13/08/2026
Q&A with Kali: How Does Hurricane Season Affect the Real Estate Market?
We get these questions every year, so here’s a quick breakdown:
-Do buyers stop looking during hurricane season?
Not usually. While some buyers may delay travel if a storm is approaching, many continue searching online, scheduling virtual tours, and planning trips once the weather clears.
-Should sellers close up their homes if they’re leaving the island?
Yes. If you’re heading off island, it’s a good idea to secure shutters, bring in outdoor furniture, and have a hurricane plan in place. If your home is listed, make arrangements for someone to reopen it for showings once the storm passes.
-What happens if a storm is forecast while I’m under contract?
Most transactions simply pause until the storm has passed. Inspections, appraisals, and closings may be delayed a few days, but they typically resume once conditions are safe. During hurricane season, we also include additional storm-related protections in our contracts to help protect both buyers and sellers if a named storm impacts the transaction.
-Do buyers still travel to St. Croix during hurricane season?
Yes. Some buyers postpone trips if a storm is imminent, but many continue to visit throughout the season and are flexible with their travel dates.
-Does hurricane season hurt the market?
Not necessarily. We often see a temporary slowdown when a storm is in the forecast, but buyer activity usually returns quickly afterward.
-Does hurricane season affect home values?
Generally, no. Home values are driven more by inventory, demand, location, and the condition of the property than by the season itself.
-Should I wait until hurricane season is over to list my home?
In most cases, no. Serious buyers are looking year-round, and with fewer homes sometimes coming to market, sellers can actually benefit from less competition.
Every season is a little different, but hurricane season doesn’t mean your real estate plans have to be put on hold.
Have another question you’d like Kali to answer? Leave it in the comments—we may feature it in our next Q&A!
