Hurricane Sandy Massachusetts Real Estate Impact & Preparedness Bulletin

Impact on Pending Home Sales and Refinances

Meteorologists are now predicting that early next week Hurricane Sandy will either pass close by or make a direct impact on New England. This storm is potentially huge, rivaling last year’s Hurricane Irene and the Perfect Storm of 1991.

• If you are closing on a property next week, you may want to consider pushing up the closing to before the hurricane makes landfall on early Tuesday. I realize that may not be possible at this point, but it’s worth a shot.
• If you have not secured a homeowner’s insurance policy, you should probably wait until the storm passes as most carriers will not write new policies right now.
• If you are closing on a purchase or refinance after the storm passes — and especially if the Federal Government declares a Federal Disaster Area –be prepared to have a re-inspection of the property before closing. A hurricane considered to be an Act of God and as a result the borrower will be required to pay for any re-inspection fee. These re-inspections range from $125 to $200. You will receive notice from your lender and re-disclosures prior to closing. This will also likely delay your closing
• If there is substantial damage to a home you are purchasing, you’ll have to look to your purchase and sale agreement as to whether you have a right to pull out of the deal or proceed, provided you get the benefit of any insurance proceeds.

Hurricane Safety Precautions & Information

Important Links

• National Weather Service Hurricane Center
• FEMA Hurricane Center
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• Weather Channel Hurricane Central 
• American Red Cross Hurricane App (iPhone & Android)

Pre-Planning:

• Plan an evacuation route to the nearest shelter or “safe” area and keep a map handy. During emergencies, shelter locations will announced on the radio.
• Replenish emergency kits and supplies.
• Get lots of batteries and flashlights!
• Secure important documents from possible damage or move to a safe location.
• Develop a list of important phone numbers.
• Develop a plan to secure loose objects around the house; trim branches and trees.
• Ensure that your pets have collars and identification tags.

Prior to the Hurricane:

Secure all loose objects outdoors.

• Secure all windows using plywood.
• Fill your vehicle with fuel.
• Charge all batteries (i.e. phone, lamps, flashlights, radios, etc.)
• Listen to the emergency broadcasts of the storm.
• Be prepared to evacuate with emergency supplies to a predetermined location.

During the Hurricane:

Stay in doors and away from windows.  Keep to the center of the building on the ground level.

• Listen to the emergency broadcast on the radio or television.
• Turn off all electrical devices and appliances that are not needed.
• Stay away from coastal waters, rivers, streams or other flooding areas.
• Do not try to cross flooded areas with your vehicle.
• Listen for instructions from emergency officials when the storm is over.

Emergency Supplies and Kits:

First aid kit and personal medications

• Drinking water
• Ice Chest
• Lighter, matches and candles
• Clothing, personal toiletries
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Portable radio and flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Non-perishable foods
• Manual can opener
• Important documents
• Quiet games, books, or toys for children

Local Insurance Claims Numbers

Good luck!!!!

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