Bay County zoning has given residents 3 years to clean up dilapidated homes, ending this October after Hurricane Michael’s destruction in 2018. The statute of limitations to file a hurricane damage insurance claim is three years from the day the storm hit your property. If you wait too long to file an insurance claim to your insurance company, you will miss out on the chance to do so. All claims should at this time be resolved. Code enforcement is now taking action on these homes and actively taking bids for homes to be demolished, active fines and liens are being placed on these homes, often totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Chapter 12 of Code and Ordinances, covers unsafe structures and nuisance properties. There are also often additional fines & liens if the property is located within city limits, not just county. When code enforcement steps in there is often very much work needed and often all has to be completed for a CO (Certificate of Occupancy), most of the time resulting in a full remodel required with these Hurricane Michael damaged homes.
Many people are unsure what to do with these homes or their situation. Demolition costs can be very expensive, as well the rebuilding costs and permitting are quite high, while many people have fines or liens to pay prior to beginning work. A large majority of these homes did not have any type of insurance. Selling these homes is great way to be rid of the issues of dealing with rebuilding, code enforcement meetings, the ongoing stress, and an opportunity to walk away with cash. This is literally an opening to pass on a problem, in a good way. Everyone wins.
Since Hurricane Michael we have seen these homes come on the market and sell quickly. Investors are still wanting to take on projects, big or small.
Last week I helped a gentlemen in this exact situation, saving the home from demolition by days. Code Enforcement took the home off of the demolition list immediately after I was involved. (I work fast.) From the first point of contact with the seller, I was in touch with code enforcement being proactive to have them work with me and a local title company to save this home, gaining clear title and no liens at closing. Seller and Buyer were both obliged with outcome. This wasn’t an easy feat and had the seller not called me, his home would have been demolished leaving him only with land to sell. We gained him tens of thousands of dollars more to sell the home as it stands, rather than the amount he expected with just a land sale and having to pay the County to demolish his property.
I’m always happy to see an old home saved in our community. These homes have character, stories, generations of people who have lived under that same roof. They hold a special place in my heart.
If you have a similar situation and are ready to sell, or unsure which path to go, please give me a call to discuss your options. My goal is to gain you the most cash for your damaged home.
I’m here to help my Hometown.