What changes when a house has flood damage?
The water source and what it reached shape the cleanup and repair work. Creek or river water, a sewer backup, a burst pipe, a failed sump pump, and seepage can leave different work behind. Damage may reach a basement, floors, walls, the furnace, the water heater, or electrical equipment.
Tell us what you know about the water, what has been removed or repaired, and what still needs attention. We can look at the current condition before you take on a major cleanup or repair project.
Where can you check flood-map information in Allentown?
Jordan Creek, Little Lehigh Creek, and the Lehigh River are familiar Allentown landmarks. For map information about a particular house, search its address in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and compare it with the City of Allentown’s public map layers.
Compare repairing first with selling as-is
Repairing and listing may suit you when the water source is fixed and the work is manageable. If cleanup or repairs are extensive, compare an as-is sale before committing to the full project. Include the repair estimate, time, and bills for holding the house in your comparison.
Cash Offer or EZ Sale: compare the written numbers
A flood-damaged house can need more work than a standard listing. Compare the written numbers for the house in its current condition with the repair-first option.
We have two ways to buy. A Cash Offer is built for speed, condition, and tough situations — heavy repairs, tight timelines, difficult circumstances. EZ Sale is often the better fit when the house doesn't need major repairs and you want a higher number. Either way, you compare written numbers and you pick what works best for you.
Swipe across the table to compare all four selling options.
| Factor | List with a realtor | FSBO | Cash Offer | EZ Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Market-dependent | Market-dependent | 30 days or less | 60 days or less |
| Price | Highest, if it sells | Varies | Lower price | Higher price than the Cash Offer |
| Repairs | Repairs may be needed before listing or after inspection | The seller handles repair decisions | No repairs | No repairs |
| Commissions | Agent commissions apply under the listing agreement | No listing-agent commission; the seller handles the sale | No commissions | No commissions |
| Closing costs | Seller costs depend on the contract and settlement statement | Seller costs depend on the contract and settlement statement | No closing costs | No closing costs |
| Showings | The seller prepares for and coordinates showings | The seller markets the property and coordinates showings | None | Yes, partner visits |
| Who buys | Retail buyer | Retail buyer | USA Home Buyers buys directly | Goes to one of our partners |
| Certainty | Depends on the buyer, inspections, financing, and contract | Depends on finding and qualifying a buyer | You get a written offer and written terms before you commit, and we close through a title company. | You get a written offer and written terms before you commit, and we close through a title company. |
| Net proceeds | Compare the expected sale price after commissions, repairs, costs, and waiting | Compare the expected sale price after seller-managed costs and work | Compare the written price after your payoff and other property obligations. No commissions. No closing costs. | Compare the written price after your payoff and other property obligations. No commissions. No closing costs. |
Compare what you would keep after costs with the Allentown calculator →
Questions about the two options? Call 888-274-5006.
One Allentown sale detail to know
Inside Allentown City, a safety and maintenance inspection is required before a sale. If the inspection finds violations, the City allows a buyer to agree to take responsibility for them on its Acceptance Form. We can talk through the house’s condition and this city process with you. See the City’s current pre-sale instructions.
What if an insurance claim or mortgage is involved?
If you have an open flood-insurance claim or the lender is involved with claim funds, tell us what is happening. We can talk through the property and sale options with that context. Ask your insurer or loan servicer about the requirements in your policy and loan.
What costs and timing should you compare?
No agent commissions when you sell to us.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs. When you sell to us, we pay the transfer tax. No fees Your mortgage, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes are separate.
You get a written offer and written terms before you commit, and we close through a title company. Close as fast as 7 days when title and closing details allow.
What can you do now?
Share the Allentown address, what happened, and what work remains. You can use the form above or call with a question; you don’t need to make repairs before talking with us.
If you want to compare likely sale proceeds, use the Allentown home-sale net-proceeds calculator with your own repair and holding-cost estimates.
What our sellers say
“The house had some foundation issues and hadn't been updated since the 80s. I got quotes from contractors and the repair costs were going to eat everything I'd make listing it. USA Home Buyers bought it as-is. I'm glad I called.”
“My renters skipped out in the middle of my rental property needed 20k in work sold it to these guys instead good people”
“bought a fixer upper in akron and ran out of money place was torn down to the studs they took it off my hands and saved my credit highly recommend”
Allentown flood-damage questions
Can I sell a flood-damaged house as-is in Allentown?
Yes. USA Home Buyers buys houses as-is in Allentown and Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us.
How do I check flood-map information for my Allentown address?
Search the property address in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and compare it with the City of Allentown’s map layers.
What if an Allentown pre-sale inspection finds violations?
For a property inside Allentown City, a safety and maintenance inspection is required before sale. A buyer can agree to take responsibility for violations on the City’s Acceptance Form.
Should I repair the house before asking about a sale?
No. We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. You can compare the house as it stands with a repair-first plan.
Want to talk through the house?
Call 888-274-5006 with a question, or use the form to ask about a cash offer.