The October 2024 flood in Roswell was a historic and devastating event, leaving many homeowners wondering what their next steps should be — especially if they are planning to sell their property.
If you’re one of those homeowners, you're not alone — and with the right approach, selling is still very possible.

Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the sale of a flood-affected home:

🛠️ 1. Assess and Repair the Damage First

Before listing your home, it's crucial to:

• Document all damage: Take clear photos and gather repair receipts. These will be important for disclosure and to reassure buyers that the home has been properly restored.

• Make necessary repairs: Prioritize repairs to essential systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and any structural issues. Even cosmetic improvements like drywall replacement, fresh paint, and landscaping repairs can make a big difference.

• Consider professional inspections: A post-flood inspection from a licensed contractor or home inspector can give you a detailed report to share with buyers, building trust.

Tip: Homes that come with certified repairs often sell faster and closer to asking price.

📋 2. Be Transparent About the Flood History

In New Mexico, disclosing flood damage is not optional — it's required by law.
However, honest disclosure can actually build credibility with potential buyers.

What to disclose:

• Extent of the flood impact

• Repairs made

• Improvements to mitigate future flooding (like sump pumps, French drains, elevation work)

Bonus Tip: Offer buyers copies of your inspection reports and repair receipts upfront to ease concerns.

💸 3. Set a Realistic Asking Price

Flood history may affect your home's value — at least temporarily.
Work with a real estate agent experienced in post-disaster sales (like myself!) who can:

• Research comparable homes ("comps") in your area, including other flood-affected sales

• Position your home appropriately: if repairs were thorough and upgrades were made, your home could still compete strongly.

Tip: Pricing competitively — but not undervaluing — can help you attract serious buyers quickly.

🏠 4. Highlight Upgrades and Mitigation Improvements

Buyers appreciate when sellers take future risk into account.

Make sure to market:

• New or upgraded electrical systems

• New HVAC systems

• Mold remediation efforts

• Installation of flood barriers or sump pumps

• Elevation certificates (if applicable)

Framing it positively:
You’re not just selling a repaired home — you’re selling a home that’s been fortified for future resilience.

📸 5. Stage It Carefully

Even post-repair, buyers might walk in with concerns.
Good staging can help buyers emotionally connect and see the potential of the home:

• Use neutral colors and bright lighting to make the home feel fresh and clean.

• Emphasize unaffected spaces — big living areas, backyards, patios — that remained safe and dry.

• Consider virtual staging if parts of the home are still under minor renovation.

🤝 6. Consider Selling As-Is — But Know What That Means

If making extensive repairs feels overwhelming, you can list the property "as-is".
This usually attracts investors, flippers, or buyers looking for renovation opportunities.

Pros:

• Faster closing

• Less out-of-pocket cost on repairs

Cons:

• Likely a lower selling price

• Smaller pool of buyers

If you choose this route, you’ll still need to disclose flood history honestly.

📈 7. Stay Optimistic — The Market is Recovering

Roswell's real estate market has shown remarkable resilience.
With federal and state recovery aid flowing into the area, demand remains strong — especially among buyers who want to take advantage of refreshed inventory or who see opportunity in upgrading existing homes.

Remember: buyers today understand that natural disasters can happen anywhere.
It’s how a seller handles it that makes the difference.

As a local real estate expert specializing in Roswell and creative real estate solutions, I can help you:

• Price your home right

• Market its strengths

• Connect with buyers looking for exactly what you have to offer

Don't go it alone — let's get you moving forward!

📲 Janett Pina | REALTOR®
📍 eXp Realty | Hablo Español
📞 303-981-9603 | 💻 JanettPina.com