During the real estate buying process, many buyers focus intently on the condition and style of the home. The layout and square footage also are factored into the decision-making process. Weather conditions may only come into consideration when they are touring homes and walking in and out of various properties. The reality is that weather is a major factor to focus on all throughout the real estate buying process, especially when looking for a long-term home. These are a few important reasons why all buyers need to focus on weather conditions when making a home purchase.
The Condition and Appeal of Landscaping
Commonly, home buyers will base their decision about whether or not to tour a home on its curb appeal. If a property is ugly on the outside, they may not be interested in seeing how great its interior is. However, during the winter, many homes have diminished curb appeal, or their landscaping features may be hidden by snow. With this in mind, less emphasis should be placed on curb appeal if you are searching for a home in the winter.
The Importance of Weatherization
When a home is not properly sealed, significant damage can occur inside the building throughout the year. It can be difficult to determine if weatherization is a concern on your own, so you may need to rely on the skills of an experienced property inspector. Some weatherization issues, such as damaged window and door seals, may be easy to remedy. However, if insulation or other factors are contributing to poor weatherization, the remediation process is much more time-consuming and expensive.
A Look at Energy Costs
Some areas have a generally mild climate, so home heating and cooling costs are minimal. Other homes are located in areas that have extreme temperatures during the winter, summer or both. These weather conditions directly impact utility expenses. Weatherization is essential when estimating the overall cost of ownership. In addition, the size of the home should be taken into consideration. If you are on a tight budget, purchasing a smaller home with a newer HVAC system may help you to keep energy costs lower.
These are some of the more significant ways that weather should factor into your purchase decision. In addition to the local climate, keep in mind that shading, wind conditions and more around a specific property should also be taken into account. For example, if considerable foliage surrounds a home, heating and cooling costs may be reduced slightly.
