Hurricane Tips for Realtors & Landlords

As you know, I talk about safety.  A LOT.  Today I want you to remember that safety isn’t just about not being attacked by a human attacker, and it’s not just about YOU, it’s also your customers, properties, and even tenants!

Below I’ve shared with you a list of “common sense” hurricane tips from a native Floridian (me!).  I wasn’t going to even send you an email today, but it seems my original post has started going viral today so I guess it’s information that many people seem to think is needed.  Remember it’s been almost 10 years since we’ve really had a hurricane come through.

First let’s talk for a second about what we need to do specifically in our real estate business today and tomorrow to prepare.

1. If you have a closing coming up, remember that you will have problems binding insurance.  But also remember that if the appraisal has already been done, your lender will most likely require a re-inspection stating no storm damage prior to closing.  This form MUST be done by the same appraiser as the first time and will have to go through the appraisal management company.  This may take several days to weeks depending on how many are in queue and will also cost probably between $150-200 additional.  Prepare all parties.
2. Call, email, or text your sellers.  Remind them to put away anything that could become airborne in a storm such as chairs, planters, grills, etc.  I know it seems like we should know this, but they may not, especially if they haven’t lived in Florida long.  A simple broken window could turn into a nightmare of a mold problem.
3. If you can’t make it by in person, ask your seller to pull any signs and flyer boxes in for the duration of the storm.  They can become flying missiles.
4. Call, email, or text your TENANTS.  Remind them of the same thing.  Also ask them to report to you IMMEDIATELY any damage done in the storm, no matter how minor they might think it is.

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