Machinist · West Bend, WI · Member since 2015 · 12 posts · 1 vote
I live in Wisconsin and was wondering if there are issues relating to property inspections when there may be snow and ice obstructing critical areas like roofs and foundations.
Responses from investors in Wisconsin or similar areas is appreciated.
Property Manager · Milton WI · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 14 votes
10y
I live in Wisconsin as well and actually like purchasing in the winter months. I've found you can get the best deals because most aren't buying, people are willing to come down on price and banks want energy consuming houses on their books. The only thing I've found to be a problem is if there is s lot of snow with seeing all the external details such as cement or decking condition. The roof can be hard for an inspector as far as seeing its condition however they should be able to see in the actic space for previous leaks. You should be able to take a ladder and wipe away a little snow to get an idea of the shingles such as layers or age. The inspector probably won't do this. Also they can't test the air conditioner at any temp under something like 45* F. There may be a few other small things but personallypersonally, like I said, I like winter months. Take a couple months to fix it up if it needs it and get ready for the profitable spring. Just my opinion.
Property Manager · Milton WI · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 14 votes
10y
I live in Wisconsin as well and actually like purchasing in the winter months. I've found you can get the best deals because most aren't buying, people are willing to come down on price and banks want energy consuming houses on their books. The only thing I've found to be a problem is if there is s lot of snow with seeing all the external details such as cement or decking condition. The roof can be hard for an inspector as far as seeing its condition however they should be able to see in the actic space for previous leaks. You should be able to take a ladder and wipe away a little snow to get an idea of the shingles such as layers or age. The inspector probably won't do this. Also they can't test the air conditioner at any temp under something like 45* F. There may be a few other small things but personallypersonally, like I said, I like winter months. Take a couple months to fix it up if it needs it and get ready for the profitable spring. Just my opinion.
Machinist · West Bend, WI · Member since 2015 · 12 posts · 1 vote
10y
Thanks for the information. I assume, for you, most (or all) winter acquisitions have turned out well - meaning no unpleasant surprise in the Spring when things are easier to see.
Has anyone had the opposite experience and found out in the Spring that there are large expenses for things like foundations, siding, or roofs that weren't detected because the property was inspected while snow and ice were present? Is the inspector liable for such expenses if s/he misses them in the inspection report?
Investor · Madison, WI · Member since 2014 · 124 posts · 43 votes
10y
This is an interesting topic! I was wonder this general question as well. As far as the inspector being held liable though, I don't think so. Every inspector is different but in my experience they usually have verbiage that says they aren't liable in the report and agreement you sign with them.
Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2015 · 13 posts · 3 votes
10y
Now most importantly, how much harder is it to get good tenants in place in Nov/Dec vs summer? My understanding has been that people don't move during the winter months (in Minnesota). I am curious what others have experienced with tenant demand in winter in the upper mid-west. Thanks!
Property Manager · Milton WI · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 14 votes
10y
To answer some of those comment/questions. I have had one issue from snow covering the ground. Found that the cement on a side patio sloped significantly towards the house which caused some leaking that we didn't see and a hazard in winter with freezing over. I had to have it jacked up via a mud jacker. Not that huge though in my opinion.
As for inspectors you are right none will be held responsible for anything. They always have you sign a form that clears them of any responsibility. So if anyone thinks an inspector has any liability your mistaken. Their report is only their findings and for your knowledge. If they don't find something or misdiagnose their is no action you can take towards them.
And winter months are harder to rent out then summer most definitely. Not impossible but yes harder. I normally find housing that needs a good amount of repairs which I use the winter months to get the majority done so that when spring comes you can get it rented ASAP. This works great for flips as well.