Preparing your clients for extreme weather

As a real estate agent, being well-versed in the impact of changing weather patterns on the community is valuable for helping your clients prepare for extreme weather events such as hurricanes, winter storms, tornadoes and flooding. Natural disaster statistics by year show these events are occurring more frequently. According to the NOAA, in the last three years, the U.S. experienced an average of 20 disasters, each causing over a billion dollars in damage per year, up from an average of 12.8 per year in the 2010s and 6.7 per year in the 2000s.

With these increasing risks, it is a good idea to make your clients aware that they should be adequately prepared and protected to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters. Doing this can build trust, loyalty and long-lasting client relationships. 

Extreme weather events occur throughout the year, so being aware of the risks specific to your area is vital. For instance, hurricane season typically spans from June to November, while winter weather, including snowstorms, can kick off as early as November. Tornadoes can occur in various regions in the warmer months, and flooding has become an increasingly prevalent concern in many areas. However, as recent years have shown, extreme weather can occur at any time – even outside designated seasons – regardless of location. By staying up to date on these changing weather patterns and the risks they pose in your area, you can better support your clients as they shop for new homes and provide ongoing guidance as they maintain and sustain their homes.

The following are some ways that agents can help clients navigate the threats posed by Mother Nature:

• Provide a checklist and industry updates – Offer clients comprehensive checklists or reference guides that outline the necessary steps to prepare for natural disasters or extreme weather. Include tips such as securing important documents, creating a home inventory, maintaining proper drainage reinforcing windows and doors and winterizing their home. Share industry articles and other educational materials focused on better protecting properties from natural disasters with clients to keep them updated. The VIU by HUB blog is a great resource for this.
• Security systems and discounts – According to a U.S. Census Bureau survey, 3.3 million adults living in the U.S. were displaced by natural disasters in 2022 leaving their home more vulnerable. Inform clients about the potential cost savings available through security systems and how valuable they are in protecting homes in the case of evacuations since many insurance providers offer discounts on insurance premiums for homes equipped with burglar alarms, smoke detectors and other security measures.
• Recommend neutral advisors – Consumers value neutrality when making purchasing decisions. Recommending a neutral insurance advisor, rather than partnering with a company that offers only one insurance carrier option, shows that you are concerned for your customer, not your partner. Take VIU by HUB. Our expertise and neutrality mean your customers get impartial advice, so they can make informed insurance decisions based on factors such as changes in their circumstances, shifts in risk exposure and evolving coverage requirements.

By proactively assisting clients in preparing for, and protecting themselves against extreme weather events, real estate agents demonstrate their commitment to client well-being and foster stronger relationships. Having regular touch-base meetings, checking in on insurance, extreme weather preparations and providing educational resources all contribute to clients’ safety and security, enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty.