There are a couple of things to keep in mind when house hunting in the winter. For one thing, the days are very short. The best practice is to see the house in daylight. I encourage home buyers to see houses during their lunch hour rather than waiting until late afternoon or early evening.
If there is snow on the ground it is impossible to see the landscaping. Ask for pictures of the property during the summer. Also, check Google maps and Google earth, and sometimes there are pictures from the last time the home was on the market. Ask your Realtor.
If the roof is covered with snow it can not be viewed or inspected. Ask a lot of questions, look for documentation as to the age or the roof. There may be permits that are available for public viewing. Homeowners do not always know how old the roof is.
Remember to wear shoes that are easy to get on and off, slip on shoes are best. I often bring slippers or wear thick stocks to keep my feet warm on the cold floors in sun porches and basements.
December can be the perfect time to buy a house. There are fewer houses on the market and fewer buyers out looking. Prices tend to be lower than they will be when the spring market starts in late January.
The pandemic isn’t over. You may be asked to wear a mask when touring homes.
