The weather along America’s Gulf and Atlantic coast can change in an instant and what can seem like a perfect summer beachy day can sometimes turn quickly. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season proved that, seeing storms rapidly intensify from seemingly innocuous tropical storms into catastrophic category 5 monsters in a matter of hours.
Alas, part of living on the southern and eastern coasts of the United States is dealing with tropical storms. Unfortunately, Atlantic hurricane season and home selling season coincide with one another. So how do you buy or sell during the hurricane season?
Preparation is Key
Part of living in hurricane-prone parts of the country is being prepared for a storm to spin up and/or intensify in a matter of days and as a buyer or seller you should be looking to add to that preparation.
In most coastal communities, modern building codes are structured around worst-case scenario storms, but you can always do more to increase curb appeal. If your home needs some hurricane-proofing, take it upon yourself to do some of the work. Ask local building inspectors what they look for and see what is in your DIY repertoire.
As a buyer, be well versed on what a quality constructed dwelling should look like and what measures should be taken to prevent damage in storms. Let’s face it, virtually no construction practices can completely eliminate damage from a major hurricane, but know what weaknesses to look for and what strengths to hone in on.
Be Ready to Make a Quick Exit
If you already own a home in America’s hurricane zone, then have a contingency plan for getting out of town on a moment’s notice. Hurricanes, despite the technology available to forecasters are still unpredictable entities and can change course or strength without any warning.
What this means for you is that mandatory evacuations or other circumstances associated with a storm can cause you and your family to get out quickly. Know where your valuables, important documents, electronics chargers, etc. are so you can grab them and get out the door on short notice. It’s a good idea to keep a getaway bag stocked with everything your family will need for a couple of days.
Buyer’s should keep this in mind as well when looking for a home during hurricane season. Is your home easy to access from major evacuation routes? Is there ample storage for your most valuable belongings? Can you get out in the event of sudden flash flooding? These are all considerations to keep in mind.
Stock Supplies
If you decide to wait the storm out, make sure you have ample supplies on hand. Tropical storms can knock out power and ruin water supplies for days or weeks, so it’s important to have enough food, water, and ways to charge cell phones on hand for at least a week of power losses.
Also, it’s a good idea to keep a can of gasoline stored in your garage or storage shed in the event that you need to power a generator or fuel your vehicle.
Prepare to Buy
If the idea of preparation hasn’t hit home thus far, get ready for some more! Hurricane season can make buying and selling a very time constrained endeavor, so it’s important to have your financing in order when it’s time to buy.
Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. is your go-to lender for getting financing to buy your dream home on the coast. Our simple online application could help get you pre-qualified in 24 hours: almost as quick as the next storm gets brewing!
