When Weather Becomes the Deciding Factor
By Jim Palmer Jr.

Out-of-area-buyers often only look at property during seasons of the year when there are not adverse weather conditions.  Knowing how weather might affect a certain property or certain types of structures could be a vital deciding factor.  Since there are many micro-climates in our region, there should be much research done and information gathered before making the decision to purchase.  

In my area, which is an extreme snow belt, many folks from warmer regions have come and gone, usually only lasting one winter before deciding that it just isn’t for them. If you have the fortitude to handle areas that accumulate such snow levels, then care should be taken to look for proper construction methods that not only can physically handle the snow loads and other weather related issues, but also have styles that allow less impact when conditions are adverse, such as covered porches and metal roofs that slide away from doors and driveways. 

Manufactured Homes typically have a sticker inside the home (kitchen cabinet or electrical panel) that indicates what the insulation factor is, along with the engineered roof load and whether it is sufficient for the area you live in.  How is the road getting in and out?  It may be fine now, but just wait until February or March!  Does the road have steep grades, shaded areas, or narrow passages?  Who maintains the road?  Is there a written road maintenance agreement?  Is there flooding in the spring and is the runoff properly ditched? 

Some years ago while viewing a manufactured home that I was attempting to list for sale, I noticed that there were exposed pipes underneath the home that were not insulated and were exposed to the elements.  Upon further investigation I noticed that the pump house was also un-insulated but that there was a tiny wood stove installed which I assumed had been there from past attempts to thaw out frozen pipes or to keep them from freezing.  Some inexperienced buyers may overlook situations like this until they find out the hard way!

When looking for your next home in the country, choose a local real estate expert who will be aware of the factors involved in owning rural properties in all seasons of the year, not just in the summer time when most folks look.