Buying a home in the dead of winter can seem overwhelming, exhausting, and downright miserable. But, it doesn’t have to be and with a little extra elbow grease, and some determination, you could uncover some serious gems. Because of the stigma associated with buying a home in winter, many people won’t even try and as a result, your options could greatly increase. You also have a unique opportunity to see it at its worst which can help you make a more educated decision. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re house shopping in the winter.
Get Rid of Expectation
House-hunting in the winter can feel pretty dreary. The weather can take a toll on your feelings about the matter, but you should push through and try to be open-minded. Most people get the warm fuzzy feeling about a house when they experience that perfect moment, in the midst of summer, when they can actually see family BBQs taking place, and kids playing in a lush, green lawn. But when there is a foot of dirty snow on the curb, and everything is brown and grungy, it can be hard to picture. But remember that in a matter of months, the grass will be green, you can plant flowers, the sunlight looks different, and as a whole, everything will be a little less dull looking.
Ask Questions
Because of the weather, there may be a lot of things that you either can’t see or can’t test. The pool for example, may be winterized which means that you won’t be able to check it for leaks or damage. That is also a situation where you may want to ask the seller to leave money in escrow until the time comes that you are able to have it checked. This ensures that you can buy with confidence that if it is not in working order that you won’t be liable for the damage. If you have a question about a certain aspect of the property, don’t hesitate to ask. It is always better safe than sorry.
Get Documentation
Freezing temperatures can prevent you from being able to inspect sprinkler systems, contamination tests, and outdoor plumbing. So in this event that you can’t check these things personally, ask for documentation. Plumbers, pool maintenance companies, and other vendors usually keep pretty good records and you can ask for the proof that it was shut down or closed our properly. And an even better solution is to ask the company if you can speak to the person who actually completed the work. Getting the pulse of a house is vital to making a sound decision, and the more information you have, the more you can anticipate, prepare for, and ultimately make a better decision.
When it comes to buying a house, you have to be informed, and that can be a challenge in the winter. But be vocal and make sure that you’ve covered all the topics that pertain to the property you’re looking at. And maybe you’ll get lucky and find a gem!
