Natural disasters bring with them not only physical destruction but emotional devastation as well. This was clearly illustrated in the experiences of Maggie and Bata, two property owners who endured the wrath of Hurricane Florence in 2018. For those managing short-term rentals (STRs) and personal properties, such events can result in unimaginable loss—financially, emotionally, and mentally. However, with the right strategies, mindset, and community support, recovery is possible.

🌪️ Maggie’s Journey: Topsail Island, North Carolina

Maggie, a real estate professional and STR owner from Topsail Island, North Carolina, experienced firsthand the destruction caused by Hurricane Florence. Her home sustained over $150,000 in damages, while her oceanfront rental property was also severely impacted. Maggie’s story underscores the importance of acting swiftly when disaster strikes, especially with insurance companies.

One of the key takeaways from Maggie’s experience was her swift action in filing insurance claims. “I was in Virginia watching the news as my neighbor screamed, ‘We’re being flooded out,’ on The Today Show. I got on my phone and filed a claim immediately,” Maggie recalled. Filing early meant she was one of the first to be assessed, which sped up her recovery process.

However, the real challenge came with navigating the complex insurance policies. Maggie emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between flood insurance and wind/hail insurance—two policies that often conflict in natural disasters. The flood adjuster only covered damages up to a certain point, leaving Maggie with out-of-pocket expenses for debris removal and other uncovered costs. 📝 Pro tip: Make sure you have thorough documentation of damages, and never hesitate to push your adjusters for clarity.

🏚️ Bata’s Battle: Managing Three Oceanfront Properties

Bata, who owned three oceanfront properties in Surf City, North Carolina, faced even greater financial losses. Her homes, battered by Hurricane Florence, required her to file three separate insurance claims totaling over $300,000. Bata’s story highlights the unfortunate reality that even with insurance, the payout process is complicated and often pits flood adjusters against wind/hail adjusters.

Bata shared an experience that resonated with Maggie: “Flood adjusters were saying the damage was from wind, while wind adjusters claimed it was from flood. It was a constant back-and-forth battle, and I had to advocate for myself every step of the way.”

Both women stressed the importance of documenting everything—photos, receipts, and videos are critical. Bata also shared how her Matterport 3D virtual tour saved her thousands of dollars, as it provided detailed proof of personal items and the condition of her homes prior to the hurricane.

✨ The Emotional Toll and Silver Linings

Beyond the physical and financial challenges, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Bata admitted to experiencing PTSD following the disaster, especially as her homes were integral to her livelihood. Both women faced a lack of empathy from others, especially on social media. As Bata shared, “People often said, ‘It must be nice to own oceanfront properties,’ but they didn’t understand how much we were leveraged financially. We were mere inches away from financial ruin.”

Yet, despite the hardships, both Maggie and Bata emerged stronger. Bata found solace in her community, deepened relationships with local vendors, and learned invaluable lessons in resilience. Maggie offered a hopeful reminder: “It gets better every day.”

For those facing disaster recovery, the key is to celebrate small victories. Whether it’s finding a place to sleep, making progress on insurance claims, or even just being able to return to your property, each success is a step forward. 💪

🌟 Final Thoughts

Navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic event is never easy. For those currently affected by disasters, remember that recovery is possible. Advocate for yourself, find support in your community, and don’t hesitate to seek emotional help if needed. As Maggie and Bata’s stories show, it’s not just about rebuilding homes but also about rebuilding hope.