Heat & Humidity: How to Tour Homes Smart in New Orleans

July 21, 2024

Tour Early and Stay Hydrated

The smartest move is to schedule showings early in the morning, ideally between 8 and 10 a.m., before the heat peaks. Morning tours also offer better natural light in most homes, which gives you a clearer sense of how rooms actually look throughout the day. Bring plenty of water, a small portable fan, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Dehydration clouds judgment, and when you’re uncomfortable, you’re less likely to notice important details about the property’s condition, floor plan, or potential.

Ask your real estate agent to prioritize properties in neighborhoods with mature tree canopy coverage. Areas like the Garden District, Marigny, and parts of nearby communities offer natural shade that makes walking between homes significantly more bearable. This isn’t just about comfort; homes with good shade tend to have lower cooling costs, which is valuable information for your long-term ownership picture.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

In hot, humid climates, moisture issues in older homes can be temporarily masked, which are common throughout New Orleans. Don’t rely solely on what you see on a quick tour. Request detailed home inspection reports before you commit, and ask specifically about moisture testing and HVAC system performance under summer stress. Virtual tours and video walkthroughs can supplement in-person visits, reducing the number of times you need to be outside in peak heat.

Take photos and videos during your tour so you can review them later in a cool environment. You’ll catch details you might have missed while uncomfortable during the showing. Many buyers find that reviewing footage at home, with time to compare multiple properties, leads to clearer decision-making than trying to evaluate everything on the spot.

About the Author: Billy Borrouso is a licensed real estate broker and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with over 20 years of experience in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Since 2004, Billy has guided buyers, sellers, and investors through every stage of the real estate process, from first-time home purchases to new construction in Old Metairie. He is a consistent NOMAR Gold Award recipient (2007-2011) and previously worked with Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors, one of South Florida’s largest firms. Billy’s deep knowledge of New Orleans neighborhoods and his hands-on approach make him a trusted partner from start to finish.

Understand Off-Peak Market Advantages

While touring in extreme heat is uncomfortable, sellers who list during off-peak seasons are often motivated, and there’s less competition. Inventory tends to thin out because most people avoid moving in extreme conditions. This can mean more negotiating power for you as a buyer. According to the National Association of Realtors, off-peak periods historically see fewer active listings, which can translate to less competition for serious buyers willing to push through challenging weather.

If you’re on the selling side, showings in extreme heat require you to keep your home in pristine condition. Ensure air conditioning is set to a comfortable temperature before showings, open blinds to maximize light, and consider placing fresh flowers or subtle pleasant scents in key areas. Buyers who tour in challenging conditions are committed, so they deserve to see your property at its best.

Have questions about buying or selling? Reach out to us today and we’ll be happy to help you every step of the way.