The winter season brings a unique advantage to home buyers in the St. Louis area: fewer competing offers and a chance to see a home truly tested by the elements.
At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, we believe winter viewings offer a golden opportunity to assess a home’s true condition. Here are three essential tips to help you make the most of your cold-weather house hunt:
1. Test the Comfort Factor (Leave the Coat On!)
Forget the initial, “cozy” impression. Use the cold air to your advantage to check the home’s ability to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
- Feel for Drafts: Pause by windows, doors, and electrical outlets, particularly on exterior walls. If you feel a noticeable draft, it signals poor insulation or old, failing seals, which means higher utility bills for you.
- Evaluate Heating Performance: How quickly did the house warm up? Are some rooms significantly colder than others? This points to potential issues with the furnace, ductwork, or inadequate insulation in specific areas (like a basement or bonus room).
- Check the Mechanicals: Ask the seller for recent utility bills (they reveal the home’s energy efficiency) and check the furnace. When was it last serviced? A well-maintained heating system is a valuable asset.
2. Look Beyond the Snow: Assess the Exterior
While a blanket of snow can look beautiful, it can also hide serious issues. You need to focus on what you can see that matters most for winter durability.
- Check the Water Run-off: Look for disconnected downspouts or areas where water drains right next to the foundation. Poor drainage in winter leads to damp basements and foundation issues when the snow melts.
- Inspect the Walkways: Note the grade and condition of the driveway and sidewalks. Is it a long, steep driveway that will be a nightmare to shovel? Are there obvious cracks or trip hazards that will be hidden once ice forms? Safety and maintenance difficulty are major winter considerations.
- Picture the Yard in Bloom: Don’t be discouraged by bare trees. Ask your agent for previous summer photos, or use online mapping tools to see the landscaping in full bloom. Does the yard have the potential you’re looking for once spring arrives?
3. Maximize Your Inspection & Negotiation
The simple fact is: motivated sellers often list in winter. Use the season to be a smart, informed buyer.
- Prioritize a Thorough Inspection: Snow may cover the roof and yard, making a final inspection a critical requirement when the weather clears. Ensure your contract allows for an inspection contingency, including the roof, once conditions permit a safe and thorough check.
- Negotiate with Confidence: If you uncover signs of drafts, old windows, or poor insulation, you now have clear, quantifiable evidence to use in price negotiations. You’re buying the house, warts and all, so negotiate for the cost of future upgrades!
Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Buying a home in the St. Louis winter can give you the advantage you need to find your perfect property.
Ready to view a home that’s ready for any weather? Contact Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate to start your search today!
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