Gumboots on! Sydney’s wet weather is the perfect time for home inspections
Rain, rain go away, come back when it’s not inspection day!
That’s what most people think - sellers and buyers alike - when the heavens open on a Saturday morning. Foot traffic is consistently low on rainy weekends, so sellers hope for clear skies, and buyers like to see a property in a good light. However, if you’re looking for your forever home or a sound investment, the rain may be less of a pain than you think.
So, grab a brolly and start lining up the open homes because buyers who brave blustering winds and stormy skies put themselves in the best position to make smart property buying decisions.
Here’s what you should consider…
Keep all of your senses on high alert when inspecting a property.
There are plenty of rain-related issues that can’t be covered by styling or a fresh vase of flowers. Look out for drips, leaks, areas of pooling water, or moisture on the walls. You should also pay attention to smell. Heavy rainfall can lead to damp or musty odours in homes that don’t have proper circulation, leading to mould issues or rot down the line.
Cloudy and overcast days are also an excellent chance to get an accurate picture of internal lighting. No one wants to live in a property that turns into a dark cave every time it rains, so flick the lights on and off for a sense of the natural light.
And don’t forget to take the time to check out the outside of the property. If the front garden has become a swamp or the gutters overflow, consider them red flags.
Take a good look at access to the property from the driveaway, garage or car space, too. No one wants to be hauling groceries inside in the rain if it’s a long walk between the door and the car with no shelter.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the local area.
While the property you’re looking at may not present any issues in a storm, the local area could be another issue. There are plenty of streets in Sydney that get cut off in heavy rain due to flooding, which can seriously impact your daily commute or ability to drive when it’s raining.
Take a walk or drive around the area and look out for things like flooding curbs or pathways, the weather's impact on traffic or any areas where there’s a lot of fast running water. Even paying attention to whether or not there’s shelter at the nearest bus stop could make your life a lot easier in the long run.
Do your research and look at the long-term picture
Seeing a property and the surrounding suburb one weekend in wet weather is one thing, but it’s important to consider the property's future as well. With climate change heading the way it is, the weather is only set to become more extreme, leaving more and more properties susceptible to flooding or water damage issues.
Flood Maps are a free and easily accessible resource from the local council, and they can pay off big time. I’ve seen too many people ignore the potential for floods when buying their dream property and they usually end up with hefty insurance quotes because the area is high risk.
So, bring on the rain! And know that, come rain or shine, our Buyers Agents will be by your side in the search for your dream home. Please get in touch if you need some help.