What we take on
We buy fire-damaged houses exactly as they stand — no cleanup, no repairs, no hauling debris. You do not have to clear out the house or finish repairs before discussing a sale with us.
Tell us what happened and what you know about the damage and access. You can ask about an as-is sale while the damage is still there.
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 Chicago address, what happened, and what you know about the damage and access.
- We talk through the property with you and give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.
- You receive written terms before you commit. If you choose to proceed, a title company handles closing.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including the Illinois state, county and city transfer taxes. Your mortgage balance, liens, back taxes, and share of current property taxes are separate items.
Chicago safety, permits, and county offices
If the structure may be unsafe or officials have restricted entry, do not go inside. Follow directions from the fire or building officials responsible for the property and from utility providers. Before cleanup or repair work, check which permits or inspections apply to the address and the work you plan.
- Chicago Department of Buildings → The City lists this department for permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. Contact it about the requirements for your address and planned work.
- Cook County Clerk's Office →
- Cook County Assessor → For Cook County property-assessment questions.
Compare rebuilding with selling as-is
Put a written repair scope and contractor estimates beside your insurer's claim information, mortgage payoff, expected holding costs, and our written offer and terms. Do not assume a particular insurance payment; use the information for your own property.
Use the Chicago home-sale net proceeds calculator to compare possible listing and as-is sale proceeds with your own assumptions. Its figures are estimates, so check them against current bids and written terms.
Open the Chicago home-sale net proceeds calculator →Questions and contact
You can call now, even if you are still sorting out the damage, claim, or paperwork. Call 888-274-5006 or send the property details through the form.
Fire-Damaged House Chicago, IL — Common Questions
Can I sell a fire-damaged house in Chicago, IL?
Yes. USA Home Buyers buys fire-damaged houses as they stand in Chicago and Cook County. We buy houses as-is, in any condition — no repairs, no cleaning, no cleanout required to sell to us.
Do I need to clean up or repair the house before selling to you?
No. We buy fire-damaged houses exactly as they stand — no cleanup, no repairs, no hauling debris.
What happens to my insurance proceeds and mortgage requirements?
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 property or start repairs after a fire?
Do not enter if the structure may be unsafe or officials have restricted access. Follow the directions for that address from the fire or building officials responsible for the site and utility providers. Ask the Chicago Department of Buildings what permit or inspection requirements apply to planned cleanup or repairs.
What happens after I contact USA Home Buyers?
Tell us the Chicago address and what you know about the damage and access. We discuss the property and give you a written offer and written terms before you commit. If you choose to proceed, a title company handles the closing.
Testimonials are real, from our transactions, verified and approved by our attorneys. The Illinois sellers shown here are from Normal and Bloomington, not Chicago; each quote keeps its seller's location and date.
What sellers say about USA Home Buyers
Here's what sellers have said about working with us.
“We had a grease fire in the kitchen that spread to the wall and the cabinet above the range before we got it out. Insurance gave us actual cash value — $19,000 on a kitchen that would cost $35,000 to rebuild. I wasn't going to fight that for six months. USA Home Buyers bought the house as-is in nine days.”
“I worked at the Amazon distribution center in Kenosha and took a medical leave for six months. Fell behind on payments, the bank filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court — Wisconsin judicial foreclosure. USA Home Buyers explained exactly where the timeline was and moved fast. Written offer in twenty-four hours, closed in eleven days. Foreclosure dismissed.”
“We owned our Lakeview property for twenty-six years and the property taxes hit $6,400 this year. Both retired, two incomes gone to one Social Security check. The house had too many stairs for my husband's knees anyway. USA Home Buyers gave us a fair number and closed in seven days. We moved to a one-floor condo in Waukegan.”
We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Tell us about the property and the questions you want to compare.