Five Tips to Buying a Hurricane-Ready Home

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After a nail-biting few years since Hurricane Irma and continued hurricane damage along Florida’s Panhandle, it’s no surprise that future Florida home buyers are adding “hurricane-ready home” to their new list of must-haves.

Hurricane season doesn’t have to mean a destroyed home. In fact, many people love to live along Florida’s coastal regions eventhough they are fully away of potential hurricane damage.

Is Your Dream Beach Home Hurricane-Ready?

If you’re interested purchasing a Florida beach home, but want assurance that your investment will stand the test of coastal winds, then check out our top tips for purchasing a hurricane-ready home.

1. Take notice of the landscaping

One very large threat often overlooked during a hurricane or severe storm is damage from trees around the home. Homes in older neighborhoods usually have very matured landscaping and this includes trees with limbs that have grown over the roof, near windows, and close to where cars are parked. Make sure trees are trimmed to ensure safety for, not only the landscaping, but your new home as well!

2. Does your home come with hurricane shutters, panels, or hurricane fabric? Are the windows impact resistant?

When purchasing a new home, having to install these items can add up very quickly and put a huge dent in your wallet. Don’t wait until a large storm approaches to start planning for protection. Many homes on the market come with these features already included. Take the time to seek out homes equipped with appropriate safety measures OR be sure to include this in your budget when purchasing the home.

3. Get a home inspection

ALWAYS include a home inspection with the purchase of your home. Choosing a qualified and experienced home inspector can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Depending on the age of your home, the inspection could be optional, so to ensure you are buying a home that is safe, ALWAYS get the inspection done during the inspection period of your contract. Inspections can range from $200-500 depending on the size of the home and the inspector you use. An additional wind mitigation inspection on your home can provide you with a lot of insight on how your home is equipped against storms. The wind mitigation inspection can also save you a substantial amount of money on your insurance if the home qualifies for discounts.

4. Know your policy

When buying a home, many buyers make the mistake of not getting several insurance quotes from multiple companies. Take your time, and shop around! Look for the coverage that is right for you. It is extremely important to make sure your home is covered for the area you are in. ALWAYS do your homework on flood insurance. It may not be mandatory for the area you are purchasing in, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard coverage altogether.

5. Create an emergency plan

Make sure to put an emergency plan in place immediately after moving into your new home. Go to your county’s website and make sure you know the evacuation routes, emergency shelter areas, and shelters that accept pets, if applicable. Practice your emergency plan with all members of your household and make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a natural disaster.

For more information on purchasing a hurricane-ready home in the Florida Panhandle, contact Brandon Jordan with ERA Distinctive Properties. If you are interested in purchasing a home elsewhere in Florida, check out our list of recommended realtors.

***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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