Tips on Surviving During Hurricane Season

Tips From Industry Professionals on Surviving Real Estate During Hurricane Season

Posted on Oct 17 2017 - 5:26pm by Housecall

Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 17, 2017. Housecall continues to share this piece due to ongoing requests and reader interest.

By Liz Dominguez

As hurricane season is revving up, much of the East Coast braces for Hurricane Florence. Most residents of hurricane-prone areas expect storms to hit during this time of year, but the buyer and seller population may not be familiar with the ramifications of a hurricane that disrupts a real estate transaction.

Here's what Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President-Elect Lou Nimkoff and RE/MAX 200 Orlando-based REALTOR® Daniel Wilson have to say about navigating the real estate market during hurricane season:

Trust your gut.

Unfortunately, you may come across individuals that try to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. Following a natural disaster, service "professionals" who are not qualified to perform a job may try to overcharge for a service claiming an increase in demand. If not careful, you can wind up with a botched repair that costs you thousands of dollars.

"My No. 1 piece of advice to buyers and sellers post-hurricanes is to be aware of everyone that you’re dealing with and make sure that they’re a trusted name in their industry. During times of distress, a lot of companies try and profit from those in need. For example, make sure the roofer that comes to your door knocking for business is an actual licensed and insured roofer. Better yet, look up the business and find their customer reviews online," says Wilson.

"You need to have a home inspector take a look and make sure any work you had done was done properly," says Nimkoff.

Have patience.  

The market was hit hard and it will take time for everything to settle down. Not all homes are back on the market after sustaining damage during the hurricanes. In a few more weeks, you could be seeing more activity. However, if you do see something you like, it will most likely sell quickly since inventory is low. If a home fits the bill, jump on it before another buyer comes along and claims it.

"I advise buyers to act on the same day the homes get listed if they’re interested, otherwise they will have a very difficult time in getting their offer accepted once there's been a multiple offer situation. My theory is: the first agent in the door—with the best offer and continued communication with the other agent—wins!" says Wilson.

"Because it is a seller's market and there is an unusually high number of sellers, buyers want to be able to try and attract them and negotiate with them quickly," says Nimkoff. 

Get back on the market.

If your home was damaged by the hurricanes and you are trying to sell, fix any issues as quickly as possible so you can get your home back on the market. If your home only sustained minor damage, fix any issues without withdrawing your listing. Time off the market can translate into offers that you could be missing out on. Buyers will start to come out of the woodwork after laying low in the weeks following the hurricanes.

"I have a current seller who needed to have a new roof put on because of the hurricane. We went under contract with a buyer, got insurance to approve the new roof and scheduled a professional to place the new roof on the home—all while still on track with the original closing date of just 30 days from contract to close," says Wilson. 

"You need to make sure that your insurance values are up-to-date. If you do have a loss, you can quickly have it repaired and you don't have to get into a fight with the insurance company. If you suffered some sort of loss, you need to repair it quickly and properly," says Nimkoff.

Be flexible and keep the end goal in mind. 

Do remember that hurricane season can be stressful. Emotions are high for both buyers and sellers. Work together to achieve your goal while avoiding the drama. 

"If you're going to buy a house during hurricane season, talk to your landlord and say, 'I need an extra month if I can't move into my new house.' Or if you're selling your home, you have the right to delay the home you are selling so you can work out the issue because of a pending hurricane," says Nimkoff

"It's an awfully tight market. A thousand people a day are moving in here. Don't get too focused [on hurricanes] that you forget about the long-term benefits. We have pretty low interest rates right now," he adds. 

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

 HouseLogic

From finding an inspector to dealing with surprises — this is your guide to getting a house checked out.

The first thing you need to know about home inspection: You’ll feel all the feels.

There’s the excitement — the inspection could be the longest time you’re in the house, after the showing.

Right behind that comes … anxiety. What if the inspector finds something wrong? So wrong you can’t buy the house?

Then there’s impatience. Seriously, is this whole home-buying process over yet?

Not yet. But you’re close. So take a deep breath. Because the most important thing to know about home inspection: It’s just too good for you, as a buyer, to skip. Here’s why.

A Home Inspector Is Your Protector

An inspector helps you make sure a house isn’t hiding anything before you commit for the long haul. (Think about it this way: You wouldn’t even get coffee with a stranger without checking out their history.)

A home inspector identifies any reasonably discoverable problems with the house (a leaky roof, faulty plumbing, etc.). Hiring an inspector is you doing your due diligence. To find a good one (more on how to do that soon), it helps to have an understanding of what the typical home inspection entails. 

An inspection is all about lists.  

Before an inspection, the home inspector will review the seller’s property disclosure statement. (Each state has its own requirements for what sellers must disclose on these forms; some have stronger requirements than others.) The statement lists any flaws the seller is aware of that could negatively affect the home’s value. 

The disclosure comes in the form of an outline, covering such things as:

• Mold 
• Pest infestation
• Roof leaks
• Foundation damage
• Other problems, depending on what your state mandates.

During the inspection, an inspector has three tasks: To:

1. Identify problems with the house
2. Suggest fixes
3. Estimate how much repairs might cost

He or she produces a written report, usually including photos, that details any issues with the property. This report is critical to you and your agent — it’s what you’ll use to request repairs from the seller. (We’ll get into how you’ll do that in a minute, too.)

The Inspector Won’t Check Everything

Generally, inspectors only examine houses for problems that can be seen with the naked eye. They won’t be tearing down walls or using magical X-ray vision, to find hidden faults.

Inspectors also won’t put themselves in danger. If a roof is too high or steep, for example, they won’t climb up to check for missing or damaged shingles. They’ll use binoculars to examine it instead.

They can’t predict the future, either. While an inspector can give you a rough idea of how many more years that roof will hold up, he or she can’t tell you exactly when it will need to be replaced.

Finally, home inspectors are often generalists. A basic inspection doesn’t routinely include a thorough evaluation of:

• Swimming pools
• Wells
• Septic systems
• Structural engineering work
• The ground beneath a home
• Fireplaces and chimneys

When it comes to wood-burning fireplaces, for instance, most inspectors will open and close dampers to make sure they’re working, check chimneys for obstructions like birds’ nests, and note if they believe there’s reason to pursue a more thorough safety inspection.

If you’re concerned about the safety of a fireplace, you can hire a certified chimney inspector for about $125 to $325 per chimney; find one through the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Explore More Topics:

Make an Offer & Negotiate

Buy a Home: Step-by-Step

It’s Your Job to Check the Inspector

Now you’re ready to connect with someone who’s a pro at doing all of the above. Here’s where — once again — your real estate agent has your back. He or she can recommend reputable home inspectors to you.

In addition to getting recommendations (friends and relatives are handy for those, too), you can rely on online resources such as the American Society of Home Inspectors' (ASHI) Find a Home Inspector tool, which lets you search by address, metro area, or neighborhood.

You’ll want to interview at least three inspectors before deciding whom to hire. During each chat, ask questions such as:

• Are you licensed or certified? Inspector certifications vary, based on where you live. Not every state requires home inspectors to be licensed, and licenses can indicate different degrees of expertise. ASHI lists each state’s requirements here. 
• How long have you been in the business? Look for someone with at least five years of experience — it indicates more homes inspected.
• How much do you charge? The average home inspection costs about $315. For condos and homes under 1,000 square feet, the average cost is $200. Homes over 2,000 square feet can run $400 or more. (Figures are according to HomeAdvisor.com.)
• What do you check, exactly? Know what you’re getting for your money.
• What don’t you check, specifically? Some home inspectors are more thorough than others.
• How soon after the inspection will I receive my report? Home inspection contingencies require you to complete the inspection within a certain period of time after the offer is accepted — normally five to seven days — so you’re on a set timetable. A good home inspector will provide you with the report within 24 hours after the inspection.
• May I see a sample report? This will help you gauge how detailed the inspector is and how he or she explains problems.

Sometimes you can find {{ start_tip 84 }}online reviews{{ end_tip}} of inspectors on sites like Angie’s List and Yelp, too, if past clients’ feedback is helpful in making your decision.

Show Up for Inspection (and Bring Your Agent)

It’s inspection day, and the honor of your — and your agent’s — presence is not required, but highly recommended. Even though you’ll receive a report summarizing the findings later on, being there gives you a chance to ask questions, and to learn the inner workings of the home.

Block out two to three hours for the inspection. The inspector will survey the property from top to bottom. This includes checking water pressure; leaks in the attic, plumbing, etc.; if door and window frames are straight (if not, it could be a sign of a structural issue); if electrical wiring is up to code; if smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working; if appliances work properly. Outside, he or she will look at things like siding, fencing, and {{ start_tip 85 }}drainage.{{ end_tip }}

The inspector might also be able to check for termites, asbestos, lead paint, or radon. Because these tests involve more legwork and can require special certification, they come at an additional charge.

Get Ready to Negotiate

Once you receive the inspector’s report, review it with your agent.

Legally, sellers are required to make certain repairs. These can vary depending on location. Most sales contracts require the seller to fix: 

• Structural defects
• Building code violations
• Safety issues

Most home repairs, however, are negotiable. Be prepared to pick your battles: Minor issues, like a cracked switchplate or loose kitchen faucet, are easy and cheap to fix on your own. You don’t want to start nickel-and-diming the seller. 

If there are major issues with the house, your agent can submit a formal request for repairs that includes a copy of the inspection report. Repair requests should be as specific as possible. For instance: Instead of saying “repair broken windows,” a request should say “replace broken window glass in master bathroom.”

• If the seller agrees to make all of your repair requests: He or she must provide you with invoices from a licensed contractor stating that the repairs were made. Then it’s full steam ahead toward the sale.
• If the seller responds to your repair requests with a counteroffer: He or she will state which repairs (or credits at closing) he or she is willing to make. The ball is in your court to either agree, counter the seller’s counteroffer, or void the transaction.

At the end of the day, remember to check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling about all of this. You need to be realistic about how much repair work you’d be taking on. At this point in the sale, there’s a lot of pressure from all parties to move into the close. But if you don’t feel comfortable, speak up.

The most important things to remember during the home inspection? Trust your inspector, trust your gut, and lean on your agent — they likely have a lot of experience to support your decision-making.

That’s something to feel good about.

8 Simple Rules for Negotiating Your Offer and Getting That House

By: HouseLogic

Published: February 27, 2018

You and your agent are going to use everything you’ve learned to seal the deal.

Here’s the dream: Your offer is perfect, you don’t need to negotiate, and you can spend the next few weeks addressing more pressing home-ownership questions, like “Why is it called wainscoting?” and “Do I want a new couch in blush or emerald green?”

And it could happen. Many sellers accept the best offer they receive, and for a variety of reasons.

But sellers are also known to reject offers for a variety of reasons. Or make counteroffers. This is especially likely if you bid low, or when you’re up against multiple competing offers.

If you do receive a counteroffer, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to accept the new contract, negotiate the terms, or walk away.

In cases such as these, look to your agent. He or she is your spirit guide. If you decide you want to negotiate — that is, make a counteroffer to the seller’s counteroffer — your agent will use their negotiating skills to help get you the best deal. This is what agents do every day.

But you’re not just going to sit there. If you understand what negotiating tactics your agent may deploy — they depend on the local market and your position — you can back them up. And cheer them on.

Here are eight rules every buyer should know before they — and their agent — start negotiating:

#1 Act Fast — Like, Now

When you receive a counteroffer, you should respond quickly — ideally within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the more space you leave for another buyer to swoop in and nab the property. Also? If a seller senses hesitation, they may decide to withdraw their counteroffer before you even have a chance to respond.

#2 Raise Your Price (Within Reason)

While you obviously don’t want to overpay for a house, you may have to up the ante — especially if you initially made a lowball offer. Lean on your agent’s expertise to determine how much money you should add to the {{ start_tip 83 }}sales price{{ end_tip }} to make it more enticing to the seller.

Then, through their powers of persuasion, your agent can make the counteroffer look even more attractive by pointing out similarly priced “comps” — recently sold homes in your area that are comparable in terms of square footage and features. 

As your agent negotiates, it can feel like things are escalating quickly. It’s stressful. You may feel a sudden urge to do whatever it takes to win.

Before you go overboard, there are two things you must keep in mind:

1. You can’t exceed the monetary confines of the pre-approved mortgage you received from your lender. 
2. You shouldn’t overextend your budget.

Because your counteroffer has to be an amount you’re comfortable spending on a home. You want that new house and to keep living your life. Plus: You’re not out of options yet.

Explore More Topics:

Make an Offer & Negotiate

Buy a Home: Step-by-Step

#3 Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit

Increasing your earnest money deposit (EMD) — the sum of money you put down to prove to the seller you’re serious (i.e., “earnest”) about buying the house — is another way to show the seller you have more skin in the game. A standard EMD is typically 1% to 3% of the sales price of the home. Making a counteroffer with a 3% to 4% deposit could be what you need to persuade the seller to side with you.

#4 Demonstrate Patience About Taking Possession

Depending on the seller’s timetable, changing your proposed possession date — the date you take over the property — could butter them up, too. If the seller wants to stay in the home for a few days after closing, try offering a later possession date. You could also draw up a “rent-back” agreement, meaning the seller pays you rent for staying in the home for a set period of time after the closing date.

#5 Let Go of a Few Contingencies — With Care

Want to give your counteroffer an even bigger boost?

Reduce the number of contingencies you’re asking for. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, look, I have fewer ways to back out,” which gives the seller more reassurance that the deal will close.

But be selective: Some contingencies are too important to give up. A home-inspection contingency — the right to have a home inspection and request repairs — gives you an out if you spot major problems with the home (and protects you from buying a total money pit).

You might waive a termite inspection if you’re in a state where the risk is lower.

But ultimately, waiving contingencies depends on your market, your loan program requirements, your risk tolerance, and the circumstances of the house in question. And if you waive contingencies and then you find a problem, the seller isn’t responsible for fixing it.

#6 Ask for Fewer Concessions

At a mortgage settlement, home buyers have to pay closing costs for taxes, lender’s fees, and title company fees. Closing costs vary by location, but you can expect to shell out between 3% and 4% of the home’s sales price. The seller pays an additional 1% to 3%. (Smart Asset and Nerdwallet have simple calculators you can use to get a rough idea of what your closing costs might be.)

When making an initial offer, you have the option to ask the seller for concessions — a settlement paid in cash to help you offset your share of the closing costs. (This move is less feasible if you’re going up against multiple offers.)

Concessions effectively lower the seller’s net proceeds from the sale. Making a counteroffer that removes the concessions you would have otherwise received at settlement puts cash back in the seller’s pocket — and can improve your bid. 

#7 Pick Up the Cost of the Home Warranty

Sometimes sellers offer prospective buyers a home warranty. This is a plan that covers the cost of repairing major home appliances and systems, like the air conditioner or hot water heater, if they break down within a certain period (typically a year after closing).

A basic home warranty costs about $300 to $600 a year, according to Angie’s List. If it seems like waiving the home warranty can sweeten negotiations, but you still want the peace of mind of having one, tell the seller they don’t need to cover it — then buy it yourself.

Just keep in mind, whether you or the seller buy the warranty, you’ll need to pay the service fee (typically between $50 and $100) if something does, indeed, need to be repaired while under warranty.

Also, FYI: A home warranty is entirely separate from homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance — the security blanket that covers your home's structure and possessions in the event of a fire, storm, flood, or other accident — is required if you take out a mortgage. It can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per year.

#8 Know When to Walk

When negotiating with a seller, trust your gut — and your agent. If he or she says a deal is bad for you: Listen.

And if you don’t want to make any more trade-offs — and the seller won’t budge — it’s smart to walk. That can be a tough decision to make, and rightfully so! Negotiating is tough. It’s draining. 

And losing something you’ve worked hard to get can be disappointing. But don’t worry. There’s a better deal for you out there. And after those strong feelings of frustration pass, you’ll realize: Now I know how to do this.

Ocean City MD TownHome for Sale - close to beach and boating

Ocean City MD TownHome for Sale

701 Rusty Anchor Rd UNIT 18,Ocean City, MD 21842

2 beds 2 baths 1,184 sqft

 FOR SALE 

$224,900

Zestimate®: $230,868

EST. MORTGAGE

$940/mo

If you have always wanted to live at the ocean or have an Investment property this is it! Well cared for and beautiful 2 story townhome with 2 bedrooms 2 full baths in a very sought after area off 94th street. New siding vinyl railings and roof. Lots of storage and kitchen upgrades, including sile stone countertops, refinished cabinets and newer appliances. Master bath has a 2 person jetted tub. Large load washer & Dryer. 3 decks 2 overlooking a peaceful canal. 50 ft. away from direct bayfront to crab& Fish and view magnificent sunsets!Strong Assoc.and Basic cable is included in the condo fee. Make an appointment to see this one today this won't last!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE HOME

While others buy their steamed crabs, we get ours, RIGHT OFF OUR BAY FRONT COMMUNITY BOARDWALK!!! It doesn?t get any better than that! Perfect view of fireworks, at Northside Park! Walk 50? to see magnificent sunsets! Listen to the peaceful canal! Love sitting on any of the 3 decks. Walk-In storage built onto 2 of the 3 decks. We love having crabs, on the downstairs front deck. Active Condo Association. Beautifully landscaped with bright colored flowers, maintained. Bike rack. Pet friendly. Basic cable included!

Facts and Features

Type

Single Family

Year Built

1981

Heating

Heat pump

Cooling

Central

Parking

3 spaces

Lot

No Data

Days on Zillow

147 Days

Price/sqft

$190

Saves

20

INTERIOR FEATURES

Bedrooms

• Beds: 2

Bathrooms

• Bathrooms Full: 2

Heating and Cooling

• Heating: Heat pump
• Cooling: Central
• Heating YN: Y

Appliances

• Appliances included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Garbage disposal, Microwave, Range / Oven, Refrigerator, Washer
• Appliances: Stove

Flooring

• Floor size: 1,184 sqft
• Flooring: Carpet, Laminate, Tile

Other Interior Features

• Fireplace
• Ceiling Fan
• Room count: 8
• Storage

BUILDING

Size

• Below Grade Fin SQFT: 0
• Below Grade Unfin SQFT: 0
• Above Grade Fin SQFT: 1184

Other Building Features

• Building Name: SUNSET COVE

SPACES AND AMENITIES

Spaces

• Jetted Tub

CONSTRUCTION

Type and Style

• Single Family
• Property Type: Residential
• Architectural Style: Other

Materials

• Roof type: Other
• Exterior material: Vinyl
• Construction Materials: Concrete

Dates

• Built in 1981

Other Construction Features

• Stories: 2

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Patio

• Deck
• Patio
• Structure Type: Unit/Flat

Water

• Waterfront

View Type

• View: Water

Other Exterior Features

• Parcel #: 10202795

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD

Schools

• Elementary school: Ocean City
• Middle school: Stephen Decatur
• High school: Stephen Decatur
• School district: Worcester County Public Schools

PARKING

• Parking: Off street, 3 spaces

UTILITIES

• Cable Ready
• Sprinkler System

FINANCE

Taxes

• Tax Annual Amount: 2274.0
• Tax Lot: 9135

HOA

• HOA Fee Freq: Unknown

SOURCES

• MLS #: 1002292274

OTHER

• Last sold: Nov 1991 for $76,000
• Price/sqft: $190
• Ownership Interest: Fee Simple
• Standard Status: Active
• Pool: No Pool
• Type of Parking: Off Street
• Total SQFT Source: Assessor
• Unit Building Type: Garden 1 - 4 Floors
• Tax Total Finished SQFT: 1184
• In City Limits YN: Y
• OC Cross Street: 94
• County Tax Pymnt Freq: Annually
• City/Town Tax Pymnt Freq: Annually
• City/Town Tax: 750.00
• County Tax: 1344.00

ACTIVITY ON ZILLOW

• Days on Zillow: 147
• Views in the past 30 days: 2,505
• 20 shoppers saved this home

County websiteSee data sources