Top 5 Things to Look for When Home Shopping in the Florida Rain
How is home shopping different in Florida than home anywhere else, you might ask? Well, because it rains ALL THE TIME here in Florida. We lovingly call them “sunshine storms”, check out our blog all about Florida weather and what to expect if you have never experienced it before.
In this blog, I am going to explain the top 5 things to look for when home shopping in the Florida rain, but before we get there, let’s talk about a few things to consider when planning your trip:
Proper Footwear and Umbrellas
Be sure you have proper footwear! As a Realtor, I keep rain boots in my car, because taking heels through a muddy lot isn’t my idea of a good time. I have 100% been calf deep in mud with no change of footwear and did not need to make that mistake more than once. Thankfully that was a virtual tour for my Buyers, and they had NO IDEA what just happened to my poor shoes, may they rest in peace.
Umbrellas! If you’ve got kids, make sure they have their own as well. Younger kids get SUPER BORED when touring homes, and this little delight of a mini umbrella can bring even the slightest bit of joy to this process for them.
Top 5 Things to Look for When Home Shopping in the Florida Rain
- Gutters and Flooding: Overall, you want to hope that it rains while you are touring homes because you can take notice of a few key things; gutters (surprisingly in Florida with all the rain, most homes do not have gutters on them!), flooding, I have come VERY close to getting stuck trying to show a home because there was SO MUCH water filling the streets. We ended up not seeing that home because we could not safely get to it! Oddly enough, we could get to the home next door, to which we were told to get out of their driveway—all the more reason to NOT purchase that home, am I right?
- Landscaping and Drainage: Rain can reveal a lot about the landscaping and drainage of a property. If water pools in certain areas of the yard, it might indicate poor drainage, which can lead to problems down the line like a soggy yard, basement flooding, or even foundation damage.
- Roof Quality: A rainy day is an excellent time to check the state of the roof. You might see if the shingles hold up well or if any areas are sagging under the weight of water.
- Window and Door Sealing: Rain can help you identify if windows and doors are properly sealed. If you see water seeping in or feel a draft, it may indicate that the seals need to be replaced.
- Humidity and Mold: In humid climates like Florida’s, rain can exacerbate issues with indoor humidity and mold. Pay attention to any musty smells or visible signs of mold, especially in basements and attics.
Additional Considerations
- Noise Levels: Rain can also give you a sense of how noise travels in and around the house. If the rain sounds particularly loud inside, the house might have thin insulation or windows, which could also affect energy efficiency.
- Overall Atmosphere: Lastly, experiencing a house in the rain can help you get a feel for its overall atmosphere. Does it feel cozy and inviting? Or does it feel dark and dreary? This is subjective, of course, but it’s an important part of feeling “at home” in a new place.
Remember to bring a notepad or a note-taking app on your phone to jot down any observations or questions you have during the tour. And last but not least, enjoy the process! Despite the rain, home shopping can be a thrilling adventure.
Looking to buy a home in Florida? I am only a call, text, or email away!
Contact Amy Howell at ONE Florida Group:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 8082581945