Rain in real estate can be seen as a blessing or a curse. For Buyers, it is a blessing as it really tells you what is going on with a house. For Sellers, it can reveal issues that need to be corrected or trigger reminders of what needs to be disclosed to prospective Buyers. 

If you are a Buyer observing a property, here are a few questions to ask: 

• Do you see standing water and puddles outside of the property or in the neighborhood?
• Do you see tarps anywhere?
• Are there creeks in the area or on the property?
• Have there been any landslides, creek issues, flooding, or earth movement in the area?
• Do drainage easements exist on the property?
• Are the home’s downspouts tied into a sub-surface drainage system, or do they dump water close to the home’s foundation?
• Is there a drainage system/grate close to the garage door (if a downslope property)?
• How is water collected on the property, and where is it released?
• Do you see drainage grates, drains, or random pipes around the property? 
• Does the ground look stable, or is mud moving down a hill?
• Are there retaining walls, and are they in or out of alignment?
• Does water enter the crawl space?
• Do French drains exist?
• Is there a sump pump on the property?
• How is the condition of the roof?
• Are the gutters clean, overflowing or leaking?
• Does the roof have debris on it?
• Do you smell an odor in the house?
• Are there any leaks at windows or doors or in the roof?
• Have the Sellers had any past issues with water?

In addition to the actual rain, City Public Works Departments, inspectors, homeowners, and our real estate team can help you answer and understand this information. We recommend you spend time at properties of interest and do your best to view things with your own eyes as well. The Dana Green Team will always share our observations too!  

When it is dry outside, it is much harder to obtain these answers. 

Sellers, we understand how frustrating it can be to see so clearly in the mirror what the issues of your house are. We are here to provide advice and connections to excellent vendors who can help you eliminate any problems uncovered. It is very important to disclose everything you know to all parties, even past problems you have resolved.  

COMPASS has a program called COMPASS Concierge that allows the Dana Green Team to offer Sellers we represent up to $40,000, interest-free, as a loan, to resolve these issues prior to selling your house or closing an escrow. You simply reimburse COMPASS at the close of escrow. 

This is not our first rodeo with extremely wet weather. We have been leading the local real estate market for over 15 years, opened thousands of doors for our clients in Lamorinda, and have sold over 1,100 transactions in total. The lessons learned in the process can only benefit you!  

We’re here to advise our Buyers and Sellers every step of the way to ensure successful purchases and sales for all parties involved!

 Dana & Team