More Snow on the Way for Baltimore Homeowners Already Hurting From Heavy Snow and Ice

Well, of course, the snow is hurting the entire areas, but many homeowners are already having major issues with their homes due to this heavy snow and ice damming, and it appears a major amount of heavy snow may visit us tonight through tomorrow, freezing those gutters back up and re-creating problems.

The other issue that it appears we will have is high winds, which could possibly knock out power — so sump pumps and other drainage systems in homes may not work properly.

Baltimore homeowners, if they can, need to try to knock down as much ice from their gutters as they can, to free it up for when this round begins to melt.

As I mentioned in my post last week about the possibility of more storms, this is truly hurting the Baltimore real estate market.

Buyers are having trouble envisioning yards, homes as they truly are, and neighborhoods as they really are.

The mounds of snow in front of homes on cul de sacs make it difficult to even see the home from the street. My listing at 3136 Eden Drive in Abingdon, MD, has a great location — but right now it doesn’t appear that way! The snow is mounded so high in front of the house that you can’t see how nice it looks. Its location on the cul de sac is wonderful for extra yard space, more parking directly across the way, and a sense of privacy — but you can’t tell because of the snow pile up! Their yard has beautiful landscaping and shows such a pride of ownership — but you can’t tell because of the deep snow covering the gardens and plantings.

These things that would usually create such nice curb appeal and make it feel like home to a buyer are hidden behind the wall of snow. And another 8-12″ will only hinder things further.

We hope that buyers can imagine, but as my sellers have found while searching for their next home, it is very hard to do!

Here’s hoping that March will bring a little warmer weather and a LOT less snow. Our sellers and buyers need it!

More Winter Weather On the Way for Sunday Night into Monday February 21-22 Hurts Baltimore Real Estate Market

It looks like the beginning of next week will bring us more snow or ice, possibly mixed with rain or sleet.

What does this mean for the Baltimore real estate market and Baltimore area homes?

More trouble.

In a city still in recovery mode from two blizzards last week, additional winter weather is not welcome to Baltimore homeowners.

Those gutters that I spoke about the other day, that may have been holding on may not be able to hold on much longer (if they haven’t broken or fallen already).

Those roofs with snow that I discussed are getting heavier as the snow melts. Additional snow & ice may cause them to collapse or fail.

Water that may be coming in from under the iced-over gutters will have less places to go outside of your house, and be forced back inside.

So be prepared.

If you haven’t already, shovel or rake the roofs that you may have that don’t have much of a pitch to them.

Look out for those icicles and knock down any that you are able to.

Have towels, plastic bags, duct tape, and buckets or tupperware on hand.

If you are a buyer looking for a Baltimore home right now, know that these conditions are not normal. Homes that are well maintained and don’t usually have issues may be having some. These are extraordinary circumstances and most likely not a true representation of how a home usually handles snow or other weather elements.

So now we have to sit and wait. There is nothing we can do to change the weather, all we can do is be prepared and try to help prevent problems when and where we can. Buyers and sellers need to understand that the situations we are facing are highly unusual. The Baltimore real estate market certainly has been affected by these storms, and I am hoping to see some recovery as we head into March.