The Gulf Coast is a wonderful place to live: warm weather, beaches, and tons of activities to entertain. However, navigating the real estate market can be tricky – especially during hurricane season, which takes up around six months every year.
Whether you’re purchasing your dream coastal property, selling your current home, or managing both at the same time, a little extra planning can go a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind to make the process smoother and stress-free.
What to Know When Buying a Home
If you’re looking to buy a home during hurricane season, the first thing to check is the insurance situation. Homes in this area typically need wind insurance, and many need flood insurance. These costs can add up. It’s worth looking up the home’s flood zone on FEMA maps and getting quotes on insurance coverage early in the process.
Make sure to schedule a detailed inspection, especially with hurricanes in mind. You’ll want to know the condition of the roof, windows, and any storm-prep features like shutters or impact-resistant glass. Homes with these kinds of upgrades not only feel safer but might save you money on insurance, too.
Timing also matters—hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and bad weather can delay inspections or closings. If you’re buying during this time, try to add some flexibility to your contract for weather-related hiccups. (Also, check out this article, Buying a House During Hurricane Season? Here’s What You Need to Know to find out more about what happens if a home you’re buying is impacted by a hurricane.)
Think about emergency preparedness while touring homes, too. Does the property have space for a generator or secure storage for storm supplies? Also, get a feel for the neighborhood. Communities with solid evacuation plans and a good track record of bouncing back after storms are a big plus.
Tips for Selling a Home
Selling a home during hurricane season? Highlighting its storm-readiness features can make a big difference to buyers. Show off anything like hurricane shutters, a reinforced roof, a standby generator, or impact-resistant windows, and keep proof of maintenance or upgrades handy to put buyers at ease.
When it comes to timing, listing your home before the peak of hurricane season (or waiting until it’s over) can help avoid disruptions. And don’t be shy about addressing hurricane risks with potential buyers. Being upfront and setting clear expectations can build trust and make everyone feel more confident about the process.
A little staging can go a long way, too. If you’ve got shutters or other storm-prep gear, set them up to show buyers how easy it is to protect the home. Highlight features like secure storage or outdoor spaces that are easy to prep for a storm.
Handling Buying and Selling at the Same Time
Buying and selling simultaneously during hurricane season can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable with the right planning.
Coordination is Key
- Work with a skilled real estate agent who understands the Gulf Coast market and hurricane season dynamics. They can help align your timelines for both transactions.
- Use contingency clauses in your contracts to account for delays caused by storms.
Securing Temporary Housing
- Be prepared for overlapping timelines by arranging temporary housing. This is especially important if a storm affects one of the properties involved in your transactions.
Protecting Both Investments
- For the home you’re buying, ensure that your insurance coverage is active as soon as possible.
- For the home you’re selling, keep your insurance active until the sale is finalized to avoid gaps in coverage.
Buying or selling a home on the Gulf Coast during hurricane season might take a little extra effort, but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a bit of preparation. Whether you’re moving into your dream home, saying goodbye to a beloved space, or juggling both at the same time, staying flexible and planning for the unexpected can make all the difference. And remember – there’s no substitute for good advice from a local pro who knows the ins and outs of Gulf Coast real estate.