Do We Live in 'Wet'Chase?

Is it just me or does the weather over the past few months seem better suited for ducks, frogs, and Twilight vampires than it does for us sun-loving Floridians?  Having lived in Florida almost my whole life, I have grown accustomed to summer afternoon thunderstorms.  However, it seems that this year the rain and clouds have chosen to overstay their normal late-afternoon visit. 

Knowing that perception can often differ from reality, I decided to play amateur weathergirl and get to the bottom of this precipitation predicament.  I enlisted the help of the National Climatic Data Center and found the Total Rainfall Amounts at Tampa International Airport for the months of June, July & August from 2005-2011:

Year

June (inches)

July (inches)

August  (inches)

3-Month Total

2011

5.18

7.31

10.02

22.51

2010

4.63

6.08

9.29

20

2009

5.10

10.23

3.52

18.85

2008

7.54

9.84

4.86

22.24

2007

8.70

7.78

10.73

27.21

2006

8.93

9.46

6.78

25.17

2005

12.26

3.38

4.09

19.73

Clearly, based on this information this summer has not been all that different from previous years.  The 30-year averages show that August typically had the highest amount of rainfall, followed by July and June.  Even with this information I still feel like I would be better off with webbed feet.

For anyone who is thinking about moving to the Sunshine State, have no fear, the clouds will part.  History shows that the months October-May have an average of 3 inches or less of rain. 

If you are currently trying to sell or buy, the saturated summer months require you to keep a few things in mind.    

Sellers keep in mind that your house will appear darker when it is cloudy.  Make sure you turn on all of the lights during a showing.  Second, address leaks and yard drainage problems immediately.  The rain will bring these issues front and center.  Lastly, make sure you have a rug at the front entrance that you don’t mind buyers and their agents wiping their feet on.  This will prevent them from tracking the water on your other floor surfaces.  Alternatively, don’t be afraid to ask them to remove their shoes.

Buyers have a few things to keep in mind as well.  A house probably won’t show as well in the rain as well as it does on a perfect sunny day.  If the house seems dark compared to homes that you saw on a sunnier day, don’t eliminate it until you see it in the same light.  The rain can be your friend in pointing out active leaks, drainage and lighting issues.  This is especially important when you are looking at buying a house as-is or without seller’s disclosures.  Remember, if you love a house in the rain, you can bet you will love it in the light.

For everybody out there, hang in there, October is just around the corner!

Melanie Atkinson is a Westchase-area Realtor with The Wood Team at Coldwell Banker. She can be reached at 813-368-6084 or Melanie.atkinson@floridamoves.com

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