Yesterday, I headed out to show properties to a new buyer. The weather forecast was 100% chance of rain. We both brought our umbrellas. After looking at a couple of houses the clouds grew dark and the wind began howling. Then, the sky completely opened up. It started pouring.
I always recommend that buyers look at or take a drive by a property they are considering, during or right after a hard rain to see if there are water problems. They should also drive by at different times of the day and sometime on the weekend, if at all possible. This gives buyers an idea of what is going on in the neighborhood.
While it was pouring, my buyer and I only had a couple of houses left on the list to look at. One of the properties had a severe drainage problem. The backyard was quickly becoming a mini lake. So she ruled that one out completely. The other two we looked at were fine.
As we listened to the weather on the radio, there were reports of severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings, so we decided to call it a day, and get off the road.
In the past, in looking at properties in the rain, I have found roof leaks, problems with water coming seeping into low lying additions, and driveways that were impassable.
So, if possible (and I know this sometimes depends on the time of year - rainy season or not), do a drive by on a house that you are considering after a heavy rain, BEFORE making an offer.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing
I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations.
We have a team of professionals that can help facilitate your Short Sale.
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
that for you
Sandy you are correct. I like to see the properties after a day of rain if not while raining. Amazing how many puddles form on properties that aren't disclosed.
Hi John, It is a great time to see a property. I agree that sometimes it's really an eye opener to see where the standing water settles.
Sandy ~ I totally agree with you. There is a lot you can tell about a house inside & out and its neighborhood after a good rain. My husband who is a Builder and a Home Inspector loves to do inspections after a rain. Good topic!
Sandy, Good for you! I think most people would not be so honest. Our road turns into a river that you literally can't pass but no one tells the prospective people looking for homes here.....They would not buy the house. I think your honesty is wonderful.
Ah yes, That is the beauty of Washington State. We get a lot of rain and plenty of chances to find problems...
Thank God It's Friday,
Paul
Sandy - I am reminded of several years ago, I was buying property in Hawaii. I was looking at one delightful little house, when the sky opened up and poured buckets of rain on the roof. The roof was a metal one. . .I realized from the sound inside, that no one would ever be able to sleep in a rainstorm. . .At least not in that house:-)
Sandy
Great advise, thanks for posting.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Sandy, it definitely highlights many problems, especially if the leaks are prevalent. Can't hide it from the rain.
I agree. There is nothing better than looking in a rainstorm or the day after one. Any problems will be very visible and will save on grief of discovery later.
Good point Sandy, it could save alot of heartache and money doing a simple driveby!
Sandy, this is good info for buyers, they don't often see the water problems created by rain until it is too late!
Hi Sandy, We don't get tons of rain - but I can certainly understand how that would be beneficial. I just hope my buyers aren't waiting for a rainstorm before they make an offer - it could be a long wait :-)
Sandy, I experienced two cases of what you were talking about showing homes in the rain this afternoon. House 1: water was pouring into the garage- now I see why it came out of pending twice. House 2: had moisture weeping into the basement.
Great post, Sandy!
Oompa, you always provide great advice when looking for property.
Sandy,
Now don't you wish everyone would listen??
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Hi Sandy,
You're right on with this advice....I'm sure many a buyer has given thanks for the rainy day that stopped them from making a very expensive wrong decision. Good helpful post!
Gail
Hi Sandy ~ After the record setting rain we've had over five (!) days it's the rare house that doesn't have water. What a mess! At least you know what you're up against in a worst case scenario.
Liz
Home inspectors love the rain, and home buyers should too. While we can order up a batch of rain on home inspection day, potential home buyers should always get in their car and drive neighborhoods of interest during a good rain storm. Even in a moderate rain, watching which streets have slow draining water or show ponding provides valuable information about what it may be like to live in that neighborhood, and if flooding or drainage may be a concern in large storms. Potential home buyers can also look for damp spots on Stucco, puddles in driveways, and puddles on low slope roofs. Also, if it has been quite rainy, but the still lawn looks pretty dead, this is a good thing to know, as a hidden expense could be lurking there too. So I agree, real estate agents should encourage their clients to hop in a car on a rainy day and take a ride.