Experiencing a hurricane can be an incredibly traumatic event that no one should have to endure. If your home has been affected by a hurricane, you may be wondering what to do next. There are several steps and approaches to take, and we’re here to go over a few of them with you.

What to Do If You’ve Experienced Hurricane Damage

1. Determine ​​Which Parts of the Home Are Salvageable

The first step is to work with your local emergency response team. They can help you determine what items are salvageable and which ones can be safely removed from the home. Depending on the severity of the hurricane damage, this could be several items or just a few.

They can also give you a better idea of how bad the damage really is. They can inform you of any sections of your home that will need to be rebuilt, any walls that need to be knocked down, or if your home should be demolished altogether.

2. Talk to Your Homeowners’ Insurance Agent

Never assume that someone else is going to contact your insurance company. It is important to contact them as soon as you can to quickly begin the insurance claim process. Your agent will be experienced in dealing with property emergencies and can help direct you to lodging options and home restoration companies. They may also be able to provide coverage for loss of personal items from the hurricane.

If you don’t have homeowners insurance, you’ll most likely have to pay for the price of the damage on your own. However, there are other options, such as hiring an attorney if the hurricane damage was caused by structural negligence or other factors beyond your control.

3. Decide Whether to Restore Your Home or Sell It

It is understandable if you decide to keep your home and restore it to what it once was. After all, a home can hold countless memories. If you decide to go this route, you will need to get several quotes from contractors or evaluate if you want to take on any DIY projects. You will need to work closely with your insurance agent and budget how much the repairs will cost, while also keeping in mind the time-frame for renovations.

If this sounds like too much to handle, you may feel that it’s time to start fresh and sell your home. Below is a list of different selling options to consider.

Selling Options for a Hurricane Damaged Home

For Sale by Owner

One of the top benefits of selling by owner is that you are in full control of the sale. If you have the time, this can be a great option because you won’t have to worry about fees or commissions. It is also convenient because you will be the one negotiating and can answer the buyers’ questions instead of feeling like you’re the middle-man.

However, if you don’t have much time and prefer not to make repairs, you may want to look at other options.

Selling Through a Real Estate Agent

Depending on the damage to the home, selling through a real estate agent could take a big weight off of your shoulders. Because you pay real estate fees, your agent is in charge of doing the marketing and making sure that your home is properly listed.

The downside is that this comes with a price, and you will most likely need to make home repairs before your property is ready to be listed on the market.

Selling Your Home to a Cash Buyer

Last but not least, you may want to sell your home to a cash buyer. If you do not have time to make repairs, then this option is your best bet. You can sell your home as-is without having to worry about fixing the place up.

A cash buyer will do a walk-through of your home and give you an offer based on its value. Not only is it a fast process, but also a convenient one that will save you multiple headaches.

​​A quick house sale could be your ticket out. If this sounds like the best option for you, give Blackjack Real Estate a call at 850-601-4714. We are trusted cash home buyers in your area and would be happy to help get you the new, fresh start that you deserve.