With Hurricane Milton approaching, it’s time to secure your home and ensure safety. If you’re in the middle of selling your property, hurricane season brings some unique challenges. Below are some key tips to help you prepare your home both for safety and to continue your sales process smoothly during this hurricane season.
FOX5: Hurricane Milton projected path: Tracker, impacts and more l LIVE updates
Manage Pool Water
With the heavy rains that accompany hurricanes, pools can quickly overflow. It’s important to lower the water level to maintain appropriate levels, but not too much—completely draining a pool can cause structural issues because of hydrostatic pressure. Proper pool water management will help prevent flooding and keep your pool safe. Learn more about how to prepare your pool for a storm.
Secure Outdoor Decorations
October means Halloween decorations are out in many yards. If a hurricane is forecasted, store away all outdoor decorations to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles. This includes lawn ornaments, decorations, and other items that could be picked up by strong winds. Find more hurricane preparedness tips at Ready.gov.
Stock Up on Essentials
It’s always a good idea to stock up on essential supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, and first aid supplies. FEMA recommends having enough supplies for each member of your family to last at least three days. Visit FEMA’s Ready.gov kit guide to learn what items are critical to include in your hurricane preparedness kit.
Charge Devices and Backup Batteries
Power outages are likely during hurricanes, so charge all essential devices and battery backups now. Ensure phones, laptops, radios, and any other necessary electronics are fully charged before the storm hits. Backup power banks can also come in handy for staying connected during extended outages. For more advice on preparing your electronics, visit CNET’s guide to hurricane preparedness.
Document Your Property with Photos and Video
Before the hurricane, take the time to document your entire property thoroughly. Record videos and take photographs of everything—every drawer, every closet, and all spaces inside and outside the home. This will help document the condition of your belongings and property. If you need to file an insurance claim, having a visual inventory will greatly speed up the process and provide evidence of the state of your items before the storm. You can learn more about how to create a home inventory and why it’s essential.
Remove “For Sale” Signs
If your property is for sale, remove the “For Sale” sign from the yard before the storm arrives. The post might withstand the storm, but the sign itself could easily become airborne, leading to potential damage. You can reinstall it after the storm has passed.
Prepare for Slower Showings
Expect a slowdown in showings leading up to the storm. While in-person tours might be paused, your property’s online visibility remains crucial. Virtual tours and online listings will continue, and interest in in-person showings should pick back up after the storm passes. Staying patient and being prepared for this slowdown will help you manage expectations.
Selling Your Home During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season adds unique challenges to selling a home. By keeping your property in top condition, securing all outdoor areas, and documenting the state of your belongings, you can instill confidence in buyers that your home is well-maintained, even under challenging conditions.
Taking Care of Your Home and Family
The safety of your family and home is paramount. Following these preparation tips can help minimize potential damage and make recovery easier once the storm passes. If you’re navigating the real estate market in Florida, the right precautions will help you weather both literal and figurative storms successfully.
Connect with Nicole Stanbra for All Your Real Estate Needs!
Whether you’re buying or selling, or just curious about the Palm Beach real estate market, Nicole Stanbra and The Stanbra Team are here to provide expert knowledge and personalized service. From finding the perfect family-friendly neighborhood to selling your current home, we are dedicated to making your real estate journey smooth and successful.
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