5 Reasons Why Rainy Days Are a Great Time to View a House
One of the most common concerns people have about viewing homes is whether or not it will be raining. While there's no way to control the weather, there are many benefits to viewing houses on rainy days. First and foremost, there will likely be fewer people at home showings on rainy days, so you'll have more time to look around and ask questions. Additionally, many sellers will reduce their prices on rainy days because they know that potential buyers may be less likely to show up. So if you want to be a successful real estate investor, keep reading to learn why rainy days are great for viewing homes.
Rain, Rain Don’t Go Away, The Competition’s Gone Today
Let's face it: homebuying can get competitive. You don't have to resort to unfair tactics to get a leg up on the buyers. Grit and motivation go much further for hungry homebuyers and rainy days give them a chance to prove it. Most people don't want to go out in the rain, which means you'll have less competition when viewing houses.
You can take your time and see what each house offers without feeling rushed. Slow home showings are also an excellent opportunity to get one-on-one time with the listing agent. Even if the house you are seeing isn't the one you buy, networking with an agent can help you get inside tips on not-yet-listed properties.
If you end up falling in love with a house on a rainy day, being the only people on-site can make it easier to expedite an offer.
Check for Internal Damage: Leaks, Stains & Smells
Water damage is one of the most common—and expensive—types of home damage. A rainy day showing can help you check for any internal water damage that might not be visible on a sunny day.
The most obvious sign of water damage would be a bucket catching water dripping from the ceiling. More subtle indicators include water stains on the ceilings, walls, or floors.
Water damage doesn't have to be a deal-breaker, though. If you find signs of manageable damage, you can negotiate a better price on the house or make your offer contingent on the repairs.
Check For External Problems: Puddles, Broken Drains & Roof Damage
In addition to internal water damage, a rainy day showing can help you check for any external drainage problems.
Look for pooled water around the foundation and see if the rain is draining away from the house or towards it. If the rain is pooling around the foundation, it could signify serious drainage problems that would require expensive repairs.
Checking for these problems on a rainy day can help you avoid any costly surprises down the road.
Check the gutters, too. Are they clogged, or is the water running smoothly towards municipal storm drains?
Loose or absent shingles, broken downspouts, and standing pools of water are all red flags that you can easily spot when viewing a house on a rainy day.
Check the Hard-to-Reach Places: Basements, Attics & Crawlspaces
Homes with basements, attics, and crawlspaces are notoriously difficult to inspect. These areas are often dark, dirty, and full of storage boxes and junk.
A rainy day showing with only a few other viewers gives you the perfect opportunity to check these hard-to-see places for any potential problems.
Standing water in any indoor area is a huge red flag. However, overwhelming mildew odors and the sounds of dripping water are other indicators to watch out for during a downpour.
Get an Accurate View of What Life in the House Would Be Like
When you buy a house, you need to imagine your entire life there, not just the sunshine and rainbows days. Viewing a house on a rainy day helps you get a more realistic depiction of how well-suited a property is for your lifestyle.
If you've already seen the house on a sunny day, returning on a cloudy day can provide valuable context. Do you still like the home's appearance on a cold, gray day?
As you're in the house, note how the rain sounds. If the sound of falling rain makes you want to curl up and relax with a book, the house might be a good fit. If the house has a metal roof and you can't stand the sound, then maybe it's a sign to continue your search.
Finally, viewing a home on a rainy day can better understand what traveling and commuting from the home would be like. If you walk to work or wait at a bus stop by your house, make a test trip from the house to know what to expect in your everyday life.
Driving commuters can do the same thing. Be on the lookout for flooded streets, as they might interrupt your daily commutes during rainier seasons.
Don't Let a Little Rain Stop Your Homebuying Journey
The next time it rains, don't let that stop you from viewing potential homes. Use the rain to your advantage and take the opportunity to check out some houses when there will be less competition. Make sure to look for any internal damage and external problems like leaks or cracks in the foundation. Don't forget to inspect the basement, attic, and crawlspaces for any potential issues. By viewing a house in all weather conditions, you'll get a better idea of what life would be like if you lived there and you can build credibility with sellers. So don't let a little rain stop your home buying journey- continue checking out houses until you find the one.
