Going to open houses in the winter when snow is on the ground can be incredibly revealing. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures expose hidden flaws and give buyers a clearer picture of how a home performs in the harshest conditions. Here’s what to look for when you go to open houses in the winter snowy season.
Snow Patches on the Roof
Snow can reveal a lot about the home’s insulation. Look for patches of melted snow on the roof, which signals uneven insulation. Heat escaping from the attic due to poor insulation causes snow to melt prematurely.
Icicles on the Roof
Icicles hanging from the roof’s edges may look charming, but they are a red flag. They often form when snow melts and refreezes at the eaves or gutters, signaling clogged gutters or improper drainage. Icicles may also indicate poor attic ventilation, which can reduce the roof’s lifespan. These issues can point to a lack of maintenance and larger underlying problems.
Neighborhood Winter Readiness
Drive around the neighborhood and observe how well the streets and sidewalks are maintained. Are they plowed and salted? A neighborhood with poor snow removal can make winter living difficult. It’s also worth noting how well neighboring properties are cared for. You want to live in a neighborhood where people maintain their homes.
Parking in Winter
What is the parking situation like? Is the driveway and garage easily accessible in snowy conditions? Is there enough space for snow storage without restricting parking? How easy is it to get in and out of the driveway with snow on the ground? If parking or maneuvering feels difficult during the open house, it may indicate ongoing challenges with living in the home during winter.
Walkways Maintained
Are walkways shoveled and salted? Do you feel safe walking there? A poorly maintained walkway is not just a safety hazard but could also indicate that the current owner is lax in their overall home maintenance.
Snow Near Foundation
Is snow accumulating near the foundation, or is it draining away properly? Improper yard grading can lead to flooding during the spring thaw, and excessive snow near the foundation can also cause long-term structural issues.
Drafty Doors and Windows
During the open house, feel for cold drafts around doors and windows. Drafts indicate poor sealing, which reduces energy efficiency and can lead to high heating costs. Ask the seller for a copy of recent utility bills to gauge how much it costs to heat the home.
Condensation on Windows
Look for condensation or frost on the glass of windows and doors. This often signals aging or inefficient windows that might need replacement. Since windows and doors are very expensive to replace, you might want to negotiate for repair or replacement of these problematic windows and doors before closing.
Basement Issues
Inspect the basement for signs of moisture. Visible water stains, damp smells, or water pooling could mean melting snow is seeping into the basement, likely due to foundation cracks or poor grading. Moisture issues can be costly to fix and may lead to mold growth. Check out 12 Biggest Home Buying Regrets to Avoid
Sagging roofs
Look at roofs over porches, patios, and garages. Are they sagging under the weight of snow? This may indicate weak structural support or prior damage. A roof struggling with snow loads can require expensive repairs. Check out 11 Signs You are Buying a House that’s a Money Pit
Noise Levels in Winter
Snow naturally dampens sound, so listen for road noise. You might even hear noise from the train even if you’re not near the train. How quiet is the home with snow on the ground? If you hear significant road or neighborhood noise during winter, it could be much louder when windows are open in warmer months. Check out The 10 Worst Neighborhoods to Buy a House In (You Will Regret It)
Pool
If the home has a pool, check the pool cover for tears or damage. Excessive snow accumulation on the cover could cause strain, allowing debris or water to enter the pool and lead to maintenance issues. Confirm that the pool has been properly winterized to avoid costly repairs come spring. Check out Did You Buy the Wrong House? Here are 11 Warning Signs
Heating System
During the open house, pay attention to how evenly warm the home feels. Cold spots in certain rooms can signal an inadequate heating system, poor insulation, or ductwork issues. Do you see any space heaters? That can mean the heating system is insufficient.
Ask how old the HVAC system is. If you are buying a house with an HVAC system that is approaching end of life and showing signs of heating issues, it’s a good idea to add that to your negotiations before closing since replacing one is very expensive. Check out 9 Housing Expenses that are Slowly Crushing Homeowners
Winter Curb Appeal
Even in winter, a home should look well-maintained. Check the condition of the exterior, including landscaping, fencing, and other features. A tidy and cared-for exterior can indicate that the home stands up well to harsh weather and give you an idea of seasonal maintenance needs. Check out 18 Important Winter Home Maintenance Every Homeowner Should Do (Free Checklist)
Utility Bill
Ask the seller for past winter utility bills to understand how much it costs to heat the home. This will give you an idea of how much it costs to maintain the home in the winter and how energy efficient it is. Check out 10 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Move to a Bigger Home
Water Heater
Turn on the faucets and see how long it takes for hot water to flow. A slow response time in winter can indicate a struggling or aging water heater. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 10–12 years, so find out how old it is and consider negotiating for a replacement if it’s nearing the end of its life. Check out 16 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home in the Winter