With all the snow that’s fallen around Albemarle County, (9 inches in my backyard, and counting), and that fact that we’ve had two unusual snow events this winter already, it’s inevitable that some buyers will be looking at, inspection, and closing transaction with snow on the ground.
What does that mean for buyers ?
Looking at Property: If you’re buying property in winter in Virginia, big snow is rarely an issue. We’re lucky that way. But on the chance that you do encounter snow and need to continue looking during or after a big snow, be ready…boots, warm clothes, a hat. If you have kids, keep that in mind, since they’ll be chilly, too. Some sellers will have a note upon entry asking you to remove your shoes/boots, so be ready for that. Some of my clients bring slippers. I do. Bring a thermos of something yummy and warm for between-house showings, and never underestimate how cold a vacant house can be…55 degrees can be chilly inside, no matter how low the temp outside!
Inspections: Getting an inspection done with snow on the ground is not ideal. Depending on the amount, the inspector can’t get a good look at the gradient slope around the house, cracks and other deformities can be obscured; the driveway may not be cleared if it’s vacant (in which case, the heat may not be turned on very much, either). Roofs can be too dangerous to check out, limbs may fall from trees…there are a host of things that can create sub-optimal inspection conditions. Some inspectors will want to cancel until a later time, and if you have some room in your contract days, that may be the best bet. (Surely your buyer agent talked about the importance of scheduling an inspection early in the process?) Sometimes, timing isn’t on your side and you have to go with it. Most inspectors and homeowners aren’t going to remove snow, so be aware that some things may become obvious when the snow melts.
Final Walk-Through: Before closing, you’ll do a final walk-through, and that means a sort of mini-inspection with yourself and your agent. Again, if the property was snow-free when you did your initial inspection, and now there’s snow everywhere (or worse, ice), it’ll be more of a challenge. The biggest one is often everyone wanting to rush the process because the house is cold…and that can lead to missed opportunities and overlooked issues. Bring a hat and boots, and take your time.
Looking at homes in winter can be fun…and there can be some great opportunities since many folks take their homes off the market in winter, leaving on the must-sells, and therefore perhaps a better negotiating opportunity. Don’t let the weather get you off your game. Do a bit of planning and reap the benefits!
