When house hunting in the winter, there are some property features we can’t observe. For example, we usually can’t see what condition a lawn is in, how many weeds there are, and how soft the grass is. We also don’t get to see how active and loud a neighborhood becomes in the warm weather with the added car and foot traffic. More children will come out to play in the summer, and barking dogs may be more prominent in higher temperatures. However, there are additional details about a property you can observe in the winter season.
House hunting during Lake George’s harshest season will make you aware of how a particular home will fare in the colder months. As those in Bolton Landing, Brant Lake, Glens Falls, Lake George, and surrounding areas discover, it is essential to choose a property that doesn’t make winter more challenging. The cold months are hard enough in this area, and house hunting in winter is an opportunity to ensure your home provides proper shelter. For this reason, winter is arguably the best time to look for homes for sale in the southern Adirondack region.
Winter Property Struggles To Be Aware Of
House hunting in the winter offers you the chance to assess certain elements of living in a new home you may otherwise not think of during an open house on an 80 degree day. Here are some of the top recommendations I give my clients who are searching for their Lake George, NY home during the colder months.
Inside the Home
Temperature
- Check to see if windows and/or doors are well sealed and not overly drafty. You may want to walk close to windows to feel if the air around them is cooler.
- Do certain rooms seem to be colder than others, and is the temperature throughout the home fairly consistent?
- While we are thinking about it, it doesn’t hurt to ask about recent heating bills.
Layout & Home’s Condition
- Make sure the layout of the house will work for any important winter activities (Do you need a big entryway or mudroom for boots and accessories? Does the garage have enough space for a snowmobile?).
- With the windows all closed up, check for odors that may raise a flag, like for mildew or from the carpets. Odd odors may indicate the carpets will need to be replaced.
- Consider the flooring material by doors leading outside. Is there carpet that will be damaged by snowy boots? Is there tile that may get wet and slippery? Is there wood that has been damaged? Depending on the flooring material, you may need to make adjustments.
Outside the Home
It’s also important to note outside factors that may influence your property or may impact your home’s accessibility. As the seasons change, every property is affected differently. For example, in the winter, you may discover a dirt driveway has one muddy hole where tires get stuck in snowy slush. I recommend considering the following when house hunting in the winter.
Driveway
- Consider how long the driveway is. A long winding driveway may be beautiful in other months, but in winter it will be a struggle to navigate.
- Is there a dirt, stone, or concrete driveway and what condition is the driveway in? Any holes in a dirt driveway are places tires may get stuck in the snow. Dirt and stone driveways are generally harder to plow and drive on in the winter. However, large bumps on a concrete driveway may damage snow plows.
Roads Leading to Property
- Look at how well have the roads been plowed on the roads around the house. Does the road seem to be prioritized and get plowed sooner or will you be stuck snowed-in all day?
- Be mindful of any large hills or curved roads your car traveled on the way to the home. Do any of them make you leery to drive on in snowy or icy conditions? Would you be able to drive those roads to get to work in the morning if there was more or less snow or ice?
Additional Details to Consider
- Check for any dangerous ice build-up on paths or steps you plan on using.
- Many times you’ll be seeing a home during hours when it is dark, due to the shorter days. Check out the outside lighting, both on the property and around the neighborhood. Do you prefer a more well-lit area? Is there a light that shines directly into a bedroom?
- With all the leaves down, check for any hidden eye soars, or trees that may not look too healthy.
- Consider how private the home is with all the leaves down. A line of trees blocking the home may add privacy in the summer, but in the winter, the home may not feel secluded enough.
Work With a Real Estate Agent Near Lake George, NY
As a southern Adirondack real estate agent, I try to point out any factors a client may be overlooking. I genuinely want you to find the best home for you. Now, these winter home hunting tips aren’t necessarily make or break items, but I share them to make sure you are aware of any complications a home may present once you start living in it. It’s also important to note that while every home is different, every client is different. Whether you’re house hunting in the winter or summer, I listen to your concerns and priorities.
If you want to head out to look for a new home this winter or go to open houses near Bolton Landing, Lake George, or nearby areas give me a call. I would be happy to show you some of the currently available real estate, as well as share other tips regarding getting the most out of your home search. Together, we can ensure you find a home that’s cozy and accessible in the winter.