Realtors are finally starting to see homes hit the Central Florida market once again. A full month after Hurricane Ian.


What You Need To Know

  • Home Inspections can save potential buyers from getting ripped off

  • Realtors say always see if the seller of a home matches who is living in home

  • Potential buyers should have a contingency clause based on a home inspections

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, there was a 27% drop-off in new listings across Central Florida from August to September.

With the number of new listings on the rise, experts say it could be time to remind potential homeowners to be aware of what they're buying.

After a potential buyer has spent time looking for a home, Go Pro Home Inspector Edwin Torres says its always good to have another set of eyes to look at the home from all angles.

It's something he does this daily.

“Behind the cabinets, usually in the corner, we are looking for a water stain,” Torres said as he inspected a Belle Isle home. “We also go in the attic to see if there is any water damage from the roof deck.”

Whether it’s Hurricane Ian or a typical Central Florida rainstorm, he says wind and water don’t always mix when it comes to real estate.

“Usually inside of the house we look for water intrusion,” Torres said. “We look for stains on the wall, and also look on the baseboards for any water damage.” 

But he said it's not just inside a home that needs inspecting — foundations, roofs and pools all need to be checked.

Iron Valley Realtor Tiffanie Hall says when buying a home, regardless of the time of year it is, there’s one caveat a buyer should always have.

“I would make sure we have the contingency that as long as the inspection goes goes good, we can continue,” she said. “If the inspection is not up to par, then that will be our out.”

She says the buyers shouldn't be fooled or sold on curb appeal — they need to take the proper measures to ensure their forever home is not forever a money pit.

Officials with Iron valley Realty say another thing to look for on a listing are the disclosures.

For instance, they said a buyer should find out if the person living in the home is the one selling it, because that is a way a seller can disclose if they have no knowledge of any problems with the home.