How to Sell My Damaged House After a Natural Disaster in Tacoma, WA
Washington’s beautiful landscaped and progressive culture make it a popular place to live. However, living in Washington can come with a price due to the natural disasters that occur here. Washington’s most common natural disasters include wildfires, floods, landslides, severe storms, earthquakes, winter storms, coastal storms, power outages, drought, and volcanoes.
Many of these disasters cause catastrophic damage to any property, leaving homeowners with no choice but to either rebuilt or attempt to sell their house. If you have recently lost your house due to a natural disaster, you may be trying to find a way to sell your damaged house fast so that you can move on. Below we look at some common natural disasters in Washington and how to sell your damaged house fast.
Common Natural Disasters in Washington
Washington is home to some of the most dangerous and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Some of the most common natural disasters include
Wildfires
To be fair, not all fires in Washington are started by natural causes. However, the Washington climate makes it easy for fires to spread quickly. The fall season is a vulnerable time because everything is so dry. If the summer months don't bring enough rain, then droughts are possible and wildfires can spread quickly.
Floods
Many communities in Tacoma, Washington are at risk of getting flooded. Approximately 20% of the population is vulnerable to floods due to the rivers flowing in and out of the valleys and the episodes of heavy rainfall. Washington has experienced flooding due to overflowing rivers, excessive rain after a wildfire leading to saturation of the soil, rapid snowmelt, dam collapse, and levee breaks.
Landslides
Landslides can be triggered by earthquakes and land development projects but are especially common after heavy periods of rainfall. When the soil becomes saturated with water, the section of soil or rocks underneath might not be strong enough to hold on to the weight above it. This causes it to give way, and gain momentum as it flows downhill. Post-wildfire areas are highly vulnerable to mudslides because the ground has a much harder time absorbing water when the soil is mixed with ash.
Earthquakes
There are more than 15,700 documented fault lines throughout the state, and scientists keep discovering new ones. Over 500 of those faults are active and capable of causing moderate to extensive damage. The majority of the residents here live within a 30-mile radius of an active fault.
Severe Storms
The most common severe storms in Washington come in the form of high winds and occasional heavy rainfall— or snowfall in higher altitudes. High winds typically occur between the middle of Fall until the beginning of Spring. But, from time to time, they can occur during the month of September and last through June. Winds not only cause damage, but they happen during our most vulnerable fire seasons.
Coastal Storms
The west coast is at risk of tsunami waves and tidal surges. Although it’s not a disaster that happens often, coastal storms can become disruptive. In the event of a strong earthquake, tsunami waves are likely to affect the beach cities and nearby areas.
How Natural Disasters Affect Property Values in Tacoma, WA
There are four main factors that determine how a natural disaster affects property values.
- Extent of the damage
- Localization of the damage
- Demand for the location
- Insurance policies and practices
Damage from a natural disaster is likely the most important factor in determining how much a home value will change following the disaster. Even if the damage is repaired, if historical evidence of previous disasters remains, it can lower the value of a home. If an entire area is affected, the values of all properties in the area will likely be driven down.
Insurance policies and practices have a profound impact on home values following a natural disaster. If insurance companies expect a recurrence of the disaster, they could increase homeowner’s insurance rates to mitigate the risk. This would increase the cost of homeownership in those areas and could cause lower demand. If the demand slips, home values are likely to slip as well.
Should You Repair or Sell Your Damaged House After a Disaster?
After a natural disaster damages your house, you may be wondering what direction you should take with your property. Should you try to rebuild or sell your house. Before deciding what to do with your damaged property, ask yourself 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 Natural Disaster
Tacoma Cash Offer works with homeowners in Tacoma, Washington who need to sell their property quickly after a natural disaster. We can assess your property value, make an offer, and help you close the sale quickly. Our simple process includes the following steps
Step 1: Contact Us
Before you contact a real estate agent, call us first. You can schedule a quick walkthrough of your property whenever it is convenient for you. There is no obligation or pressure to sell. We can look at the property and decide if we want to buy it. If so, we will make an offer.
Step 2: Get a Fair Cash Offer
If we like what we see, we’ll make a fast cash offer within 24 to 48 hours. You don’t have to wait for several days to land a deal. We make a fair offer that is just below your house's current real estate market value. Once we make an offer, we never change it.
Step 3: You Get Paid
If you accept our offer, we schedule a closing date that is convenient for you. We show up, sign the paperwork, and pay all closing costs. You can close in as little as seven days. Working with us is easier than selling your house in the traditional way.
Contact Tacoma Cash Offer to Sell Your House Fast
You don’t have to wait to unload your property. If you need to sell your house fast in Tacoma, Washington, contact Tacoma Cash Offer. We can look at your property, make an offer, and close in as little as seven days. Call 253-300-2897 and get a fair cash offer.