Snow on the roof, frost on the windows, and a furnace working overtime - welcome to buying a home in a Minnesota winter!
There are a lot of perks to buying this time of year. But there's one thing buyers don't always hear about until inspection day.
Your inspector can't check everything when it's cold out.
Wait, really?
True story! Here are the big ones.
The air conditioner: Most inspectors won't run the AC when it's below about 60 degrees outside. Running it in the cold can damage the compressor, so it gets noted as "not tested" in your report.
The roof: When it's covered in snow, the inspector can't get a good look at the shingles. They'll check what they can from the ground and the attic, but a full look may have to wait.
The yard and grading: Snow hides how the ground slopes around the house. That slope is what keeps water flowing away from your foundation come Spring.
So, what can you do about it?
Ask the seller for AC service records and the roof's age or replacement paperwork. A home warranty can add a safety net for anything that couldn't be tested. And you can plan to have the AC checked once it warms up.
The good news? Winter shows you things summer can't - like how well the furnace keeps up, whether the windows are drafty, and if ice dams are forming.
Buying this winter and not sure what to ask for? Let's chat!