Bad weather can be a bonus when you're buying a home —and in some cases, it might even help you save money.
Viewing homes and condos in the rain can help you find potential problems, which in turn can help you either negotiate a better price or get the seller to pay for repairs so you don't have to.
Whether you're in the market for a home built years ago or one that's never been lived in, real estate pros say gray, rainy weather gives you a view of what a home will look like on dark wet days.
More importantly, viewing homes in wet weather can clue you in to potential signs of water intrusion. These are often signs you'd miss on a dry, sunny day.
So, before you go inside the home, even with new construction, check out the exterior and look for red flags.
Are the gutters clear or overflowing? Are downspouts draining properly? Is water being directed away from the foundation? What about the entrance to the basement from outside? Is it well-drained so water can't collect and get inside?
Remember, just because it's new doesn't mean it's good. Pointing out issues with new construction gives you the opportunity to discuss them with the builder and get problems addressed.
When you're in the basement of a home look for water stains or other signs of moisture on the walls and floors. If the basement is finished, check for dampness where the carpet meets the outside walls.
Real estate agents say also pay attention to the ceilings, especially on the top floor of the home.
Look for water stains or paint patches that don't blend in and look as if there's been a fix.
Bottom line: don't let bad weather put a damper on your house hunting. Use it as a home buying tool. If you know what to look for, a rainy day can you tell a lot about how well a house keeps water outside where it belongs.
Courtesy of Connie Thompson
