Rain, rain, go away…come again another day…
Are these your thoughts when you have a showing scheduled? Buyers seem to be hesitant, if not downright reluctant, to keep appointments when it is raining. I know that it is not always convenient to get in and out of the car in the rain and to remove your wet shoes when entering a home. As a matter of fact, these things can be a real chore. But what if they had a list of incentives to keep those appointments?
Reasons to go house hunting in the rain:
• Look for roof leaks. There is no easier way to see an existing interior problem than viewing a house during the rain to see if there are leaks. For a bonus, climb into the attic (safely!) and take a look there as well. If you spot any leaks or any kind of damage, it might need a roof repair.
• Check all exterior doors and windows for proper seals. Is there any water being blown underneath the doors? Are the windowsills dry?
• Investigate the gutters. Are they clogged and overflowing or working correctly? Are they intact or leaking? Do the downspouts guide water away from the house properly?
• Are there any drainage issues with the property? Does the yard hold water or is it graded properly? Does water seep into the garage? Does the patio slant away from the house or towards it?
• Don’t forget to check garages and carports as well!
• Are there any drainage issues with the street? Are the catch basins clean or does the street easily flood?
• What about neighborhood drainage issues? Is there a canal or other waterway in the neighborhood? If so, is it rapidly rising during rain or carrying the water as designed?
Knowing about any of these issues may impact how much a buyer is willing to offer for a property and could save them from making an expensive mistake that isn’t uncovered until after closing. Isn’t that worth house hunting in the rain for?
