It’s cold outside, but homes are still selling and buyers are still active. Just because the weather is cold, does not mean that the market is not heating up. I was recently showing 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath homes to a couple in Havertown near Coopertown Elementary School (19083), West Chester (19382) and Wayne (19087) when the weather wasn’t so pleasant outside.

I wanted to share with you a few tips that I have learned when showing buyers homes in winter weather to help the experience be more pleasurable and the homes more memorable.

#1- First and mostly importantly, please take your time driving to the houses you are seeing and when driving in between homes. Winter weather can pose dangerous driving conditions, so be careful.
The home buying process is supposed to be an exciting experience. Many of my clients tell stories of the houses they have been in to their friends, and the last story I would want to tell them about is an accident they were in while driving to see a potential home.

#2 It’s winter, it’s cold outside, and there is snow on the ground, so make sure you dress warm. Don’t assume all houses will be heated. Some homes may not be warm for many different reasons – such as vacant properties, people like to keep the temperature low, they may be on vacation or away for an extended period of time, or there may even be broken windows. Also, many homebuyers like to walk around the neighborhood or house to explore it in more detail. You don’t want to rush the experience or miss out on something because you didn’t dress appropriately for the weather. Also, wearing boots are a great idea, especially if there is snow or the sellers didn’t shovel their driveway.

#3 Snacks and a warm drink! I always suggest bringing a snack with you if you are seeing multiple homes. It may take more time then you assumed, plus you want to be energized while you are viewing your potential new home. Having a warm drink in the car or your hand is also a great way to keep you warm or energized.

I hope these tips make your winter home buying experience more pleasurable!