If you live in New Orleans, hurricane season is simply part of life. A very scary part!
Every year, from June through November, homeowners across southeast Louisiana keep an eye on the weather and pray for the best. Most years we get lucky. Some years we don’t.
The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way.
I’ve owned, renovated, and managed properties in the New Orleans area for over 20 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that the homeowners who prepare early usually have a much easier time when a storm is headed our way.
Here are some simple steps every New Orleans homeowner should take before hurricane season ramps up.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
This is probably the most important item on the list.
Many homeowners assume they have coverage for everything, only to discover gaps when they actually need to file a claim.
Before hurricane season starts, take a few minutes to review:
• Homeowners insurance
• Flood insurance
• Wind and hail coverage
• Deductibles
Make sure your policy information is up to date and that you understand what is and is not covered.
If you have questions, call your insurance agent now instead of waiting until a storm is approaching.
Real [New Orleans] Home Owners Give Real Reviews.
See how homeowners like you sold their houses fast for cash, without the usual difficulties.
Paul D.
“Carl made the selling super easy.”
A pleasure to do business with this company. I really appreciate everything Carl did to make the selling of my property super easy. I highly recommend this business. Carl is the best!
Janice L.
“Felt very comfortable, friendly, and empathetic.”
Mr. Carl was very business-like yet friendly and empathetic to my needs. I felt very comfortable with selling my home to him and would highly recommend him to my friends.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense during a storm.
Look for:
• Missing shingles
• Loose or rotted flashing
• Soft spots
• Signs of leaks
Even a small issue can become a major problem during high winds and heavy rain. Shoot, sometimes even no issue can become an issue! I remember Hurricane Ida people had water intrusion they never had before and with no problems or damage to their roofs. The wind was so bad it just blew water in every which way.
Another good tip here is to have a few gas cans on hand. If a storm is heading this way fill them up. If the storm passes you can just dump the gas in your car.
Protect Important Documents
Many homeowners forget about this until it’s too late.
Gather important documents such as:
• Insurance policies
• Property records
• Identification documents
• Mortgage information
Store copies in a waterproof container and consider keeping digital backups as well.
Having quick access to these documents can make recovery much easier if a storm causes damage.
Take Photos of Your Property
This is one of the simplest things you can do.
Walk around your house and take current photos of:
• The exterior
• The roof
• Major rooms
• Valuable belongings
If you ever need to file an insurance claim, having before-storm photos can be extremely helpful.
Most people don’t think about documenting their property until after damage occurs.
How Do I Sell My Home Fast in New Orleans?
Our goal is to provide a convenient, transparent, and professional home selling experience for our clients. Our three-step process will ensure that you receive the level of service that you deserve. Our approach is unique because it’s consultative. We want to learn about every prospective client’s unique situation and figure out the best way to help. Check out how our simple home buying process works.
Check Out How It Works
Learn exactly how we develop our offers and how the process works. It’s really very simple & easy.
Learn More About us
Before selling to us, get to know us. Everything we do is based on honesty and transparency.
Get Your Cash Offer
Fill in the form and we’ll contact you with your offer! There is no pressure & no obligation to accept.
Pay Attention to Vacant Properties
If you own a vacant house, rental property, or inherited property, hurricane season creates additional concerns.
Vacant homes often experience:
• Roof leaks that go unnoticed
• Broken windows
• Water intrusion
• Mold growth
If you have a property sitting empty, make sure someone is checking on it regularly.
Many vacant properties that we purchase have suffered significant storm-related damage simply because nobody was keeping an eye on them.
Have a Plan
When a storm enters the Gulf, things can move quickly.
Know ahead of time:
• Where you will go if evacuation is necessary
• How you will protect your property
• How family members will communicate
Having a plan helps reduce stress and allows you to make better decisions when a storm is approaching.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane season is part of living in New Orleans, but preparation makes a huge difference.
A few simple steps today can help protect your home, reduce stress, and potentially save thousands of dollars in repairs later.
The homeowners who prepare early are usually the ones who handle storm season the best.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and hopefully we’ll all have a quiet hurricane season this year.
If you own a property that has already suffered storm damage, needs major repairs, or has become too much to manage, we’re always happy to discuss your options.
Hopefully this hurricane season stays quiet, but a little preparation now can save a lot of headaches later.
www.nolabuyshouses.com
504-264-1407