Sometimes in real estate, things go sideways fast. This house on Spencer Street in Jacksonville Florida is a perfect example.
What was originally going to be a standard fixer upper turned into a full gut job after squatters broke in and started a fire. Once fire and smoke touch a house like this, there’s no saving materials, no cosmetic fixes, and no shortcuts.
This house is, quite literally, up in smoke.
What Fire Damage Really Means for a House
A lot of people think fire damage only affects the area where the flames were. That’s not how it works.
Once a fire happens:
- Smoke travels through the entire house
- Soot settles on every surface
- Insulation, drywall, wiring, and HVAC are affected
- The smell never truly goes away without full removal
In this house, everything has been touched by smoke. Flooring, ceilings, cabinets, fans, walls. There’s nothing worth saving. The right move here is a complete gut renovation or tear down.
Why Fire Damaged Houses Are Hard to Fix
Fire damaged homes come with problems most homeowners don’t expect.
Permits and City Codes
Once the city knows a fire occurred, permits are usually required for:
- Electrical
- Structural work
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Roofing
That means inspections, delays, and added costs.
Squatters and Vacant Property Issues
After the fire, this house became vacant. Vacant houses attract problems fast. Break ins, theft, and squatters are common, especially in certain neighborhoods.
That’s why I visit vacant properties often. It helps prevent issues and protects the owner.
Insurance Doesn’t Always Solve It
Insurance payouts rarely cover the true cost of repairs, especially once additional damage happens after the fire. Many homeowners are left stuck with a property they don’t want and can’t afford to fix.
Why Most Homeowners Lose Money Trying to Repair Fire Damage
Trying to repair a fire damaged house usually means:
- Months of construction
- Large cash out of pocket
- Contractor issues
- Permit headaches
- No guarantee of profit
For most people, selling the house as is makes more sense than trying to save it.
Selling a Fire Damaged House As Is in Jacksonville
Here’s the good news.
You can sell a fire damaged house as is in Jacksonville Florida.
You do not need to:
- Make repairs
- Clean it out
- Remove smoke damage
- Pull permits
- Deal with contractors
I buy houses in all conditions, including fire damaged, vacant, and problem properties. I factor everything in and make a fair cash offer based on the real condition of the house.
Who This Makes Sense For
Selling as is is often the best option if:
- Your house had a fire
- Insurance didn’t cover everything
- The house is vacant or boarded up
- Squatters or break ins happened
- You don’t want months of repairs
- You just want the problem gone
Common Questions About Selling a Fire Damaged House
Can I sell a fire damaged house without repairs?
Yes. You can sell the house exactly how it sits.
Do I need to pull permits before selling?
No. That responsibility can be passed to the buyer.
What if the house smells like smoke?
That’s expected. Smoke damage is factored into the offer.
What if the city has code issues or violations?
That’s common after a fire. You can still sell.
How fast can a fire damaged house sell?
In many cases, a cash sale can close in 7 to 14 days.
Up in Smoke Doesn’t Mean You’re Stuck
If your house has fire damage, feels overwhelming, or you’re not sure what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’ll walk the property, explain your options, and give you a no pressure cash offer.
👉 Get a Cash Offer for Your Fire Damaged House
If your house is up in smoke and you want a simple solution:
👉 Click below to get a cash offer
👉 No repairs
👉 No commissions
👉 No pressure
Get Your Cash Offer Now 👇
CALL OR TEXT 904-606-9163
This Spencer Street property is not your typical fixer upper. This is a full scale fire damaged house located in the heart of Jacksonville Florida, and it requires everything.
From the moment you walk inside, the smell of smoke is still present. The fire damage impacted the entire home, not just one room. Windows are boarded up, ceilings are affected, and every surface has been touched by smoke and soot.
This is not a light cosmetic rehab. This is a complete gut and rebuild or possible teardown depending on your strategy and permits.
What Condition Is the House In?
To be direct and transparent:
This house needs everything.
- Smoke damage throughout the entire interior
- Fire damage visible in ceilings and roof structure
- Flooring, cabinets, fans, paint, and fixtures all impacted
- No appliances worth saving
- Significant demolition required
If you are the type of investor who tries to save materials, this is not that project. The cleanest approach is full demo and rebuild.
As shown in the walkthrough video, there are no corners untouched by smoke. Even areas that look intact visually are contaminated.
Property Overview
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Located on Spencer Street in Jacksonville FL
- Smaller lot
- Quiet street with nearby new construction
There are new builds directly behind and near this property, which helps support future value after renovation or redevelopment.
Investment Potential in This Jacksonville Neighborhood
While the condition is severe, the location and price point make this a real opportunity for the right buyer.
This area of Jacksonville continues to see:
- New construction activity
- Investor rehabs
- Rental demand
- Long term redevelopment
This could be:
- A heavy rehab flip
- A long term rental after full renovation
- A teardown and rebuild project
However, this project will require licensed contractors and county permits. You should also verify any existing city or code records tied to the property, as that will affect the scope of work and timeline.
Important Investor Notes
This is not a live in rehab.
This is not a weekend project.
This is not cosmetic.
You should expect:
- Permits
- Inspections
- Professional trades
- Significant upfront capital
If you are already running multiple projects or are underfunded, this deal may not be a fit. If you specialize in distressed properties and know how to manage heavy rehabs, this could be an opportunity.
Why I Am Not Buying This One
For transparency, I am not personally buying this property. I already own and manage multiple properties in this immediate area and have several active flips in progress.
If I had the capacity, this is the type of project I would normally take on. Right now, it simply does not fit my current workload.
That does not mean it is a bad deal. It just means it may be the right deal for the right investor.
Final Thoughts on This Fire Damaged Jacksonville Property
If you are searching for:
- A fire damaged house in Jacksonville FL
- A distressed investment property
- A heavy rehab or teardown opportunity
- A project with nearby new construction support
This Spencer Street property is worth a serious look.
Watch the Full Walkthrough Video
Be sure to watch the full video walkthrough to see the condition firsthand. Photos do not fully capture the level of smoke and fire impact throughout the home.
Contact Me
If you have questions about this property, want to submit an offer, or are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Jacksonville or surrounding areas, reach out directly.
I work with:
- Distressed sellers
- Investors
- Fire damaged and problem properties
- Traditional buyers and sellers
Chris Moore
Jacksonville Florida
Call or text anytime – contact info below
904-606-9163