While Winter may seem too cold, or too snowy to go house hunting. While your warm hot chocolate, your comfy slippers and your couch may seem more appealing. Winter may actually be a great time to get out and find the property that is right for you!
FEWER COMPETITORS – The bad weather, the tough parking and the time to procrastinate keep other buyers home on their couches and out of the market. Like Spring flowers, warmer weather brings buyers out in droves. Get out there now while less competition gives you more time to look, consider and negotiate.
READY SELLERS – At this point in the winter, the average days on the market for properties in many communities exceeds 100 days. Such a long time on the market often results in sellers who are weary of keeping the property in ‘showing condition’. Long marketing times also lead to price reductions and sellers who are ready to go.
TRUTH IN SNOW – The snow, the rain, and the cold temperatures have created havoc for properties. If there are issues with the roof or gutters that cause ice dams, or other problems, now is a great time to see them before you own them. In addition, you will have a great chance to see how the community around your property deals with snow removal – some are better, some are worse. This is your chance to check it out.
LOWER RATES – It is often the case that interest rates will rise in the Spring when buying is expected to increase. Often, interest rates in the winter months are lower, giving you a chance to take advantage.
Check current homes for sale and open houses in any Boston area community at www.avenue3re.com. Slip on your boots and gloves one more time and see if your new home is out there waiting for you!
Karen Lilley, Principal, Avenue 3, Real Estate
February, 2011 -- "particularly this snowy February"...
What real estate advice can I give you for the month of February?
Previewing property in many different towns, styles and neighborhood density I noticed that the one consistent "problem" is ignoring some of the snowy areas around your real estate. Remember to take the time to shovel, sand / salt your walkways, sidewalks and driveways. Do this for the habitants of your home but also for the US postal service, fedex, ups, oil delivery person, etc. etc.
This sounds simply enough but I have viewed many, many homes that the owner only takes into consideration how they get in and out of their home. This winter has been a tough one. I for one have to keep reminding myself to shovel the walkway and path for the oil delivery and mail in a timely manner (not 4 days after a storm)...oops...
In the coming months I will have more "fun" recommendations but for February .... this is it !!!
How is your neighborhood handling this winter?
I’m a homeowner in Arlington, MA and this winter has tested my endurance for sure. It’s at the point where I’m hearing even folks younger talking about their loss of patience in homeownership, as weekly shoveling, clearing off roofs, de-icing the front walk, etc., has become the topic of conversation just about everywhere you go. This isn’t the kind of talk a homeowner trying to sell their property this winter needs to have circulating around.
The charming and functional aspects of the interior of a home have appeared to be of less interest to a perceptive buyer at recent open houses. Agents are now being asked questions primarily relating to the home’s exterior and winter weather stamina.
As an example here is a list of the top five questions asked at an Open House in Belmont, MA this past weekend:
1. Has the home had a water issue in the basement when the snow thralls?
2. Has there been any ice dam damage this winter? And is that where that stain on the ceiling in the bedroom is coming from?
3. How old are the windows? And are they efficient?
4. What is the average monthly heating cost?
And 5. Has the town been quick to plow?
Hopefully you, as a Seller, will have answers to these questions that will satisfy a perspective Buyer or this post will help you to be prepared and make some improvements where necessary. Be prepared and have answers at the ready and all should go well. If you need assistance in finding contractors and services providers to resolve some issues check out the "Service Providers" list on our site.
Hopefully, in 30 days time this kind of winter madness should be nothing more than a memory for all of us, homeowners and Seller's alike. The mounds of snow will be gone and the focus will be directed back to the a home’s many positive amenities.
Home Seller's, have you downloaded our helpful Smarter Seller Kit ?
The heavy snow fall of late has made the past few weeks difficult ones for many homeowners in the Boston and Metro West area. Trying to stay ahead of the possible problems that can occur to our homes hasn't been easy for many of us this winter so we pleased when we found this very informative list of things to do to prevent snow damage to our property and be better prepared in the future from the Restoration Resource
1. Clear the rooftop of snow. This should be one of the top priorities of homeowners who wish to protect their property from heavy snow damage. Snow that is left to accumulate may cause the entire roof to collapse, and damage ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture inside the house. It may be best to get the help of professional roofing consultants as they know how to safely clear a roof of heavy snow without causing any damage to the rest of the house.
2. Improve the air ventilation in the attic. Maintaining an indoor temperature that is close to the outdoor temperature is vital in that part of the house. If there is no proper ventilation in the attic, the warm air inside can melt the snow on the roof and cause ice dams to form. Ice dams are one of the most common problems during winter and they can seriously cause heavy snow damage to a home.
3. Ensure that all gutters and drains are clean and free from dirt. Melted snow needs to properly drain from the roof to prevent new snow from building up and causing heavy snow damage. If snow is allowed to form in the gutters, they can slowly seep through the roofing material and cause damage to the inside of the house. Also make sure that gutters and drains are connected firmly to the house. If not, these can easily fall under the weight of accumulated snow. Unstable gutters are highly accident prone as they can hit a window, a car, or even a person if they detach from the roof.
4. Remove snow from doors and windows as well. Do not let snow collect on their openings. If windows and doors start to let water and moisture into the house, repair their sealants immediately. Pay extra attention to doors and windows that are facing directly against the snow and the wind as these are more prone to heavy snow damage.
5. Clear the area around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters and furnaces. They should not be blocked by snow, leaves, and any other debris.
6. Keep water moving within pipes to prevent them from freezing. Do this by letting the hot and cold water faucets drip overnight. A tiny trickle or a slow drip is all that is needed.
7. Watch out for snow-covered trees that are surrounding the house. They can also cause heavy snow damage to a home. If the accumulated snow becomes too heavy for the tree branches, they can break and fall onto nearby house structures.
Oddly enough the number of Cambridge MA homes for sale that had accepted offers went up this past week inspite of the snow-a-thon! For a view of the recent activity in the Boston Metro West area take a look at A3's Week in Review.