Specialist · Napa, CA · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 31 votes
Dealing with a Fire Damaged multi level home. Its experienced a MAJOR fire years ago and has been vacant since. A lot of the floor joists and sub flooring along with staircases in the home were charred and compromised by the fire. They are challenging to even set foot on for viewing purposes. The Owners who received a settlement check from insurance in the past, have now surfaced and want to SELL the property. They are concerned about me or anyone else (contractors, vendors, tradesman, inspectors, etc.) injuring themselves when attempting to VIEW the property; particularly the interior of the house given the compromised floors and staircases.
The potential liability is what the are concerned with YET the property has sat VACANT for several years.
To Appease their concern; I suggested that ANY and ALL on site visits to view the property would be supervised and that ALL visitors would be required to SIGN a Waiver Disclaimer - releasing US (as the Buyer/Wholesaler) and the Property owners/Seller from any liability.
Any thoughts on this approach to appease the seller and their attorney? (much appreciated)
Realtor · Longmont, CO · Member since 2021 · 577 posts · 631 votes
3y
I would just say that you will not grant access until someone has shown proof of financing and signed a damage waiver, so you know it is only serious buyers and not "slippin jimmys". You could go as far as to say that someone has to have an accepted offer to enter the premise. There should be reports and pictures that detail damage and estimated repair costs. Someone who is curious about if a burnt wall is salvageable or not is likely not a serious buyer.
Specialist · Napa, CA · Member since 2015 · 123 posts · 31 votes
3y
Nathan - with such a major fire like this and the aftermath. This house is likely NOT going to be view favorably by anyone other than skilled Contractor / builders or investors.