I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, shortly after graduating from college. I was excited to leave behind the bitter temperatures, snow and high taxes of the northeast. Initially, I rented a small apartment in the city. As my career advanced, I was able to improve my living situation. I bought a house along the river. It was such a pleasure to step out on the back deck, drink a glass of wine and enjoy a view of the water. I’d sometimes spot dolphins or manatees. There were always boats, kayaks and jet skis going by. I should have questioned why I got such a great price on the house. I should have been concerned by the brand new floors, walls, kitchen cupboards and appliances. Coming from the northeast, I was not familiar with the threat of flooding. I lived in the house for almost two years. When a hurricane hit the Jacksonville area, the river overflowed its banks and my house flooded. I had more than six feet of dirty water inside the house. Not only did the water destroy the majority of appliances and compromise the floors, walls and fixtures, but it left behind a nasty, smelly residue. Because we were without power, I couldn’t run a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier. It was the ideal conditions to grow black mold. The house was totally destroyed. There was no possibility of selling by conventional means, and I couldn’t live in the house. I had no idea what to do. A coworker of mine suggested a cash home buyer. I had always been under the impression that a cash offer was some type of scam. My coworker assured me that she had worked with a local Jacksonville cash home buyer and was completely satisfied with the outcome. She told me that there was no need for a home inspection or repairs and that I could expect to close on the house in under two weeks. She was right.