It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean there’s any reason to delay your life’s plans. Winter can be seen as a tough month to look for a new house. Many wait until the weather warms up before they start looking. But touring open houses in the winter can be crucial for seeing what your home would look like during these months. It can be used as a great time to keep an eye out for these seven potential issues.
1. Check for Drafts and Insulation Issues
The most common problem is drafts and insulation issues. Walk around windows, doors and exterior walls to feel for cold air seeping in. Drafts often reveal poor insulation or aging seals that may require some fixes.
2. Evaluate Heating System Performance
When you walk in the door, you’ll feel warm and cozy. But it’s important to see what the thermostat is set to. Ask questions like how old the furnace or boiler is and when it was last serviced. Make sure to listen for strange noises. Notice if the home heats evenly from room to room.
3. Inspect Windows for Condensation or Ice Buildup
If it’s snowy or rainy out, this can be a great time to look at the windows. Excess moisture can point to poor insulation, inadequate ventilation or outdated windows. These issues affect comfort, energy bills and potential mold risks. Make sure to go room by room and ask questions.
4. Look at the Roof and Gutters for Ice Dams
Before you walk inside, take a look at the roof. You’ll be able to see what condition the roof is in through a quick inspection. Ice dams can indicate poor attic insulation or ventilation. Check for icicles, uneven snow melt or water staining on interior ceilings.
5. Assess Exterior Walkways and Drainage
Before you even walk in the house, you’ll want to take a look at the walkways and drainage. Snow and ice can reveal problem areas. Look for slippery paths, poor grading or areas where water pools and refreezes. All of these can be safety hazards, so it’s important to make sure there are no issues.
6. Check Basement and Attic for Moisture Problems
The basement can the spot that houses the most problems. But winter can reveal hidden issues like condensation, leaks or musty smells. These may point to insulation gaps, foundation cracks or ventilation problems. Do a thorough walk through of the area.
7. Pay Attention to Natural Light
Short winter days highlight how much natural light the home really gets. Notice which rooms feel bright or gloomy. While it may not seem like a big deal, it impacts both mood and energy usage.
If you’re ready to start looking, reach out to a Howard Hanna agent today. We can help you find the home of your dreams.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 14 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. Recognized as the most innovative brokerage, Howard Hanna provides solution-based programs and platforms to empower their agents to provide more resources for homebuyers and home sellers, resulting in their agents achieving a sales success rate that is 53% higher than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Since 1957, Howard Hanna has helped agents build the skills and experience needed to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
