What we take on after a fire
You can sell without cleaning up, repairing fire damage, or hauling away debris. The house can stay as it is while we talk through a sale.
Insurance proceeds and your mortgage
We buy the house exactly as it stands, and you keep your insurance proceeds. If you still have a mortgage, your lender may have a say in how that check is used — we'll walk through it with you.
What happens next
Tell us what happened, what was damaged, and what you know about access.
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.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Indiana's property-transfer filing fee. No agent commissions when you sell to us. No fees.
Merrillville building safety and permit questions
If fire or building officials have marked the house unsafe or restricted entry, stay out and follow their directions. We can talk through selling the house as it stands.
The Town of Merrillville's Planning & Building Department enforces Town building codes and zoning. Lake County's Plan Commission handles permit and complaint matters in unincorporated Lake County. Not sure which office covers the house? Call us — we'll sort it out with you.
Compare rebuilding with selling as-is
Compare the written terms for an as-is sale with the cleanup, repair, and rebuilding costs you expect. Think about how long the work could take and what it may cost to keep the house while work is underway.
Compare estimated Merrillville sale proceeds →Indiana property-transfer filing
Indiana uses a property-transfer form filed with the county Auditor for property-tax records. The filing fee is usually $20, though some transfers are exempt. Recording and other closing charges are separate, and the closing professional handles the paperwork. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Indiana's property-transfer filing fee.
Indiana property-transfer filing information → Lake County Auditor →
Questions about selling a fire-damaged Merrillville house
Can I sell a fire-damaged house in Merrillville as-is?
Yes. We buy fire-damaged houses exactly as they stand — no cleanup, no repairs, no hauling debris.
Do I need to clean up, repair, or haul debris before selling?
No. We buy fire-damaged houses exactly as they stand — no cleanup, no repairs, no hauling debris.
What happens to insurance proceeds if I sell?
We buy the house exactly as it stands, and you keep your insurance proceeds. If you still have a mortgage, your lender may have a say in how that check is used — we'll walk through it with you.
Can I enter the house after a fire?
If fire or building officials have marked the house unsafe or restricted entry, stay out and follow their directions. You can still talk with us about selling the house as it stands.
Which office handles a Merrillville permit or zoning question?
The Town of Merrillville's Planning & Building Department enforces Town building codes and zoning. Lake County's Plan Commission handles permit and complaint matters in unincorporated Lake County. Not sure which office covers the house? Call us — we'll sort it out with you.
What happens after I contact USA Home Buyers?
Tell us what happened and what you know about the damage and access. 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 is Indiana’s property-transfer filing fee?
The filing fee is usually $20, though some transfers are exempt. Recording and other closing charges are separate. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Indiana's property-transfer filing fee.
What our sellers say
Talk with us about the house
Call 888-274-5006 or use the form to tell us about the damage and access.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Tell us what happened and what you know about the house.