Comments on: Poll: Would you delay a home purchase based solely on poor weather? http://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/ local real estate news, statistics, and commentary without the sales spin. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:00:18 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: anonyhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62827 anony Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:47:21 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62827 Then again, I couldn't imagine people buying because the sun is out either, and that apparently happens. The amount of people dropping a half mil with an impulse buy mentality is stunning.Never underestimate the foolishness of the American consumer.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62827','anony',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62827','anony','Then again, I couldn\'t imagine people buying because the sun is out either, and that apparently happens. The amount of people dropping a half mil with an impulse buy mentality is stunning. \r\n\r\nNever underestimate the foolishness of the American consumer.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> Then again, I couldn’t imagine people buying because the sun is out either, and that apparently happens. The amount of people dropping a half mil with an impulse buy mentality is stunning.

Never underestimate the foolishness of the American consumer.

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]]> By: Alanhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62797 Alan Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:35:13 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62797 After reading other comments, I agree that it will affect new pendings but not closings. We may see a dip in closings next month due to delayed pendings this month. But then next month's pendings will get a boost from the delays this month.In summary: - Pendings lower this month and higher next month. - Closings the same this month and lower next month.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62797','Alan',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62797','Alan','After reading other comments, I agree that it will affect new pendings but not closings. We may see a dip in closings next month due to delayed pendings this month. But then next month\'s pendings will get a boost from the delays this month.\r\n\r\nIn summary:\r\n- Pendings lower this month and higher next month.\r\n- Closings the same this month and lower next month.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> After reading other comments, I agree that it will affect new pendings but not closings. We may see a dip in closings next month due to delayed pendings this month. But then next month’s pendings will get a boost from the delays this month.

In summary:
- Pendings lower this month and higher next month.
- Closings the same this month and lower next month.

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]]> By: jonhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62789 jon Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:58:19 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62789 You can't tell the condition of the roof, driveway, or lawn if it is covered with snow. Even if the roof does have poor insulation, putting down a layer in the attic is a simple matter, and doing thermal imaging without snow cover is probably a more accurate way to evaluate the cost/benefit of the insulation.My neighborhood has been impassable for days, and it is quite pleasant so far with all the cars left at the bottom of the hill. Only problem will be how to get my kids Christmas packages from UPS.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62789','jon',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62789','jon','You can\'t tell the condition of the roof, driveway, or lawn if it is covered with snow. Even if the roof does have poor insulation, putting down a layer in the attic is a simple matter, and doing thermal imaging without snow cover is probably a more accurate way to evaluate the cost\/benefit of the insulation.\r\n\r\nMy neighborhood has been impassable for days, and it is quite pleasant so far with all the cars left at the bottom of the hill. Only problem will be how to get my kids Christmas packages from UPS.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> You can’t tell the condition of the roof, driveway, or lawn if it is covered with snow. Even if the roof does have poor insulation, putting down a layer in the attic is a simple matter, and doing thermal imaging without snow cover is probably a more accurate way to evaluate the cost/benefit of the insulation.

My neighborhood has been impassable for days, and it is quite pleasant so far with all the cars left at the bottom of the hill. Only problem will be how to get my kids Christmas packages from UPS.

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]]> By: Plymsterhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62786 Plymster Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:31:49 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62786 Good point, Garth. That's a handy tip.You can also tell how poor the insulation is very easily (more icicles hanging from the eaves means more heat escaping through the roof), and see how the neighborhood accessibility stacks up in bad weather.I have to agree with deejayoh, though, shoppers aren't looking for a home right now, they're looking for something for their Aunt Emmy.The slowdown in closings next month would happen regardless of the weather, though it might slow down closings this month, depending on how many RE folks (escrow, lenders, etc) might be taking snow days. I would bet that banks dragging their feet on short sales are probably a bigger issue than the weather right now.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62786','Plymster',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62786','Plymster','Good point, Garth. That\'s a handy tip.\r\n\r\nYou can also tell how poor the insulation is very easily (more icicles hanging from the eaves means more heat escaping through the roof), and see how the neighborhood accessibility stacks up in bad weather.\r\n\r\nI have to agree with deejayoh, though, shoppers aren\'t looking for a home right now, they\'re looking for something for their Aunt Emmy. \r\n\r\nThe slowdown in closings next month would happen regardless of the weather, though it might slow down closings this month, depending on how many RE folks (escrow, lenders, etc) might be taking snow days. I would bet that banks dragging their feet on short sales are probably a bigger issue than the weather right now.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> Good point, Garth. That’s a handy tip.

You can also tell how poor the insulation is very easily (more icicles hanging from the eaves means more heat escaping through the roof), and see how the neighborhood accessibility stacks up in bad weather.

I have to agree with deejayoh, though, shoppers aren’t looking for a home right now, they’re looking for something for their Aunt Emmy.

The slowdown in closings next month would happen regardless of the weather, though it might slow down closings this month, depending on how many RE folks (escrow, lenders, etc) might be taking snow days. I would bet that banks dragging their feet on short sales are probably a bigger issue than the weather right now.

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]]> By: Garthhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62785 Garth Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:17:43 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62785 I puchased a house during the huge winter windstorm, It actually was a great time as fence and roofing problems became obvious and we were able to lower our offer as it was pretty clear no new buyers were going to look at the house in the near term.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62785','Garth',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62785','Garth','I puchased a house during the huge winter windstorm, It actually was a great time as fence and roofing problems became obvious and we were able to lower our offer as it was pretty clear no new buyers were going to look at the house in the near term.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> I puchased a house during the huge winter windstorm, It actually was a great time as fence and roofing problems became obvious and we were able to lower our offer as it was pretty clear no new buyers were going to look at the house in the near term.
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]]> By: WestSideBillyhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62784 WestSideBilly Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:02:40 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62784 Having moved during snowstorms before, I can assure you it sucks even more than moving does normally.Of course, I wouldn't hold off on a purchase if the logistics allowed for it.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62784','WestSideBilly',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62784','WestSideBilly','Having moved during snowstorms before, I can assure you it sucks even more than moving does normally.\r\n\r\nOf course, I wouldn\'t hold off on a purchase if the logistics allowed for it.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> Having moved during snowstorms before, I can assure you it sucks even more than moving does normally.

Of course, I wouldn’t hold off on a purchase if the logistics allowed for it.

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]]> By: deejayohhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62783 deejayoh Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:37:39 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62783 How many people buy houses the week of Christmas anyway? It's probably the slowest week of the year irrespective of the weather<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62783','deejayoh',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62783','deejayoh','How many people buy houses the week of Christmas anyway? It\'s probably the slowest week of the year irrespective of the weather',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> How many people buy houses the week of Christmas anyway? It’s probably the slowest week of the year irrespective of the weather
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]]> By: anonyhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62782 anony Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:59:36 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62782 Lots of people are truly terrified of the snow. I could imagine someone delaying paper signing for a few days, but that would all be made up the week after. It won't actually result in less sales, just sales on the 26th instead of the 22nd.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62782','anony',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62782','anony','Lots of people are truly terrified of the snow. I could imagine someone delaying paper signing for a few days, but that would all be made up the week after. It won\'t actually result in less sales, just sales on the 26th instead of the 22nd.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> Lots of people are truly terrified of the snow. I could imagine someone delaying paper signing for a few days, but that would all be made up the week after. It won’t actually result in less sales, just sales on the 26th instead of the 22nd.
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]]> By: Interloperhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62779 Interloper Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:01:21 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62779 The storms will delay buyers from house shopping but will not delay listings as much.Therefore we can expect inventory to rise slightly (but not measurably) putting just a bit more downward pressure on home prices.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62779','Interloper',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62779','Interloper','The storms will delay buyers from house shopping but will not delay listings as much. \r\n\r\nTherefore we can expect inventory to rise slightly (but not measurably) putting just a bit more downward pressure on home prices.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> The storms will delay buyers from house shopping but will not delay listings as much.

Therefore we can expect inventory to rise slightly (but not measurably) putting just a bit more downward pressure on home prices.

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]]> By: Genehttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62777 Gene Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:58:19 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62777 This weather is actually great for looking at home since you can determine: 1) Will the roof have ice damns, potentially leading to costly repairs 2) How accessible is the house in a snow storm? Does metro still cover the area? etc.If I can't get to the home in this type of weather, then I likely can't leave it - so it can affect a buying decision.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62777','Gene',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62777','Gene','This weather is actually great for looking at home since you can determine: 1) Will the roof have ice damns, potentially leading to costly repairs 2) How accessible is the house in a snow storm? Does metro still cover the area? etc.\r\n\r\nIf I can\'t get to the home in this type of weather, then I likely can\'t leave it - so it can affect a buying decision.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> This weather is actually great for looking at home since you can determine: 1) Will the roof have ice "golly"s, potentially leading to costly repairs 2) How accessible is the house in a snow storm? Does metro still cover the area? etc.

If I can’t get to the home in this type of weather, then I likely can’t leave it – so it can affect a buying decision.

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]]> By: what goes up must come downhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62776 what goes up must come down Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:35:06 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62776 okay a few bad days of weather in Seattle can now change the economy -- cool, therefore I guess the corollary must hold if the sun shines then I guess everything will recover and the market goes to 10000.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62776','what goes up must come down',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62776','what goes up must come down','okay a few bad days of weather in Seattle can now change the economy -- cool, therefore I guess the corollary must hold if the sun shines then I guess everything will recover and the market goes to 10000.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> okay a few bad days of weather in Seattle can now change the economy — cool, therefore I guess the corollary must hold if the sun shines then I guess everything will recover and the market goes to 10000.
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]]> By: buystockshttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62773 buystocks Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:06:44 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62773 uh, the results of this poll are somewhat embarrassing. I'm a firm believer in way overpriced RE in seattle, but how can anybody argue that poor weather won't delay real estate sales. If I can't get my car out of my parking lot or like in 2006 when lots of people were focused on more basic needs like heat, why would I exert effort on buying a house? I bet lots of sales happened during and right after Katrina. Not admitting this is just as blind as a RE agent trying to argue the RE market is strong.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62773','buystocks',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62773','buystocks','uh, the results of this poll are somewhat embarrassing. I\'m a firm believer in way overpriced RE in seattle, but how can anybody argue that poor weather won\'t delay real estate sales. If I can\'t get my car out of my parking lot or like in 2006 when lots of people were focused on more basic needs like heat, why would I exert effort on buying a house? I bet lots of sales happened during and right after Katrina. Not admitting this is just as blind as a RE agent trying to argue the RE market is strong.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> uh, the results of this poll are somewhat embarrassing. I’m a firm believer in way overpriced RE in seattle, but how can anybody argue that poor weather won’t delay real estate sales. If I can’t get my car out of my parking lot or like in 2006 when lots of people were focused on more basic needs like heat, why would I exert effort on buying a house? I bet lots of sales happened during and right after Katrina. Not admitting this is just as blind as a RE agent trying to argue the RE market is strong.
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]]> By: Benhttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62772 Ben Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:34:00 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62772 I would normally say no, but I have not driven anywhere for about a week, so it is unlikely that I would be able to look for or inspect properties normally if I was so inclined.I can forsee the analysis of the numbers in the next couple of months. The bubble side will claim that the weather had nothing to do with it, and the always the right time to buy side will claim that the weather was the only reason why people did not buy. The truth is somewhere in between, and we will never know where.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62772','Ben',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62772','Ben','I would normally say no, but I have not driven anywhere for about a week, so it is unlikely that I would be able to look for or inspect properties normally if I was so inclined.\r\n\r\nI can forsee the analysis of the numbers in the next couple of months. The bubble side will claim that the weather had nothing to do with it, and the always the right time to buy side will claim that the weather was the only reason why people did not buy. The truth is somewhere in between, and we will never know where.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> I would normally say no, but I have not driven anywhere for about a week, so it is unlikely that I would be able to look for or inspect properties normally if I was so inclined.

I can forsee the analysis of the numbers in the next couple of months. The bubble side will claim that the weather had nothing to do with it, and the always the right time to buy side will claim that the weather was the only reason why people did not buy. The truth is somewhere in between, and we will never know where.

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]]> By: Jon Shttp://seattlebubble.com/blog/2008/12/21/poll-would-you-delay-a-home-purchase-based-solely-on-poor-weather/#comment-62766 Jon S Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:02:10 +0000 http://seattlebubble.com/blog/?p=3702#comment-62766 Nope, I'm sure many folks would, but we're in the middle of drafting up an offer for a place during the middle of this snow storm. Our agent has 4WD and we've got chains, no big deal.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('62766','Jon S',''); return false;">Reply</a> - <a href="#" class="quote" onclick="quote('62766','Jon S','Nope, I\'m sure many folks would, but we\'re in the middle of drafting up an offer for a place during the middle of this snow storm. Our agent has 4WD and we\'ve got chains, no big deal.',''); return false;">Quote</a></div> Nope, I’m sure many folks would, but we’re in the middle of drafting up an offer for a place during the middle of this snow storm. Our agent has 4WD and we’ve got chains, no big deal.
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