. Hire a fire restoration company for cleaning and minor repairs

Can you sell a fire damaged house without cleaning or making minor repairs? Yes. But for marketing purposes, you want to make the property look more attractive to potential buyers, which means at least cleaning up the debris and removing some of the signs of soot, smoke, and water damage.

A fire restoration company can help you remove the lingering smell of smoke and conduct minor structural repairs. This is important as some buyers want to tour the property before making a decision. You want to ensure they have a safe and pleasant visit.

3. Fix the exterior of the home

First impressions last, and since your home's lawn, front garden, and exterior are the first things potential buyers see, you want to make them look attractive. Applying a fresh coat of paint can hide soot and smoke damage. Planting new shrubs and bushes and ensuring that the lawn is neatly trimmed can increase the home’s curb appeal. By making the property look more attractive, you can help a potential buyer see its potential.

4. Craft an honest and transparent listing description

In Rhode Island, you are required to disclose to potential buyers if a property has suffered fire damage. In your listing, include information about the extent of the damage and the repair estimates. You shouldn't just accentuate the negative; however, make sure to highlight any property features that may be attractive to a buyer. Details such as the property's location and the value of other properties can help a buyer assess if your fire-damaged home is worth restoring.

5. Work with specialized real estate companies

One of the most effective ways to sell a fire-damaged house in Rhode Island is to work with a real estate company or agent specializing in fire-damaged properties. Sell Fire Damaged House Rhode Island is a home buyer that specializes in helping people sell their fire-damaged home "ad is" for cash. All you need to do is fill out the form on their website, and they will review the details of your listing and connect you to a local cash buyer.

Working with a specialized real estate company will ensure that your property gets noticed by the right people. Buyers of fire-damaged properties look to buy properties that they can repair, restore, and sell for a profit. You can and should sell your fire-damaged home to these people, and a specialized real estate company can help ensure the process is quick and stress-free.