Before you leave...

For residents who have homes for sale, it can be especially difficult to take care of their home

from outside of the state. It’s even more stressful during hurricane season, which begins June 1

through November 30 each year with the peak season landing in late August through October.

Here are some tips for residents who have homes for sale or rent:

• The community has standards that they need each resident to observe during summer storm season such as putting away outdoor furniture and securing potted plants, bikes, grills etc. Before you leave, talk to your realtor about how to secure the home yet make it appealing to show. Realtors are not responsible for a home; they are responsible for making sure lights are off and doors are locked after showings. Even if a resident has a neighbor looking after the home, the neighbor only can do so much. Ultimately, it is a

resident’s responsibility to take care of their home and make sure all is secure before they leave.

• If a resident is unable to move furniture or secure the home, ask a friend or neighbor for

assistance before leaving. Many residents think they will fly back before a storm hits but plans may change. Secure the home before you leave then you don’t have to worry if your plans change.

• Realtors are responsible for their signage and to remove it if a severe storm is coming. Any

resident who is using a real estate company to list and sell their property needs to review the

community rules. Only one for sale sign is suppose to be displayed on an interior lot and two when the home is on the water. The signs are suppose to be no larger than 12’ x 24’ according to the rules.

• If a resident is renting their home, they should discuss with their renter what they will be

responsible for. The renter should secure outdoor items that they have been using but owners should not expect a renter to do more arduous tasks such as trimming branches

away from the home. Owners need to make sure their property is maintained.