How Bad is Water Damage to a House You're Trying to Sell?

If you're selling your house and there’s water damage in it, you have to act fast to preserve its value. Here's what you should do:

1. Act Quick: Time is a key factor when it comes to water damage. Water damage gets worse the longer it sits. As soon as you see water damage, take immediate steps to fix it.
2. Take Pictures: Before you fix anything, take photos or videos of all the affected areas including any visible signs of water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings. This will help with insurance claims and inform the potential buyers about the current state of your house.
3. Get Professional Help: It's tempting to try and fix water damage yourself, but it's usually better to get professionals to do it. Licensed and certified technicians have the right tools and know-how to do the job in the right way.
4. Watch for Mold: Mold can worsen respiratory issues and pose other health issues to the residents, so get rid of it fast if you see any. Make sure your house is clean and safe for buyers.
5. Invest in Proper Repairs: When you fix your house, do it right. Fix everything so it won't cause more problems later. Make sure all the affected areas are dried, repaired, and restored. If you don't, buyers might not want to buy your house.
   
6. Be Transparent: Transparency and honesty are key for selling a water-damaged house. Tell buyers about the water damage and what you did to fix it. Show them proof of the repairs. Being transparent will help you build their trust.

How to Sell a Water-Damaged House?

Selling a house that is water-damaged can be challenging. If you're attempting to sell a house with water damage, you need to be honest about it. Tell buyers what happened, what you did to fix it, and if there's anything still wrong. Working with real estate agents or inspectors can help you sell your house while following all the relevant regulations and requirements.

Challenges to Selling a Water-Damaged Home

One of the most pressing questions for sellers is, "Does water damage decrease home value?". Sadly, it often does. Water damage can lower how much a home is worth because potential buyers might see it as a problem or worry about future issues. Also, selling a home with water damage might take longer because finding the right buyer who's okay with fixing it up can be hard. Some of the main challenges include the following:

1. Lowering the Price: To attract buyers, sellers sometimes lower the price of water-damaged homes. They might need to adjust the price to show how bad the damage is and how much fixing it will cost. But even with a lower price, some buyers might still be unsure because of health worries linked to water damage.
2. Tackling Mold-Related Health Concerns: Water damage can lead to mold growth, which can be detrimental to people's health, especially if they have breathing problems or allergies. Even after fixing things up, there might still be dampness or hidden mold that worries buyers. Dealing with these health worries and showing proof that the damage was fixed can help calm buyers' fears.
3. Preventing Future Damage: Both sellers and buyers of water-damaged homes need to think about future damage. If the cause of the water problem isn't fixed properly, it could happen again, causing more damage and costs later on. Buyers might not want to buy a home with a history of water damage because they're worried about dealing with more problems and spending more money on repairs.

To sum it up, selling a house with water damage can be tough. But if you fix it properly, tell buyers the truth about the current state, and get help when you need it, you can sell your house with confidence. 

Reach Out to Swift Restoration and Remodeling for Professional Help

If you're dealing with water damage in Ogden, you can count on us! At Swift Restoration and Remodeling, our expert team is committed to fixing water damage with care and precision. We have over 13 years of experience in the restoration industry, and over 30 years of experience in construction altogether. Our team offers you 24/7 emergency services to tackle all your water damage concerns! Besides, with our restoration and remodeling efforts, we’ll help you sell your house without any worries. Call us at (385) 412-8633 or submit the contact form for a free estimate!