Winter is a great time to buy a property – you don’t have the competition of spring and summer buyers.
Usually, you’ll be able to enjoy additional time to consider your options when choosing a house, apartment or condo. But it doesn’t always work out like that.
If there’s another prospective buyer in the picture, a winter deal can heat up pretty quickly.
You’ll be grateful for having your finances lined up so you can make your move quickly.
There are moments when buying in winter when it’s wise to pause and not rush into things – and that’s when you’re organising a property inspection.
Winter’s icy grip can sometimes mask or hinder the full assessment of a property’s condition. Snow cover may conceal landscaping issues, such as drainage problems or uneven terrain. Frozen ground can make it difficult to inspect the foundation for cracks or signs of settling.
Ice dams, while pretty, can indicate potential roof problems, and frigid temperatures may hinder the proper operation of HVAC systems.
Accessing certain areas of the property, like crawl spaces or roofs, might be hampered by snow and ice accumulation, potentially obscuring critical issues.
It’s crucial to acknowledge these challenges and work with a professional inspector who has experience in overcoming such problems.
You’re within your rights to ask the seller to clear snow and ice where necessary to facilitate proper assessment.
Of course, when making an offer, always cite a successful property inspection as a criteria for the deal proceeding. Never waive this contingency.
And when hiring a professional inspection, ask that any major issues be confirmed in writing. This will help you negotiate any cost of repair or to seek a price adjustment.
Ultimately, navigating winter home inspections requires open communication and realistic expectations between you and the seller.