The Top 3 Weather-Related Criteria to Research When Buying Your First Home
Keywords: property search, find a home, buying your first home, realtors
So, as most of the country is experiencing in some form, the weather outside right now is truly frightful. People in the midst of or planning a property search can use the current extreme weather conditions as a learning lesson to add a few criteria to their property search questionnaire.
When you are buying your first home, you probably have a list of details that you want to research with the realtors you meet. You may have decided the type of home, size and even general region where you are looking to find a home. Your realtor will help you detail more of these ideas as you go through the home buying process, but there are three weather-related points you need to keep in mind as you find a home.
- Water-Levels: Is the property you are considering in a low-lying area? In other words, is it located in a valley amidst hills or higher elevations? If so, you need to be aware of the local water tables, and any potential issues of flooding or seepage into crawl spaces or basements. Realtors from the area will be aware of any potential issues in this regard. Just be sure this criterion makes the checklist because the cost of replacing damaged furniture, rugs, electronics or stored items due to water damage can be extremely high.
- Hurricane, Tornado or Earthquake Territory: Is the home you are interested set in an extreme storm warning area or do they experience earthquakes in the region? Chances are just about any home in your property search is on one of those lists. Weather patterns are continuously changing, but there are some consistencies. California is known for earthquakes, the Midwest for tornadoes, the south eastern part of the country for hurricanes. When buying your first home, or even your second or third, consider the threat and assess the coverage available by home owners insurance before you sign on the dotted line.
- Seasonal Variances: In other words, will you experience one consistent climate or more extreme versions of winter, spring, summer and fall? Heating and cooling costs and necessary home maintenance due to extreme cold or heat are all issues that arise when the climate fluctuates. There are very few places in the continental US where there is little or no seasonal variance, but it is a factor that needs to be assessed as part of every property search.
When you find a home that you love, be sure that the weather conditions around it fit your need for safety and security from the elements. Talk to the local realtors to get the skinny on what the weathers like, and what home owner insurance options exist to protect yourself, your family and your new home from Mother Nature.