Jean Joh

Visiting Homes in the Rain?
November 2, 2008 · Jean Joh  


I just got back from hosting an Open House in Burlingame.  It’s a beautiful house but it was pouring rain outside, so needless to say, not too many people came through.  With that fresh in my mind, I thought I would write a quick blog about why it might be a good idea to view a home when it’s raining. 

First of all, if there are any issues with water drainage or leaking, you may be able to find out right away.  The home I was at today was in great condition and did not have any leaks or pooling of water that I could see.  By contrast, I was at a home yesterday in Daly City where there was a leak in the kitchen near the stove.  The home was also on a slope, so we were able to see what would happen in the case of heavy rains and to verify that a drain near the base of the house appeared to be working properly.  (Of course, this does not preclude an official home inspection.)

Second, if it’s raining, it’s less likely that there will be a lot of other people trying to see the home at the same time.  That means you have more time to view the home at a leisurely pace and imagine how it would be if the home really became yours.  If the agent hosting the open house has some refreshments available (which I generally do), you will also be able to have more of them to yourself.

Finally, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have made at least one person happy that day, namely the real estate agent who has committed to holding the home open, whether “snow or rain or heat or gloom of night.”  If you’re one of those people who believes in commiting “random acts of kindness,” here’s one practical way you can carry this out.  Of course, it would be even better if you decided to submit an offer on the house, but we’ll take it one step at a time.

So next time it’s raining heavily on a Saturday or Sunday, don’t postpone your open house plans.  You just might find that pot of gold (your next home!) at the end of the rainbow.

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Comments

4 Responses to “Visiting Homes in the Rain?”

  1. Michael Monozon on November 2nd, 2008 10:06 am

    Jean what a great post, makes me want to run out today and purchase a home

  2. Karin C on November 2nd, 2008 12:49 pm

    I on the otherhand had to postpone my showings in the East Bay because of traffic problems. We’ll be going out on Monday morning though and will surely see the remnants of any water problems, I imagine! “I’m siiiinging in the rain, just siiiiinging in the rain!”

  3. Shokoofeh on November 10th, 2008 1:10 am

    Jean, You’re absolutely right. Rainy days are the best days to view homes. I did my agent visual last Saturday when it was pouring. And, yes, I saw the roof leaking on several spots in the garage. Obviously, the roof needed some serious attention.

  4. Adam Chinn on November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm

    Great post Jean. Glad to see that you are working hard, as usual. Visiting a home at different times and weather conditions is a great idea. Going at different times of the day also gives you a great idea of what the neighborhood is like, in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. And, as you mentioned it is a great time to see how the house holds up to some rain.

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