Boggs & Associates, Inc.

It’s winter in West Virginia and, big surprise…Snow is coming.

But the white stuff doesn’t have to miserable.

A little preparation now will go a long way when the temperature and the snowflakes drop.  Wouldn’t you rather be the dude flipping burgers, sippin’ on a cold drink in the snow than waiting in line at Wal-Mart for overpriced milk that you’re not even going to consume?

We thought so. So, without further ado, the list…

Don’t be This Guy

Insert Your Own Caption Here…

 Don’t wait until hours before the snow storm to grab milk, bread and your sanity.  You should’ve already been there, done that and got the T-shirt during last year’s blizzards. So, don’t be a snowstorm stooge. Stock up with food and drinks at the first mention of a winter storm in the forecast. The lines are smaller, the selection is better, and people are actually sane.

When you’re done, open Facebook and make fun of people buying said products during the storm.

Watch & Learn, Well maybe not from Him

Gotta Admire the Thought Process Here….

 Snow plow and salt truck drivers know a thing or two, hence their job titles.  Learn from them. Grab a bucket of road salt and a snow shovel from your local hardware store during the summer and stash them in the garage or outbuilding.  The small investment now will help you greatly in the future.

Remember, if you have a lot of snow to move, a snow blower is mighty handy, and pretty fun too.

Your Ride has Feelings too

We Feel Your Pain, car…

 Make sure your tires are aired up, your brakes are good and your radiator is full of anti-freeze.  If the weather allows, put on one more coat of wax to help protect your vehicle from the elements.

If sub-zero temperatures persist, it’s always a good idea to allow your vehicle to idle a few minutes before taking off.  Keeping a bag of kitty litter in the trunk is also a smart idea: you can use it to free a tire stuck in the snow.  Also, keeping a couple blankets, gloves, toboggans and other wintertime essentials in the trunk is smart in case you become stranded behind incompetent drivers along the interstate.

 Warm the Home & Yourself

Or when it’s warm, or lukewarm or room temperature…

Keep your doors and windows shut.  You own storm doors for a reason.  You know that guy who always leaves his main door open so he can look out his storm door?  Don’t be that guy. That guy’s losing money in wasted heat.  Shut both your storm door and your main door.

Use heavy/thick curtains to help keep heat from escaping through windows.  Make sure your heater has a working filter.  Set your thermostat to a stable temperature and leave it there.  Shut off rooms that aren’t being used as this will make it easier for your furnace to heat the other areas of your home.

 Get Ready & Enjoy the Storm

You Enter This level of Awesomeness Deep into the Storm…

 Make sure you have extra batteries, lighters, candles and flashlights.  Keep an external phone charger handy just in case you lose power.  If you do lose power, having a large cooler nearby is essential in saving your freezer/refrigerator items.

Once you’ve done the prep work, you’re not going anywhere.  So, you might as well sit back and enjoy yourself.  Extra blankets are a must along with some comfy house shoes, a couple movies and your favorite beverage on standby.

By WV Real Estate Photographers Justin Waybright & WV Real Estate Agent Chuck Boggs

Now? Really?

Yes, really.

We all remember how tough it was to find homes this Summer with all the competition that squeezed the best ones out of the market.

And rightfully so. Home values rose, interest rates dropped and the warm sun lit up the housing market, bringing with it a swarm of buyers.

But now, the winter chill has slowed market activity. Many would-be homebuyers are holding off til Spring and Summer before they make that big purchase.

However, this may not be the wisest decision.

Here’s why:

Competition

Imagine you’ve found that perfect home.  You’ve toured it twice and met with your realtor several times. You finally make your offer. Yet, another family makes theirs. Now, you’re smack-dab in the middle of a bidding war.

The price of the home rises out of your comfort zone and you lose it to the highest bidding family.

Do you really want to pay more than a home is worth or lose it to someone else? Didn’t think so.

Avoid this dilemma and buy your home now while the competition is minimal.

Interest Rates

It’s December, and mortgage rates for a popular 30-year fixed loan are still under 4 percent.  Actually, the current rate of 3.75 percent has been steadily dropping.  We’ve predicted in previous articles, such as this one  that the rate will more than likely increase by early next year.

In other words, your window of opportunity to grab a great interest rate and save money on a home is gradually closing.

Faster Closings

We all know and remember how it feels to be a kid waiting on Christmas to finally arrive: sort of the same way it feels to be an adult waiting on his or her home loan to finally get approved.  Take advantage of a slower housing market now, and reap the rewards of a faster closing.

Think about it.  Mortgage Loan officers are not as busy with home loan closings as they were this summer, so logically, this should lead to a more personal experience with you and a faster closing all-around.

Renewed Economy

Yes, this time of year can be expensive with Christmas gifts and such, but look at what’s not expensive right now. Gasoline.  In West Virginia, most gas stations are offering it for under $2. The economy seems to be solid at the moment as jobs continue to grow and money continues to flow, according to the October Employment Report by the US Census Bureau.

In other words, if you have a solid job, then why would you want to have a roommate, live in mom and dad’s basement or live under an apartment landlord when you could own a home?  After all, it’s a lot cheaper to own a home than rent one, not to mention all the equity you could potentially build by doing so.

Perfect Time is Now

According to a survey conducted by Realtor.com, people plan to buy a home in Spring. This typical plan may sound great, right? Here’s the problem: Inventory isn’t likely to be higher this coming March and April than it is right now.

Also, there’s the issue of supply and demand.  Yes, inventory should grow with the warmer weather, but will it grow enough to meet the demand, or will the housing market mirror its dilemma Spring and Summer 2015 brought it?

Chances are, the number of great homes to choose from right now, will be higher than four or five months from now, when every would-be buyer and his grandma floods the market.

So, if you’re waiting on Spring or Summer to get that dream home, we say: Why?  Interest rates are down and available homes are up.  Jump into the West Virginia housing market now. It may be the best financial decision you make.

By Justin Waybright & Chuck Boggs