It's been a week since our last snow storm. Yet, just yesterday when I was showing homes to buyer clients of mine, we encountered a home that has not shoveled their driveway, the walkway to the front door, nor the front steps.
This home is on a narrow "country" road, so parking in front of the home created an obstacle course for neighbors to get around our cars. Not a great way to create neighborhood unity.
Given the last storm was a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow, and that we've experienced mostly sub-freezing temperatures since then (with the wonderful exception of portions of yesterday and today), the front steps were piled about six inches high of solid ice. We could open the front door just enough to squeeze through. And, we had to help each other up the steps, holding each other's hands and the railings, while pulling each other up the stairs and into the home. Getting out and back down the steps was even more fun...I wish we had a video camera.
Of course, the back deck was not shoveled, either, and we could not open the back door to venture out there.
Granted, this home is vacant. But it is still in the seller's interests to maintain the home while it is being marketed, and the make the home possible to view. Buyers who were not as game to brave the icy steps would have bypassed this home altogether. Not to mention the liability issues if someone falls and hurts themselves while trying to view your home.
Sellers, be sure to maintain your home - and the snow - even if you are no longer living there. It's not only for the safety of those viewing your home, but a well-maintained home gives the appearance of a loved and cared for home...things that buyers want to see.
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
REALTOR
Prudential Connecticut Realty
203.746.1199
Connecticut Real Estate and Homes for Sale
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