Zero Degrees: Do you still show properties? How can a Seller prepare for showings in frigid temperatures?
Door County is in the midst of another Big Chill, and I have been showing properties in single digit temperatures for the past four days. What have I learned to share during my showings that Sellers (especially absentee sellers) should be aware of when we hit bitterly cold temperatures?
1. Windows. The biggest issue I have seen in homes that are maintained at 50 degrees or lower are significant issues with window moisture condensation. When it's this cold, Sellers need to be aware that moisture issues can become severe if not checked over time. I showed a condominium on Saturday that had water streaming off all windows, and several areas of lovely painted woodwork were starting to mildew. During a home inspection yesterday, an inspector recommened to my potential buyer to always keep the heat posted at 55 degrees (minimum), although he would prefer to recommend sixty degrees.
2. Driveways and Sidewalks. With new snowfall, it's always prudent to call ahead to ensure shoveling, snow-blowing or plowing. What do you do when an absentee Seller doesn't want to spend the money on plowing or shoveling? With longer driveways, this can become an issue for emergency services access (fire trucks). Anyone--agent or prospective purchaser--can trip on an icy sidewalk. If a Seller isn't willing to maintain a home for prospective purchasers, the safest thing might be to take the property off market until spring.
3. Mechanical Errors. When it's this cold, anything can happen with keys not working propertly in frozen locks, and especially malfunctioning lockboxes. Signs get hit by plows or detach from the posts from strong winter winds. As agents cannot visually monitor every listing every day, notification from clients regarding damaged signage is key to keeping the property properly marketed.
4. Holiday Decor. This is the time of the year when your home can SHINE. I love walking into a warm home in this frigid weather that has a cheery fire in the fireplace, or the smell of a pine tree. December is a wonderful month for your home to be showcased for serious buyers.
Do we still show propery in this kind of weather? Absolutely, if we have a willing buyer. We stop often, make sure that everyone has proper attire, and work hard to ensure that the Buyer willing to look at properties in this kind of weather has good inventory to look at. Sellers should remember that a Buyer willing to brave this kind of cold is a Buyer, indeed!
Of course, one of the easiest and warmest ways to get a jump-start on BUYING a property in frigid weather is the internet. Check here for a complete list of inventory available--homes, condominiums and land for sale in the Door County Multiple Service.
Zero Degrees: Do you still show properties? How can a Seller prepare for showings in frigid temperatures?
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