Winter Tips for Spokane Homeowners and Buyers

By Chelsea McFarlandCo-Founder, McFarland Prey Real Estate · Broker, Prime Real Estate Group

What to Check When Buying a Home

• Driveway and access. A steep or north-facing driveway can be tough after a snowstorm. Ask about the street's plowing, too.
• Roof. Look at age and condition. Ask about any history of ice dams or leaks.
• Heating system. Know the type, age and service history. Ask for typical winter utility bills.
• Insulation and windows. Drafty windows and thin attic insulation add up fast in January.
• Drainage. Snowmelt should flow away from the foundation, not toward it.
• Pipes. Exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages or exterior walls are more likely to freeze.

Winter Prep Checklist for Homeowners

• ☐ Service the furnace and replace the filter
• ☐ Disconnect hoses and shut off or cover outdoor faucets
• ☐ Clean gutters and downspouts
• ☐ Seal drafts around doors and windows
• ☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• ☐ Stock up on ice melt and a good snow shovel
• ☐ Know where your main water shutoff is

Winter on Rural and Acreage Properties

Living outside town brings its own winter questions:

• Who plows the road? On private roads, it's often shared by neighbors under a road maintenance agreement.
• Well and septic. Ask how the well house and lines are protected from freezing.
• Outbuildings and animals. Heated water for livestock and power to shops and barns matter in a cold snap.
• Backup power. Rural areas can lose power longer during storms. Ask whether there's a generator hookup.

I've shown rural acreage up in Idaho with no cell reception, on top of a mountain, where the truck got stuck in the snow. It's a good reminder to think about winter access before you fall in love with a property.

A Note for Sellers

If you're selling in winter, especially a vacant home, make sure it's properly heated or winterized. The last thing you want while your home is on the market is a frozen pipe and a flood.

These are some of my favorite properties to help people buy, and I'm always happy to walk a property with you and talk through how it lives in winter.

"Chelsea did a great job selling my home on acreage. It being a mobile there were several unexpected hurdles but with Chelsea's experience the sale went smoothly."

Jennifer G., Zillow review

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to buy a home in winter?

Showings can be trickier with snow, but there's usually less competition. You may not see the yard or roof as clearly, so ask questions and lean on your inspection.

Can a roof be inspected when it's covered in snow?

Inspectors may not be able to see everything. If the roof is covered, ask about its age, records and any repair history, and consider a follow-up look when it's clear.

How do I keep pipes from freezing in Spokane?

Keep the heat on, disconnect outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main water shutoff is.

Questions About a Home This Winter?

Whether you're buying in the snow or getting your home ready for it, I'm happy to help.

Call or text: 509.565.1581
Email: chelsea@mcfarlandprey.com
Office: 1402 S Grand Blvd, Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99203