Hurricane Preparedness for Real Estate Professionals

By
Real Estate Agent with United Realty Group, Inc. BK641413

Remove "For Sale" signs before hurricanes!More people in hurricane prone areas are more knowledgeable now about how to be better prepared should one be headed in their direction.  However, one item often overlooked by real estate agents is the "For Sale" sign, which can become a flying object during heavy winds.  Regardless of what type of "For Sale" sign you and/or your company places on listed properties, it's a good idea to stop by your listings and remove the sign and any accompanying rider signs, or be prepared for the possibility of having to spend money afterwards replacing lost signs.  It's probably not necessary to remove the post if the post is stable.  Find out what your company's policy is on this, if they have one.  If you are unable to stop by each listing yourself and/or your company does not have their contracted person remove them, you may want to consider asking the homeowner to do so themselves -- carefully, of course, so as not to get hurt.  Temporary removal of signs is beneficial to both yourself/your company (no loss of signs/lowered expenses) as well as your homeowners (potential damage to property or vehicles).  It also shows you are a professional and keep them and their property in mind even during stressful times.

The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a "Broker's Hurricane Preparedness Plan Checklist" (PDF) that offers more information on:

  • Pre-Hurricane Planning
  • Role of Agents
  • Role of Managers
  • Role of Staff
  • Post-Hurricane Action

Comments (3)

Bob Pavey
RE/MAX Hometown - Aventura, FL
CRS
I always call my sellers to remove the signs. That is a great point youmake in this time. Good luck and stay safe
Aug 29, 2006 02:16 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate
It was not what they forecasted was it? Thank Goodness!
Aug 30, 2006 06:21 AM
S. Leanne Paynter ☼ Broward County, FL
United Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL
Davie, Plantation, Cooper City & Weston Specialist

I've learned not to be upset when the forecast ends up being wrong about the strength of storms/hurricanes -- we shuttered our house -- a time-consuming job but better safe than sorry.

Aug 30, 2006 06:51 AM