You can sell before repairs or a settled claim

You may be dealing with a damaged house while trying to find somewhere to stay or get daily life back on track. I can discuss the house as it is, even if repairs haven’t started or the insurance claim is still open.

Tell me what happened, which rooms were affected, and what work has started. If you’re waiting for an inspection or an answer about the damage, say so. You can ask about selling without having every answer yet.

What to share about the damage

Photos, adjuster notes, and repair estimates can help explain the damage. Tell me what you already have; you don’t need a new estimate just to ask about a sale. Explain what was removed or repaired and which areas haven’t been inspected.

If an estimate covers only part of the house, let me know. Tell me about areas that can’t be reached safely before a visit. Stay out of unsafe rooms, even if you want a better photo.

The Texas disclosure notice asks about flooding

Texas requires sellers of single-family homes to give buyers a written Seller’s Disclosure Notice, with exceptions for certain transfers. An ordinary sale to an investor isn’t an exception.

The flood questions cover the 100-year and 500-year floodplain, floodways, and reservoirs. They also ask about past flood water in the house, flood insurance claims, including National Flood Insurance Program claims, and flood help from FEMA or the SBA.

Tell the buyer what happened, even if repairs are finished or the claim is still open. Selling as-is doesn’t replace the disclosure notice. This is general information, not legal advice. A Texas attorney can help if you’re unsure what the notice requires.

What I consider on a damaged house

I look at the damage, the work already done, and the repairs still expected. For fire damage, tell me about affected rooms and any known damage beyond them. For flooding, explain where water entered or collected and what work followed.

I’ll also ask whether anyone lives there and how to arrange a visit. If belongings remain, tell me what you want to keep and how much time you need. You can discuss a sale before cleaning or repairing the property.

My guide to selling a Houston house as-is explains how condition and known defects fit into a direct sale. If you’re weighing repairs against selling now, consider whether you want to take on the work yourself.

How an offer becomes a sale

I review nearby comparable sales, the damage, expected work, and costs when considering a cash offer. I can explain what went into it. Asking is free and doesn’t commit you to selling. The price and proposed dates go in writing for you to review.

I walk through the house before closing at a title company. The title company confirms the earliest date once the title work is done. Tell me about access concerns and time you need for belongings.

I may close on the house myself or assign the purchase contract to another investor I work with, on the same price and terms. I’ll tell you in writing before you sign anything. Use the form below to send the address and describe what happened.

Sources

Texas Property Code section 5.008(a), (b), and (e).