We buy houses directly — as-is, no repairs, no agent fees.
Selling a fire-damaged house in Macon, Georgia
Damage does not have to be repaired before you sell. We buy as-is.
What this actually means
Fire damage is rarely limited to what burned. Smoke, water used to extinguish it, and heat damage to structure and systems frequently extend well past the visible area, and an insurance settlement may or may not reflect that.
What usually goes wrong
Owners commit to rebuilding based on the visible damage, then find smoke and water damage throughout and a settlement that will not stretch to it.
Your options
Repair using the settlement and sell conventionally. Sell as it stands to a buyer who will rebuild. Partially repair and sell at a reduced price. Keep it and rebuild over time.
What applies in Macon, Georgia
Georgia's building, residential and fire codes are mandatory statewide: any structure in Georgia must comply with them whether or not the local government chooses to enforce them locally. (Source: https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/construction-codes/mandatory-and-permissive-state-codes) Macon-Bibb County does not allow a building meant for human occupancy to sit unsecured. Where a house is vacant because of a fire, the owner has to satisfy the code official that one of the permitted reasons applies — an active building permit for repair or rehabilitation with work progressing diligently, or actively pursuing demolition, rehabilitation or restoration through insurance or a local, state or federal assistance programme. (Source: https://www.maconbibb.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MBC-Administrative-Minimum-Standard-Codes.pdf) If a Macon-Bibb structure is vacant and unfit to live in but is not in danger of structural collapse, the code official can post a placard of condemnation and order it closed up. If the owner does not close it within the time the order gives, the county will have it closed and secured itself and charge the cost against the property, where it becomes a lien on the real estate. (Source: https://www.maconbibb.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MBC-Administrative-Minimum-Standard-Codes.pdf) Repairing fire damage in Macon-Bibb almost always needs a permit before the work starts: a permit is required to repair, alter or demolish a structure, and the only exemption for repairs to an existing building covers work valued at $2,000 or less that does not involve structural elements and is approved by the Building Official. (Source: https://www.maconbibb.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MBC-Administrative-Minimum-Standard-Codes.pdf)
Common questions
Will you buy a house that had a serious fire? Yes. Do I need to make it safe first? No, but tell us if it is not. What about my claim? Depending on the policy it can often be handled as part of the sale.
What we do
We buy fire-damaged properties in whatever state the fire left them, including ones with unresolved claims. We cannot advise on your insurance claim or deal with your insurer for you.
How selling to us works
You tell us about the property. There is no cost and no obligation. We look at it — in person where that is useful, and we do not ask you to prepare it first. We make an offer, and we explain how we arrived at it rather than simply naming a number. If the offer works for you, you choose the closing date. If it does not, that is a perfectly good answer and we leave it there.
Tell us about the property
Send us the details and we will take a look. No cost, and no obligation to sell.
Start with the property address
No obligation · No fees · Takes about 2 minutes · Your information stays private