Ames, IA · Story County · Fire damage
Sell a Fire-Damaged House in Ames, IA
You keep the insurance money and don't have to worry about the house anymore — we'll take care of it.
Yes. USA Home Buyers buys houses as-is in Ames, Iowa and Story County, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us. For a fire-damaged house, you do not have to restore it or haul debris before selling to us.
Tell us what happened and what you know about access. Call 888-274-5006 or use the form to ask about a cash offer.
We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Share the address and what you know about the fire damage and access.
What we take on after a fire
We buy the house exactly as it stands. You do not need to clean it out, repair fire damage, or haul debris before selling to us.
Tell us what you know about the damage and any access restrictions. We can discuss the house before you take on cleanup or restoration work.
Insurance proceeds and your mortgage
We buy the house exactly as it stands, and you keep your insurance proceeds.
Confirm how the proceeds and any mortgage requirements apply to your claim with your insurer and mortgage servicer.
What happens next
- Tell us the address, what happened, and any access limits or official notices you know about.
- We discuss the damage and review the house as it stands.
- We give you written terms before you commit; if you choose to proceed, closing is through a title company.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Iowa real estate transfer tax. Mortgage balances, liens, back taxes, and your share of current property taxes remain separate.
Ames fire safety and property records
Do not enter a house if officials have restricted access or it may be unsafe. Follow the property's fire or building notice and ask the official responsible for that property what access, cleanup, repairs, and permits are allowed. Get written estimates from contractors you select before comparing repair or rebuilding work with a sale.
These Story County offices can help with ownership and land-record questions; they do not clear a fire-damaged structure for entry or approve repairs.
- Story County Auditor — Real Estate & Property Records
County ownership records, plat maps, and transfer books.
- Story County Recorder & Vital Records
County public records, including land transactions that document title.
Compare rebuilding with selling as it stands
Compare written cleanup, repair, or rebuilding estimates with the written sale terms. Think about the work and time you want to manage, the property's costs while you decide, and any insurer, mortgage-servicer, or local-official requirements for this house.
Use the Ames home-sale net proceeds calculator with your own planning assumptions to compare a sale path with what you might keep after costs.
What sellers say about USA Home Buyers
See more seller-review information on our Ames reviews page.
Fire-Damaged House Questions
Can I sell a fire-damaged house in Ames, IA?
Yes. USA Home Buyers buys houses as-is in Ames and Story County, including fire-damaged houses. No repairs, cleaning, or cleanout are required to sell to us.
Who keeps the insurance proceeds if I sell?
We buy the house exactly as it stands, and you keep your insurance proceeds. Confirm how the proceeds and any mortgage requirements apply to your claim with your insurer and mortgage servicer.
Can I enter the house or start cleanup after a fire?
Do not enter if officials have restricted access or the structure may be unsafe. Follow the directions for the property and ask the responsible fire or building official what access and work are allowed before starting cleanup, repairs, or rebuilding.
What happens after I contact USA Home Buyers?
Tell us the address, what you know about the damage, and any access limits or notices. We discuss the property with you and provide written terms before you commit. If you choose to proceed, closing is through a title company.
How should I compare rebuilding with selling as-is?
Compare written cleanup, repair, or rebuilding estimates with the written sale terms. Consider the time and work involved, property costs while you decide, and any instructions from your insurer, mortgage servicer, or local officials. The Ames calculator can help you compare sale-net estimates using your own assumptions.
We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Send the address and tell us what you know about the damage and access.
Prefer to call? 888-274-5006