How to sell a water-damaged house in Boston
Houses in Boston can get water damage from different sources like burst pipes, roof leaks, and condensation in poorly ventilated rooms. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding in homes, especially around the Fort Point Channel area, near Constitution Beach and Chelsea Creek, and along the Charles River. It’s important to act quickly when water enters your home, and to contain it and remove it quickly. We’ll look at steps to take and how to sell your water-damaged house if that’s the best option for you.
Stopping water entry is the first step.
If water is entering your house, it’s important to act fast. Taking quick steps can reduce repair costs and the extent of the damage, save personal belongings, and protect electrical systems and the structure of your house. The presence of water in your house can cause the following issues:
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Structural damage to your home: Water can wear away your home’s foundation and cause the framework and supports to rot.
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Mold growth: Damp areas are ideal for mold growth, which can begin in only 1 or 2 days. Mold is unsightly, smells bad, and can cause health problems and even more damage to your house.
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Damaged belongings: Furniture, bookshelves, electronics, and other household items can be ruined by water exposure.
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Electrical hazards: Water can reach electrical wiring and appliances, leading to fire and shocks.
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Health risks: Water and dampness can breed bacteria that can cause illness, such as skin and lung infections.
Contact your insurance agent.
Once you have the water under control, contact your insurance agent to find out what your policy covers. Your agent can give you advice on steps to take, review your policy with you, explain limits and deductibles, and help you through the process of filing a claim.
They can also guide you through the restoration process.
Flood insurance in Boston
Regular homeowners insurance typically won’t cover claims from floods. To be protected from flooding, you'll need a separate flood insurance policy. The flooding problem in Boston is continually getting worse due to climate change, especially in East Boston, the North End, and Charlestown. In January 2024, Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta said her constituents “… have constantly flooding basements, and businesses that keep sandbags at the ready for when they see a storm coming.”
According to ValuePenguin, “Flood insurance in Massachusetts costs an average of $1,078 per year, or $90 per month. That's for a policy through the government that gives you an average of $289,000 in coverage for your home and belongings.”
Removing standing water in your Boston house is an important first step.
Fire departments don’t just put out fires. They can also pump the water out of your home, so call them if you have a lot of water in your house. They have strong pumps and are experienced in water removal.
They can also quickly turn off your electricity, gas, and water supplies. For smaller water events, you can do it yourself. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots, and use tools like towels, mops, wet/dry vacuums, and fans to remove standing water.
Examine the water damage in your house.
It’s difficult for most of us to see what has been damaged because a lot of water damage is hidden under floors and behind walls and ceilings. A professional Boston water-damage inspector can do a more thorough evaluation with special tools such as moisture monitors and thermal cameras. Ask your insurance agent if this type of inspection is covered by your policy.
How to sell a water-damaged house
It can be hard to sell a house with water damage. If there’s foundation shifting or erosion, rotten wood, or a mold issue, loan companies will likely turn down a loan application from a potential buyer. But We Buy Ugly Houses® can help. We’re a reputable off-market house buyer in Boston, and we buy houses “as is,” including houses with leaking roofs, structural damage, and moisture issues.
You can avoid doing any repairs when you sell to us. You can even leave damaged or unwanted items in the house, and we’ll remove them for you. Simply reach out to us for a consultation at your house, and one of our friendly Boston property specialists will meet with you, take a tour of your house, and answer your questions. Sometimes, we can provide an offer on the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If that’s too fast, we’ll do our best to adjust to your timeline.
We Buy Ugly Houses has a reputation of trust and reliability, as shown in the amazing reviews from our sellers who completed an after-sale survey. You can count on us to give you a convenient, hassle-free sale. We have no hidden fees, and we also pay typical closing costs. Our offers are less than market value in exchange for speed and convenience. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with the sale of your house.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
