We've had three days straight of snow here in the Danbury, Connecticut area . In New Fairfield, I have over 18 inches of snow in my yards.
Today I'll be taking another look at a waterfront home for buyers of mine. It has a number of steps down to the front door. The home is unoccupied.
Will I be able to access the front door today? Probably not without my snow skis...
Sellers, it's time to get out and shovel.
- Clear the steps.
- Clear the walkways.
- Clear a path around the perimeter of your home.
- Make sure the front entry is accessible and safe.
You really don't want someone falling and hurting themselves at your home...I'm sure that will bias their opinion against buying your home!
This time of year, exterior curb appeal is just as important as it is in the summer.
Sellers are supposed to make sure their lawns are mowed and all landscaping is neat and trimmed.
It's no different in the winter. Make sure the snow is cleared out so buyers can enjoy the beauty of the snow rather than seeing what a hassle getting into your home can be.
And put down some salt and sand so potential buyers don't slip and fall on the sidewalks. It's pretty cold here in Maryland this morning.
When you are done, MOVE TO FLORIDA - NO MORE SNOW, EVER!!!!
Exactly! I guess it is part of the business and we should all have a shovel in the trunk, but it gets a bit ridiculous when things aren't shoveled. And, don't even start on REOs/foreclosures/vacants...Great reminder.
June - yes, salt and sand work wonders...
Richard - I actually moved back to the snow after years in California. I swore I'd never be back, but now I actually enjoy the snow. But, I did learn yesterday that I'm too old for sledding with the kids...
Doesn't that just make you want to scream?
There is significant case law that an agent taking a buyer on a property assumes the risk of injury to that buyer.
I feel your pain, here in Colorado sellers often do not shovel the walkway.
No salt, the run off is is not good for the environment. Use sand or environmentally safe kitty litter! Good luck, stay safe!
Kristin - We can't shovel the driveway/walkway of every house we show. We'll never get to show any homes that way. Plus, I don't want the liability.
Lenn - And that is one more reason why I don't believe as agents we should be shoveling. I will not take on the responsibility or liability of a home seller.
Steven - If they want us to show their homes, they need to shovel. It really is that simple.
Laura - I know they say salt isn't the greatest, but sometimes it is necessary, especially on steps. Safety is too important.
I'm glad that's one thing we Realtors in Charleston, SC don't have to worry about! It was in the 60s yesterday!
Lee & Catherine - Don't the Carolinas get snow every now and again?
Can't complain in West Texas, we are in the 50's but dry! We won't see white this Christmas unless you count the cotton feilds!
Lubbock - My in-laws are in Midland, Texas. They get snow sometimes - usually when it's warm over here!
Don, nice post and you are correct about curb appeal in the winter, curb appeal is imprtant year round. I have a Seller right now whose home is vacant and I am not sure when he will even get around to having his driveway plowed, it is of course a very long and winding one too!
We have 2 listings right now that are vacant, but the owners still live in the area. I drive by one almost every day and today, after 2 snow storms, the driveway and walkways are NOT cleared of snow. I was just at the other one, a lake front property listed by one of our team members, and it is also snowed in. I had to wade thru knee-deep snow to get to the front door. We have told these owners that they need to get the snow removed if they ever expect to have another showing this winter, but some people just don't listen.
Coincidentally, my wife is out at some showings right now and she just called me to say the last place she showed she had to wade thru knee-deep snow to get to the door, too. Don, I would say this is a very timely post!
Christopher - Vacant homes are tough in the winter. Your seller should consider hiring a plow service. I have one for my driveway (which is long and steep) and it is the best money I spend all year, even though I hate writing out that check each November!
Wayne - To be fair, since it was snowing here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I would give sellers a break for today. It was a rough weekend. But, if they don't shovel, we can't show the home. I've waded through snow, and I'm sure I'll have to do it again in the future, but I now try to check in with the listing agent to make sure any vacant homes are plowed up when I schedule showings. If not, then I can move on to the many other available homes...
Your line says it all: "they need to get the snow removed if they ever expect to have another showing this winter"
Hi Don, It's funny to hear all the stories about agents that are in cold country and have to shovel snow to show a house. I'm here in Florida. Yesterday it was 75 degrees. It dropped to about 50 degrees last night, which was nippy for us. I suppose we're a bunch of wimps down here. Take care and stay warm!
Sandy - I started in real estate back in California. The first time I showed a house here in sub-freezing weather, I took the key out of the lockbox and dropped it. The key was so cold that it was shocking, so I just dropped it.
I had to laugh at myself...
Don, absolutely...not to mention the liability (I would think). Here we ask the sellers to rake those leaves. They too can be slippery when wet. Curb appeal is so very important...makes a potential buyer either want to come in and see the inside or just continue driving by.
Snow ?? what's snow :) (jsut kidding ) - i am from connecticut (Branford) so I know , believe me , I remember - happy holidays
Gena - Yes, even with snow we need to worry about curb appeal. But, if there is a lot of snow and it hasn't been plowed, then we oftentimes cannot access the home. Then the sellers just lost a possible buyer.
James - I lived in California for about 12 years. I never would have thought I missed snow...until I moved back. I think it may be because I have kids, so we get to play in the snow!