YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Home buying and selling happens during the winter. In fact, Ohio realtors sold 3% more last winter than the previous one.
It’s the unpredictability of the season, which should be in your mind. A home inspection is encouraged before buying a home. Homebuyers need to know that inspectors can only inspect readily accessible areas of the house or use non-invasive equipment as part of the inspection.
“For instance, going into a basement, they may not be able to see moisture or see water damage. They may not be able to remove paneling or storage items, but sometimes they’ll use a moisture meter to check for perhaps water damage or moisture that may be hidden to the human eye,” said Daphne Hawk, superintendent of Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL), Ohio Department of Commerce
When walking through a home, use the cold weather to your advantage. Winter weather can reveal key details and flaws about a home that might go unnoticed during warmer seasons, according to REPL. Take this opportunity to identify potential issues:
- Check insulation and energy efficiency: A warm home is a happy home during the winter. As you walk through a home, pay attention to potential drafts around windows or doors, uneven heating, or cold walls. These can signal poor insulation, which could mean higher energy bills and less comfort, as well as a potential costly project in the future to resolve those issues. A well-insulated home is an investment in long-term savings.
- Inspect the heating system: The heating system is one of the most critical features of a home during the winter, which is why it’s important the furnace or heating unit is both functional and efficient. When you’re ready to move forward with a property, make sure to have a licensed professional thoroughly inspect the system. Repairs or replacements can sometimes cost thousands of dollars, so catching potential problems early can save you big bucks and uncomfortably cold evenings.
- Consider snow removal and accessibility: Snow-covered driveways and walkways may look charming, but think about practicality. Who is responsible for snow removal? Are the streets in the area plowed regularly? Consider whether you’ll need to budget for snow removal services.
One thing for buyers to consider is a longer inspection period, which might reveal an issue that was hidden under snow and ice.
Patty Coller contributed to this report.
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