Navigating Post-Hurricane Real Estate Requires Diligence, Transparency, and Legal Safeguards After Hurricanes Helene or Milton

Hi, I’m Keith Gordon, a real estate broker with Altru® Realty. In this blog, I want to discuss what buyers and sellers should consider when dealing with real estate post-Hurricane Helene or Milton. These storms were not ordinary, and the aftermath brings unique challenges to home transactions.

Check out my video ➡️ https://vimeo.com/1064800479

A Real Example of Hurricane Damage

Last weekend, I visited a waterfront home valued at $4 million. The lower level had been gutted, awaiting repair, and the owners were in ongoing disputes with their insurance company. However, one detail stood out: a vase on the second level of the home, previously dry, was suddenly full of water. This wasn’t floodwater rising from below—it came through a leaking window.

This raises an important question: How many windows leaked during these storms? Milton, in particular, brought unprecedented rainfall, while Helene caused severe flooding. Homeowners often focus on the flood line—how many inches or feet the water rose—but they may not consider water intrusion from above, such as through roofs and windows.

Hidden Water Damage & Mold Risks

The real concern is unseen damage. If water seeped into walls, floor joists, or between floors, mold could be forming out of sight. Addressing this would require extensive inspection, possibly removing drywall and flooring to assess hidden moisture. As a broker, this concerns me. For buyers, it should be a major red flag. For sellers, it presents a potential liability issue.

Advice for Sellers: Protect Yourself from Liability

While I’m not an attorney, my extensive brokerage experience leads me to this recommendation: If you’re selling a home that was impacted by these storms, consider selling it “as-is, where-is.” This means the buyer has the right to inspect but cannot request repairs. Additionally, obtain a full release of liability, explicitly stating that any damage from these storms—including water damage—is disclosed, limiting future legal exposure.

Advice for Buyers: Proceed with Caution

If you’re a buyer, my advice is to be extremely cautious. It’s difficult to determine exactly how much water entered a home, from what direction, and what long-term effects—like mold—may arise. A thorough inspection is essential, and you may need specialists to assess moisture behind walls and between floors.

This isn’t a cheerful real estate discussion, but it’s a necessary one. Both sellers and buyers face uncertainty regarding the full extent of hurricane damage. Sellers may not even know the full impact on their homes, and buyers must be vigilant to avoid hidden issues.

Final Thoughts

Navigating post-hurricane real estate requires diligence, transparency, and legal safeguards. If you’re selling, take the right steps to protect yourself. If you’re buying, investigate thoroughly to ensure you’re making a sound investment.

Thanks for reading and stay informed in your real estate decisions.