Water damage doesn’t stop you from selling. It does change what you should do in the first few days and what you have to tell a buyer.
Act within 24 to 48 hours
The U.S. EPA says responding to water damage within 24 to 48 hours can head off mold before it starts. Stop the source, shut off power to wet areas, and get water and wet materials out or drying. Take photos first for the insurance claim.
What insurance usually covers
- Sudden damage, such as a burst pipe, is often covered by a homeowners policy.
- Flooding is not. FEMA says homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage; that takes a separate flood policy.
- Sewer or drain backup often needs its own endorsement. Check your policy.
- Slow leaks and long-term seepage are commonly excluded as maintenance problems.
Disclosure
Michigan’s Seller Disclosure Act requires most sellers of 1 to 4 unit homes to give the buyer a disclosure statement, which asks about water problems. Disclose what happened and what was fixed, even when you’re selling as-is.
Repair or sell as-is?
Repairing makes sense when the damage is limited and the insurance payout covers it. When there’s mold, structural damage or a basement that keeps flooding, selling as-is is often simpler than managing the repair.
Getting an offer
We buy houses with active leaks, flooded basements and mold, and price the repairs into a written offer. Let us know what happened, when and whether there’s an open insurance claim. Tell us about the property.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and city rules change, so check the sources below and talk to an attorney about your situation.