Looking at Houses in the Rain Can Reveal Defects

Looking at Houses in the Rain Can Reveal Defects

The afternoons have been really wet here.  We have being have late afternoon storms with heavy thunder and lightning.

What a good time to go out, afterwards and look at houses for sale. (provided the roads aren't flooded)

When thinking of buying a house, I recommend that buyers take a drive by a house and through the neighborhood, if possible after a big rainstorm.  Often it can be quite telling.  It allows them to see if there is standing water on the street, or up in the front yard.  

I have been out showing houses with buyers, during rough weather.  The sky starts out clear, but quickly the black clouds begin rolling in.  The sky looks menacing.  The wind starts howling, the thunder and lightning soon follow.  And, then the rain starts falling by the bucket full.

In looking at houses in the rain, I've seen a house where the back patio was completely underwater and it was an inch from coming into the house.

-A living room ceiling that was leaking in 4 places.

-Front culverts filled with standing water.  Various sections of the yard looked like mini swimming pools. 

Flooding, standing water and leaks are things a buyer may not have been aware of had they not been out in the rain.

So, if you have the opportunity, head out to the neighborhood where you are considering buying and take a look after a big thunderstorm. You might not like what you see. But, in the long run, it may save you money and heartache.