Selling a Fire Damaged House in Florida
What to Do, What It’s Worth, and How to Sell As-Is
A House Fire Changes Everything—Now What?
When the smoke clears, you’re left with more than just damage—you’re left with decisions. Should you repair it? Sell it as-is? Wait for insurance? Walk away?
Most Florida homeowners in this situation are overwhelmed.
You’re not just dealing with fire damage. You’re dealing with:
If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with dozens of Florida sellers going through this exact situation.
This guide walks you through your real options—step-by-step—so you can stop feeling stuck and start making clear, informed decisions.
🔗 According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to over a million fires each year—causing billions in property loss.
🔗 And research from The Zebra highlights just how common and devastating house fires are—leaving many homeowners overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Let’s break down what you can do next.
Can You Sell a Fire Damaged House in Florida?
The short answer is: yes, you absolutely can.
Even if the roof is gone, the kitchen is destroyed, or the place smells like smoke—there are still buyers for it. You just need the right kind of buyer.
Retail buyers
Won’t touch it — they can’t get a loan, and most don’t want to take on that kind of risk.
iBuyers
Big companies won’t even make an offer — fire damage is outside their buying criteria.
Local cash buyers (like us)
At Sell My House For Cash Florida we specialize in buying homes with serious issues — including fire damage, code violations, and insurance complications.
When we buy a fire damaged home:
- You don’t need to clean or fix anything
- We can work with your insurance company if needed
- We make a fair offer based on the property’s after-repair value
- You can close in 3–4 weeks (or on your schedule)
✅ If the home is still standing, it has value. And if it’s a total loss, the land still does.
Want to know how we come up with our offer? Keep reading. We’ll show you the real math.
Should You Fix the Fire Damage or Sell As-Is?
If your house was seriously damaged in a fire, you're probably asking:
Is it worth repairing, or should I sell it as-is and move on?
The answer depends on two things:
- Whether you have insurance
- And how much the repairs will actually cost you
Let’s look at two real-life scenarios:
❌ Scenario 1: No Insurance Coverage
Let’s say your home would be worth $400,000 after repairs—fully rehabbed to 2025 standards.
But half the house was damaged: roof, framing, major smoke damage, kitchen destroyed, and key systems compromised. It’s a major rehab.
A) Sell To a Local Investor
- ARV (After-Repair Value): $400,000
- Less Selling Costs (when resold): $28,000
- Less Repairs (investor pricing): $130,000
- Less Holding Costs (taxes, utilities, loan interest): $13,350
- Less Closing Costs (when we buy): $5,000
- Less Profit Margin (to account for risk + capital): $120,000
👉 Cash Offer = $103,650
B) Fix It Yourself and Resell
- Repairs at full retail pricing: ~$180,000
- Sell for $400,000 on the open market
- Pay ~$40,000 in agent fees and closing costs
👉 Net = $180,000
Yes, that’s more than the cash offer—but you had to invest $180K up front, manage contractors, and wait months to close.
For many sellers, it’s not worth the time, stress, or risk.
✅ Scenario 2: You Have Insurance
Now let’s say you have homeowners insurance—and your policy covers fire damage with a payout of $120,000.
👉 Not sure what your policy covers? This Forbes guide on fire insurance explains how different types of coverage work—and what to expect if you’re filing a claim after a fire.
You have two main options: cash out and sell as-is, or use the funds to make repairs and list it on the market. Let’s break down both.
A) Sell to a Local Investor & Keep the Payout
You decide not to rebuild. Your insurance company allows a cash-out, meaning you can keep the money without making repairs. Here’s how the numbers play out:
- Cash Offer from Investor (same as before): $103,650
- Insurance Payout: $120,000
👉 Total Walkaway = $223,650
✅ No rehab.
✅ No waiting.
✅ No managing contractors or dealing with inspections.
✅ You just walk away.
B) Use the Insurance Money to Repair, Then List
You apply the full $120,000 payout toward repairs. But full retail contractor pricing is $180,000, so you’ll need to cover the remaining $60,000 out of pocket.
Then you list on the market for $400,000.
- $400,000 sale price
- Minus $180,000 in total repairs
- Minus $40,000 in agent commissions and closing costs
👉 Net = $180,000
Even with insurance, you still need to invest time, effort, and extra money just to net less than if you sold as-is.
🔗 Want to understand how fire loss is calculated? Here’s how FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration break it down.
If your policy allows it, selling for cash and keeping the payout may actually put more money in your pocket—with far less stress.
Thinking about fixing it yourself and listing? Here’s how to sell without a realtor in Florida.
What Do Fire Damage Repairs Actually Cost?
When you see a cash offer from an investor, you might wonder:
“Why so low?”
It usually comes down to this—repairs are more expensive than you think.
Here's a hypothetical example of a home with a potential ARV of $400,000 after the fire damage. Costs based on investor pricing using in-house crews and wholesale materials:
Please be aware that specific situations may differ.*
Structural framing repairs
Roof replacement
Electrical system rewire
HVAC replacement + ductwork
Plumbing repairs
Smoke and soot remediation
Drywall replacement + texture
Interior painting
Kitchen rebuild + New Appliances
Flooring replacement
Bathroom repairs
Windows and doors
Permits, dumpsters, city fees
TOTAL
Estimated Cost
$16,500
$15,000
$7,500
$10,000
$7,500
$12,500
$10,000
$5,000
$18,000
$7,500
$8,000
$7,500
$5,000
$130,000
This is investor pricing. If you’re hiring licensed retail contractors for each line item, expect to pay $180,000 or more.
That’s why most homeowners end up choosing an as-is sale.
👉 Read our full guide to selling your Florida house as-is.
The numbers often don’t pencil out—and the process can take months (if not longer) to manage.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to remediate fire and smoke damage is $27,175—but that’s just the starting point. If the fire affected the roof, framing, electrical, or HVAC systems, total repair costs can easily climb into the six figures.
What If the House Is Too Damaged to Repair?
In some fire situations, it’s not just about repairs—it’s about starting over.
If more than 50% of the structure is destroyed, local officials may require demolition before you can rebuild. That means:
- You’ll need permits for demo and reconstruction
- You could be dealing with zoning laws, code upgrades, and city inspections
- Your insurance policy might only cover repair costs—not full replacement
If that’s your reality, here’s what many Florida homeowners decide:
🔹 Sell the property for land value + rebuild potential
Some cash buyers (including Sell My House For Cash Florida) will still make a fair offer based on the lot’s value, even if the structure is uninhabitable.
🔹 Skip the permits, cleanup, and city red tape
You don’t have to demo it yourself. We’ll take care of it—and close fast.
If the house is a total loss, you don’t need to fix it to sell it. You just need a buyer who understands how to price it—and is willing to take on the work.
Want to see how much you can get? Request a Cash Offer →
How We Calculate a Cash Offer on a Fire-Damaged Home
We don’t throw out random numbers. When we make you an offer, we’ll show you exactly how we got there—based on your property, your market, and the real cost of repairs.
Here’s our transparent offer formula for fire-damaged homes:
🔹 1. We Start With the ARV
We look at the after-repair value (ARV) of your home—what it would sell for once fully renovated and brought to current market standards.
If your house would be worth $400,000 after full repairs, that’s the ARV.
🔹 2. We Subtract the Repair Costs
Based on damage from fire, smoke, and water, we estimate what it will take to bring the house back to resale condition. For badly fire-damaged homes, that can easily be $130,000–$180,000.
We use investor-level pricing—but you’ll always see a detailed breakdown, not vague guesses.
🔹 3. We Factor in Holding Costs + Selling Fees
Once we buy the home, we still have to pay:
- Property taxes, insurance, utilities during rehab
- Agent commissions and closing costs when we resell
- Permits, dumpster fees, and loan interest if we use financing
That typically adds 12% of the ARV.
🔹 4. We Include a Reasonable Profit Margin
To take on the risk of a major rehab, we aim for a profit margin of 30%. This keeps us in business while making the deal work for everyone.
We take the ARV, subtract real costs, and leave a fair margin. What’s left is your cash offer. We’ll walk you through every line—so you know it’s honest and accurate.
👉 Want to see how it works with your home? Learn how we make offers!
Want to weigh the trade-offs? Check out the pros and cons of selling your house for cash in Florida.
What If You Still Have a Mortgage?
A house fire doesn’t pause your monthly mortgage—and if you still owe money on the property, the situation can get complicated fast.
🔹 If You Have Insurance and Still Owe the Bank
Most lenders require homeowners insurance that includes fire protection. But when a claim is paid out, the check is often made out to both you and the mortgage company—and the lender may control how those funds are used.
Here’s what that could mean:
- You might not receive the funds directly
- The lender could apply the payout toward the remaining loan balance
- If the damage is extensive, you may have little or no equity left
Under Florida law, mortgage companies have a legal right to insurance proceeds, but only up to the amount of their security interest in the property—meaning they can’t claim more than what’s owed on the loan.
👉 As explained by Jimerson Birr, a Florida real estate law firm, lenders must act in good faith and only take what they’re entitled to.
If you’re nearly paid off, you may still receive a portion of the insurance money. But if your mortgage is high, the lender might absorb most (or all) of it—leaving little to repair or sell the home.
🔹 If Insurance Lapsed or the Claim Is Denied
While most active loans require insurance, there are rare cases where:
- A policy lapses due to missed premiums
- The claim is denied due to exclusions
- The property is underinsured or coverage limits are too low
If any of these apply and the house is badly damaged, you’re still on the hook for:
- Monthly mortgage payments
- City violations, fines, or safety compliance
- Property maintenance or security (even if the home is unlivable)
This is where many sellers feel stuck—unable to live in the house, fix it, or afford the payments.
✅ How We Can Help
Whether your insurance is delayed, denied, or tied up with your mortgage company, at Sell My House For Cash Florida we can help you explore your options:
- We can pay off your mortgage at closing if there’s enough equity
- If you’re underwater, we can talk through other solutions like short sales or lender negotiations
- You don’t have to clean, fix, or list—we buy fire-damaged homes in any condition, even if they’re vacant or unlivable
👉 Let’s talk it through and help you figure out the best next step. Contact us here — no pressure, no obligation.
Got Questions About Selling? Let’s Clear Things Up
If you’re dealing with fire damage, chances are you’ve got more questions than answers. Here are some of the most common concerns Florida homeowners ask us:
❓Can I sell my house after a fire, even if it’s badly damaged?
Yes. We buy houses in any condition—including major fire and smoke damage. Whether the damage is cosmetic or structural, we’ll make a fair cash offer based on the home’s after-repair value (ARV).
❓Do I need to clean it out first?
Nope. Take what you want and leave the rest—we’ll handle the debris, junk, or anything left behind.
❓How fast can you close?
We can usually close in 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes faster. We work around your timeline—especially if you’re relocating, facing financial stress, or dealing with insurance delays.
❓What if I have an open insurance claim?
That’s okay. If your policy allows it, you may be able to keep the payout and still sell the home as-is. In some cases, your lender may control those funds. We’ll help you understand where you stand.
❓Do I need permits or inspections to sell?
No—you don’t need any permits to sell a fire-damaged home. Our partner investors will do a walkthrough or inspection to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.
We’ll take care of any code violations, liens, or permitting issues after the sale. Your cash offer will reflect any known deductions like mortgage payoff, outstanding liens, or city fines.
If anything unexpected comes up during the title search, we’ll let you know right away and walk through the next steps together.
❓What if the fire happened a long time ago?
That’s fine. Whether the house burned recently or years ago, we can still make an offer. In fact, older damage can make an as-is sale even more beneficial.
❓What if my insurance company denied the claim?
It happens more than you’d think. Whether you were underinsured, excluded from coverage, or denied outright, we can still buy your house. Let’s review your options together.
❓Do I have to wait until I settle with insurance before selling?
Not necessarily. If your policy allows it—or you’re not using the payout for repairs—you may be able to sell while the claim is still active. We’ll help you avoid delays and walk through the timing.
❓What if the house isn’t safe to enter?
No problem. We’ve bought homes with severe damage, boarded-up doors, or city red tags. We’ll coordinate safe access for our team and make an offer without putting anyone at risk.
✅ Still have questions?
We’ve helped Florida homeowners in every kind of fire damage scenario—from total loss to vacant homes, insurance disputes to probate.
Dealing with Fire Damage Is Hard Enough
Let’s Simplify the Rest
If your house went up in flames, you're probably facing more than just property repairs. Whether you’re unsure about your next move or trying to avoid financial fallout, these guides can help you understand your options and move forward on your terms:
Wondering what a fire-damaged sale might cost you? Here's how much you lose selling a house as-is.
Probate property with fire damage? Here’s what to know about selling a house in probate in Florida.
Behind on payments after the fire? Here’s how to stop foreclosure in Florida before things get worse.
Inherited a property that caught fire? Here's what to know about selling an inherited house in Florida.
Need to sell fast after fire loss? See your options in how to sell your house fast in Florida.
Water damage too? Here’s how to handle selling a water-damaged house.
City red tags or unsafe conditions? Here’s how to sell a house with code violations.
Too much damage to repair? Here’s how to sell a house in poor condition in Florida.
Fire damage and co-ownership issues? See your options for selling a house with multiple owners.
Can’t afford the mortgage after the fire? Will I lose my house if I file bankruptcy?
Owe more than the home is worth post-fire? Compare your options in short sale vs foreclosure.
Don’t waste money on unnecessary repairs — here’s what not to fix when selling a house.
Insurance payout or not, taxes can still apply — understand capital gains tax on home sales in Florida.
Alain Perez-Majul
Juan and Castilia are awesome! We were dealing with my parent's property here in Florida, and they went above and beyond when buying it from us. The process was quick and easy, we didn't have to do a thing to the house, and we closed within a couple of weeks. Thanks, guys!
Not Sure What to Do Next?
Let’s Talk It Through
When your house has been damaged by fire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when every option feels expensive, complicated, or unclear.
But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Sell My House For Cash Florida has helped homeowners in all types of fire damage situations:
🔥 Landlords with fire-damaged rentals
🔥 Owners struggling with mortgage payments after a fire
🔥 Homes tied up in probate or code violations
🔥 Families who already moved out
🔥 Elderly sellers or families unable to afford repairs
🔥 Homeowners still waiting on insurance payouts
🔥 Sellers who were underinsured—or denied coverage altogether
Whether your house is livable or not, recently burned or long neglected, fully insured or not—we’re here to help you find a path forward.
We’ve purchased fire-damaged homes all across Florida including:
✅ You don’t have to clean
✅ You don’t need to make repairs
✅ You don’t even need to be in Florida
We’ll walk you through the process, explain your cash offer line by line, and give you honest advice—even if the best option isn’t selling to us.
👉 Learn more about us and how we help Florida sellers.
Want to see where the numbers land?
Let’s talk it through first—just a quick conversation to understand the situation, answer your questions, and see if a cash sale makes sense for you.
Fill out the form below to get started.
There’s no pressure, no obligation, and we’ll show you exactly how the numbers work—so you can make the right decision for your situation.