Can I Sell My Damaged House After a Natural Disaster in Tacoma, Washington?
Washington is no stranger to disasters. The state has experienced numerous floods, tornadoes, fires, and severe storms. When natural disasters occur, they often cause massive damage to houses, leaving homeowners with thousands of dollars in repairs. In many cases, property owners choose to sell their houses and move on because the cost of restoring the house is too high.
If you are a homeowner in Tacoma, Washington, and a natural disaster damaged your house, you may feel like your options are limited. However, it is possible to sell your damaged house fast without making repairs or incurring high selling costs. Below, we look at some of the most common natural disasters in Washington and what you can do to sell your damaged house as-is in Washington after a disaster.
Common Natural Disasters in Tacoma, Washington
Severe Storms
Severe storms in Washington come in the form of heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning, gusty winds, macro-bursts, and hail. Measurable precipitation occurs 100 days of the year, with an average of 34 inches in the northwest and 50 inches in the southeast. Because of the warm and humid climate, lightning and thunderstorms are frequent during the spring and summer months — especially between April and July.
Floods
Due to its proximity to the Washington River, Washington has a significant risk of flooding. Most flooding occurs due to heavy precipitation, rapid snowmelt, overflowing rivers, levee damage, and dam failure. Floods often cause total damage, creating structural instability in the foundation and walls.
Winter Storms
Winters in Washington can be severe but short. Washingtonians can expect freezing rain, drizzle, ice storms, sleet, and snow during the winter season. Snow can fall as early as October and as late as May, but the peak snowfall season is between December and February. Ice dams are common in Washington and can cause substantial damage to roofs.
Tornadoes
Washington records 30 to 45 tornadoes annually. Eight to ten tornadoes typically range between F2 and F5 in strength. Tornados can occur any time of the year but are most common during the spring, summer, and fall months — March through June is peak tornado season. The month of May averages both the highest death toll and greatest frequency, and they’re most likely to occur between noon and midnight.
How Natural Disasters Affect Property Values in Tacoma, WA
When natural disasters strike in these areas, the effects on the wider Washington market are minimal, but the effects in the Tacoma area are more definitive and long-lasting. Prospective buyers may find the location less desirable after a disaster and mortgage operations slow, both of which hurt home sales.
Oddly, home values in high-risk areas are higher than homes in low-risk areas. That’s because homes in higher-risk areas are often more desirable places to live. As such, homes in higher-risk areas may decrease sale prices after a natural disaster but have a much higher starting point.
Should I Repair or Sell My Damaged House After a Disaster?
After a natural disaster damages your home, you may be considering your options. Should you try to sell your damaged house or try to restore it and move back in? Before you decide, consider these four key questions.
- Can you rebuild a home that is sturdier and more disaster-resistant than the old one?
- Can you afford a mortgage and insurance on a rebuilt house in a disaster zone?
- Are neighbors, local businesses, and public services likely to return and rebuild?
- Knowing the risk of storm-related damage, will you be able to resell the house at a good price?
The bottom line is this: Is it worth it to rebuild, or should you attempt to sell your damaged house as-is?
How to Sell Your Damaged House After a Disaster?
Chances are, if you attempt to sell your damaged house on the market after a natural disaster, you will need to reduce your asking price substantially. Currently, it’s a seller’s market. So, you are competing with dozens of properties in better condition.
The best way to sell your damaged property in Ohio is to sell your house as-is directly to a buyer. You can bypass the market altogether. You do not have to hire a realtor, and you can avoid selling costs. At Tacoma Cash Offer, we have a simple process that allows you to sell your house in three easy steps.
Step 1: Contact Us
Call Tacoma Cash Offer or fill out the contact form to schedule a quick walkthrough of the property. Don’t worry about making any renovations or repairs or even cleaning the house. We buy houses as-is. Feel free to ask any questions or express your concerns. We are happy to discuss your situation.
Step 3: Get a Fair Cash Offer
If our buyers like what we see, we’ll make a fast cash offer at just under your house's current market value. In most cases, we can offer as little as 24 to 48 hours after seeing the property. When you work with Tacoma Cash Offer, you’ll get a fair offer for your house.
Step 3: You Get Paid
If you accept our offer, you can schedule a closing date that is convenient for you. We pay all closing costs and fees. You simply show up, sign the papers, and get paid. When you work with us, selling your house in Tacoma has never been easier. Get started with us today!
Sell Your Damaged House Fast to Tacoma Cash Offer
Selling your house can be easier than ever when you sell your house for cash to Tacoma Cash Offer. We offer a simple, no-cost solution that helps you get out of your mortgage or sell your house regardless of your situation. To find out more about the benefits of selling your house for cash, call 253-300-2897 to get a fast cash offer.