Houses that were flooded and have been cleaned and “mucked” are sellable, said real estate agent Debbie Hughes.
Four weeks after Tropical Storm Harvey flooded most of the houses in Orange County, some have already sold in the “as is” condition.
Hughes said the flood offers an opportunity for people who had previously been thinking of buying a different house a chance to move. They can sell their current house “as is” and move to another “as is” and rebuild it to their likings.
“We’ll have a new city here probably in six to eight months,” she said.
Hughes spoke with KOGT’s Gary Stelly on The Morning Show Thursday.
She said people in the real estate and financial businesses are helping. “The lenders in this area have jumped through hoops” to assist homeowners in the recovery.
Loans can be used for repairing houses and some grants that do not have to be repaid may also be available. Hughes cautioned, though, about going “under water” with the finances. That’s a term used to describe owing more on a house than it is worth.
She said the disaster gives people a chance for some unplanned remodeling. Some people after removing flooring and sheetrock from the damaged house have decided to move walls around and bring in beams. A 1970s or 1980s house can get a more contemporary look.
Hughes will be having a special class for people interested in selling “as is.” The class will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on October 5th at the Hughes Realty office, 1304 16th Street.
She said people should register for the class to be assured there is room. They can call the realty office at 883-0770 and then press 0.
Hughes said she may schedule another class if there is enough interest.
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