Hints for looking at properties in the winter

Looking for a property to buy in the winter can be a GOOD thing. There tends to be fewer other buyers out looking in the cold and snow, so there is less competition. Thus, here are a few hints that I have come across over the years when viewing houses in the winter months. First of all, wear good winter shoes/boots. If you plan on looking around outside, you are going to appreciate having a warm pair of winter boots on, especially if there is a lot of snow on the ground. Yes, sellers should have their sidewalks shovelled, but that does not always happen. Plus, you may want the freedom to look around the yard if something catches your eye, such as holes in fences or cracks in walls. Saying that, make sure that you have boots that you can slip on and off easily. If not, be ready to take the time to remove your shoes/boots when you go into the house. I had a person the other day tell me that he would just wipe off his boots as they were a pain to take off and on again. I told him that you are in someone else's house, so please remove your boots. He may have been a bit shocked that I told him to take off his boots, but he agreed and the showing continued. Tracking mud and snow into another person's house is not respectful. Imagine if it was your house. I have heard of several incidents when a seller came home to find mud tracked through their kitchen. This does not get things off on the right foot if an offer is presented and we need to negotiate. Now, if the sidewalks are clean of snow, that is a good sign that someone cares, or at least cares enough to have someone take care of the sidewalks. If you can see the roof, take note of the condition. Are the shingles curled? Is it a metal roof? If you cannot see the roof due to it being covered in snow, you will want to have an inspector check on the condition of the roof. Are there signs of pooled water/ice around the house? That could mean faulty eavestroughs, or no eavestroughs at all. Or perhaps the downspouts have been left up and were not put down when the snow started to melt. How big it the driveway? Is the sidewalk big? If it is a corner lot, does the sidewalk go around the corner too? That is good to note, because if you plan on buying the property, the snow will be your responsibility in the future. If you do not already have a snowblower, it may be a good idea to talk nice to Santa, especially if you will be having a large driveway and sidewalk to maintain in the winter. When inside, check for cold exterior walls - that could mean that the insulation has settled and may need to be upgraded. Are the windows clear, or are they frosted? If they are frosted and need to be replaced, you could use that in your negotiations. As always, I suggest a property inspection. As I have said before, property inspectors will find something wrong, as that is their job. It does not mean that it's a bad thing, as no house is perfect. However, an inspection will give you a better idea of what the future has instore for your potential future home.