Local real estate market going strong despite winter weather

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By Nicole Pitt Feb. 25, 2015

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - You may have noticed real estate signs buried in the snowbanks lately. It's just one of several obstacles this winter weather is creating for the local real estate market.

"Mainly what I've been running into is that things just aren't plowed out," said Jodie DeCosty of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. "Because of the snowbanks and if you have buyers behind that are following in the car, I've had to remind a few people that, you know, I may just slam on my brakes if the Garmin says you're arriving at your destination and the sign is covered up with snow. So, that's what i do, tell people just to keep back a little bit."

The snow isn't the only obstacle buyers, sellers, and realtors are facing. The cold is also taking it's toll. "I had an agent call me from one of my listings and he said Jodie it's 40 degrees in here and I hear water running." A pipe had burst in the basement and now the house is off the market because the furnace needs to be replaced.

Walkways and steps that are not shovele pose a hazard for realtors and potential buyers alike. Experts stress the importance of keeping those walkways clear. "It is their property and they are liable if somebody slips and falls," said DeCosty. "Definitely don't turn the heat on too low especially if they are snowbirds and they take off for the winter the lowest that we tell people to keep their heat down to is like 57 because the thermostat is on the inside wall and the pipes are on the outside wall. The main thing that agents have to remember is that we do not have worker's compensation so if we do get hurt if we do slip and fall we're going to be in trouble, out of work, so they should remind themselves of that."

Despite the weather, DeCosty says there's been an increase in listings and sales are steady."Explain to a buyer, look, this is a great time to see if there is heat loss. You'll see icicles you know you'll see mounds of ice on top of the house."

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Local real estate market going strong despite winter weather