The Advantages of House Hunting in the Rain
Long ago, I read a statistic that still holds true. Apparently, the Washington, DC area gets more rainfall, measured in inches, than Seattle. A lot of places get more rain than Seattle. I think, though, that Washington, DC tends to get more downpour rain in fewer days than the pervasive drizzle and mist, like is seen in the Pacific Northwest.
Unfortunately for those of us that really thrive in sunshiny days, the Washington, DC suburbs, like mine out in Bristow, VA are experiencing a week of dreary drizzle. It is putting a damper on showings of my Bristow listings, and I have to wonder why. Why wouldn't a buyer want to go out on a rainy day and see homes? Sure, it is a pain to put on a rain jacket, or carry an umbrella. No one likes getting in and out of a car on a rainy day. But there is much more to gain if you are willing to deal with traveling from home to home on a rainy day.
For starters, if a home looks bright and welcoming on a cloudy, drizzly day, imagine what it will be like when the sun is shining. You don't need blaring sunlight to determine which homes get more natural light.
Are there leaks in a home? Does the yard have low spots the will create marshy areas when it rains? You won't know those answers unless you are out and about when it is raining, or if it has been raining.
Finally, in a seller's market when buyers have competition for every home on the market, why wouldn't a buyer take any advantage to be out when most buyers are staying nice and dry in their own homes, waiting for sunny days to get out and house hunt. If conditions are miserable, but safe, get out there and get a leg up on the competition. You may find the home of your dreams and wrap up a deal while the other buyers in the market bide their time waiting for the crappy weather to subside.
Grab an umbrella or a rain jacket and get out there! Nothing is going to brighten up your dreary day more than finding your dream home.
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