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National Disasters and Real Estate

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

As I write this post, my heart is heavy for the recent, two horrific disasters that have happened in our country these past months. From the flooding in North Carolina to the fires that are still burning in California, these disasters are changing the landscape in many areas. Thousands of homeowners are currently trying to assess and determine their next steps.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are dealing with these difficult times. I have gone through several aftermaths of flooding and hurricanes from living in the Houston, Texas area for 35 years. I have been up close and personal dealing with the clean-up, the emotions, and the insurance processes. None of it is easy and the events no doubt, are life-changing.

What we know as real estate professionals is when people are finally able to climb out of the rubble, there are decisions that have to be made. Do you rebuild? Is building even possible on the same property? How much will the insurance provide in order to build? And, so many other decisions and questions.

After Hurricane Ike, the Houston area was devasted over a large portion of the area. If you know Houston, you know there are many suburbs around Houston that cover hundreds of miles. I lived about 40 miles north of Houston and our area was in shambles. The worst was no electricity for almost a month in many areas. 

As a real estate agent, I began making a plan for the listings I had at that time. I had listings that were in various statuses. The first step was reaching out to all of my clients. Thankfully, I printed all pertinent information for each listing including contact information prior to the hurricane. I am so glad I did this because Internet services were sketchy as well as cell service.

It was important to find out first, how my clients were and secondly, what was the condition of their home. Once I knew what we were dealing with, we had to come up with a plan depending on the status such as under contract, repairs needed, and the decision to either remove the home from the market or were they able to continue with either an ongoing offer or listing.

The other aspect of real estate was to determine new property values in the wake of a disaster. For the Houston area, many areas that had never flooded before experienced severe damage. No doubt, property values were forever affected. Agents had to go back to square one as we all climbed out of the rubble.

National disasters affect all industries no doubt. For those of us in real estate and because we deal with people's personal homes and businesses, we are faced with unique challenges. For those of you in the current affected areas, your fellow real estate professionals around the country are keeping you in our thoughts. Let us know if we can assist or if you simply need a shoulder.

Hang in there!

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Comments(14)

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Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hi Paula,

Navigating the aftermath of disaster as a real estate agent is a heart-wrenching journey we struggle to master. Join us in sharing stories and wisdom on coping with the heartbreaking impact of these tragedies on those enduring them.

FEATURED in the Old Farts Club

Jan 19, 2025 10:22 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you for the feature, Aura Alex. These events have been heavy on everyone's heart.

 

Jan 19, 2025 10:26 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Paula,

What a timely and thoughtful post as our country is dealing with some very horrific disasters. These events are heavy on our hearts and minds as the remedies  began to unfold. It won't be easy navigating these disasters for the real estate industry as well as so many other industries. A good shout out to let our fellow real estate professionals who will be directly working through these challenges, know we are thinking about them and here to help in any way we can.

Jan 19, 2025 11:45 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, Dorie Dillard Austin TX. I have a feeling our state will feel the effects of those from these areas moving here.

Jan 19, 2025 11:52 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

This post truly hits home, showing just how much we’re all connected through these challenging times. Thanks for sharing your experience and insights, Dr. Paula McDonald, which offer valuable guidance for those navigating the tough aftermath of disasters.

Jan 19, 2025 12:29 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Lew Corcoran, the aftermath of these events is truly horrific for those having gone through it. So difficult.

Jan 19, 2025 12:50 PM
KAREN SANCHEZ
Reputable Realty - Apple Valley, CA
...Marketing your home like no one else will.

Ditto your sentiment.  Well said.   The LA fires are about 90 minutes from my service area in CA but I still have real estate buddies that are affected by all of this.   Nc, oh my gosh!  My people are from that part of the US.  It's just heartbreaking.  Keep praying! 

Jan 19, 2025 12:57 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you, KAREN SANCHEZ. You all are experiencing so much right now. And yes, NC is still reeling from their devastation.

Jan 19, 2025 01:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Well said, Paula- where do you start...that is the question so many have on their minds. I can't imagine standing in front of what used to be your home and trying to figure out where to begin. 

Jan 19, 2025 06:53 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paula - disasters, natural and otherwise, can and do happen "everywhere".  What happens "next" continues to say a lot.  

Jan 20, 2025 04:08 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I can't even imagine what people in those areas are going through and my prayers are with them.  I am grateful that I have never had such an experience myself and I pray that I never will.

Jan 20, 2025 04:56 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Dr. Paula McDonald my mind refuses to wrap around the devastation.  I pray North Carolina finally gets the attention and help they need.  There were others as well - we tend to forget about them overtime. 

Jan 22, 2025 08:29 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I live in California.

The fires in Northern California a few years ago did not affect my area.

The fires in Southern California the are ongoing do not affect my area.

Just lucky not to be living is an area that has been subject to past or current devastation.

I cannot imagine going through what the victims of flood and fire are currently experiencing.

Jan 26, 2025 03:38 PM