During hurricane season, many homeowners reach a breaking point and get worn out from dealing with the impact of hurricanes. The uncertainty, fear, and expenses of maintaining a home vulnerable to hurricanes can become really overwhelming. Are you thinking of selling your home after a hurricane? Wondering how to sell your hurricane-prone home and still get the best price? As a real estate agent, here are my tips on selling your home after a hurricane.
Timing
Timing is key when selling your home. If you want to sell your home after a hurricane, the best strategy is to wait until hurricane season ends. By doing so, you are more likely to sell it at a higher price.
For example, if your Florida waterfront home has been impacted by a hurricane, it’s best to hold off on selling until the Winter or Spring. During these non-hurricane seasons, potential buyers are less preoccupied with hurricane threats since it’s not making headlines, and they’ll be more focused on your stunning waterfront property. This is when they’re more willing to pay a premium for your waterfront home, so you get the best possible price.
Make Repairs
Before putting your home up for sale, take the time to address any hurricane damage and have it repaired. It’s important to keep documentation of these repairs so they can be highlighted as updates to your home, which are significant selling points. For example, if you’ve installed a new roof, new doors, or new windows, these can all be showcased as updates and can greatly improve your listing.
Insurance Claims
If you have any insurance claims, keep documentation of these repairs and claims. You might need to show it to potential buyers when selling your home.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
When selling a home in a hurricane-prone area, it’s important to have a knowledgeable real estate agent by your side. You shouldn’t go through this alone. Look for an agent with a proven track record in selling homes affected by hurricanes.
Having an expert agent on your side is beneficial because they can guide you on the best time to list your home for sale and get it listed on MLS for maximum exposure. An experienced real estate agent can also give some advice on how best to prepare your hurricane-impacted home for sale so you can sell it quickly.
Hurricane Proof Your Home
You may want to hurricane-proof your home. Install hurricane-impact windows that can withstand strong winds and pressure, or add storm shutters to block wind and water. You may also want to invest in a high-impact roof to protect against Category 5 hurricane-force winds or reinforce your existing roof so it doesn’t fly off during a hurricane.
You might also want to consider hurricane-resistant garage doors and front doors. Some homeowners even go as far as adding an escape hatch into the roof for emergency evacuation in case of major flooding. However, before making any investments, it’s best to consult with your real estate agent to determine which hurricane-proofing upgrades are worth it to increase your home’s selling price. You don’t want to overdo it and end up spending more than you can recoup when it comes time to sell your home.
Sell “As Is”
If your home has experienced extensive damage and you’d rather not deal with the repairs, you could consider selling it “As Is.” This might attract investors and flippers who appreciate your prime waterfront location and are willing to renovate the property for resale after hurricane season has passed. Again, it’s best to strategize with your real estate agent to determine if you should sell “As-Is.”
Price Your Home Right
Getting the price right is key to selling it fast. If you’re putting your home on the market during hurricane season, you should be realistic and understand that you may need to sell it at a lower price. However, if you wait until winter or spring, when hurricanes are less of a concern for buyers, you’ll likely be able to sell it for a higher price.
Ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA). This will help you pinpoint the right selling price to sell your home quickly.
Improve Curb Appeal
Improve your home’s curb appeal before putting it on the market. Make small cosmetic improvements to boost your curb appeal. Since the exterior is the first thing potential buyers will notice, you want to make a good impression. Repaint the exterior, tidy up the landscaping, remove storm debris, pressure wash the siding, and add some planters.
Declutter
Before putting your home on the market, make sure it is clutter-free. Aim for a hotel-like aesthetic, with everything looking neat and tidy.
Clear the kitchen countertops and organize the pantry for a sleek appearance. Keep bathroom countertops clear of clutter. Tidy up bookshelves and minimize excess decor. Invest in stylish bedspreads and decorative pillows. Organize your closet and hide personal items like photographs to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
Staging
Making a positive first impression is key to attracting buyers quickly. Consider rearranging your furniture to maximize space and create a better sense of flow.
You can also enhance the appeal of your home by incorporating affordable decorative touches like artwork, plants, lamps, throw pillows, a new shower curtain, a fresh welcome mat, and a new bedspread. These small additions can make a difference in how quickly your home sells.
Professional Photos
Make sure to have professional photographs taken of your home for the listing. Before the photographer arrives, declutter and stage your home. It’s important not to cut corners on this. Make sure you or your real estate agent hires a professional photographer to take your listing photos.
High-quality pictures are crucial to making your listing attractive, so potential buyers will want to attend the open house and view your property in person. Keep in mind that selling your home is a numbers game—the more people who see it, the faster it will sell. Check out 17 Best Places to Buy a House in Florida with Low Hurricane Risk
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