It’s clear! Window condensation is a problem for realtors.
It’s a myth that home sales are impossible during winter. With
the added charm of the holidays and serious buyers continuing to search for
their dream home, Canadian realtors should take every step necessary to always be closing
. However, keep in mind that winter window condensation can quietly
harm the value of a property. Moisture on windows in cold weather not only
looks bad, but the presence of condensation can cause further damage to a
property.
Moisture on windows in winter hurts a home’s value. Sweating
windows in winter can cause damage if left uninspected. An AmeriSpec
pre-listing home inspection highlights any issues early on including water on
windows in winter weather. Before you list, realtors should look to examine
these issues with a proper home inspection conducted by AmeriSpec. These
inspections can help realtors sell properties in a snap. Make the most out of
each open house and command the highest price possible by conducting your due
diligence with AmeriSpec.
Winter window condensation harms more than just homes
A newly listed property with cloudy windows doesn’t only harm
a home but a realtor’s reputation too. Imagine being a prospective homebuyer in
Canada and one of the first things you see is condensation on windows. Homebuyers
have an expectation that if they are spending top dollar on a property, it
should dazzle upon first inspection – even during winter.
Condensation is not only an eyesore but a sign of other
potential issues within the home. Homebuyers might adjust their offers with the
caveat that they need to replace windows to ensure that the property is livable
upon move-in.
When humidity builds up in a home without proper ventilation,
colder temperatures outside can damage a home’s window frames. Simple things
like showering or cooking add moisture to the air of a home. When this meets a
cold pane of glass, condensation develops. The results can be costly if left
unaddressed. Over time, the home’s window frames may rot, mold may develop, and
drywall damage may be caused. In the end, a homebuyer might need to put funds
aside to address high condensation within a home.
The most proactive realtors know that this is a potential
disaster in the long-term, and that condensation within a home could discourage
their clients from making an offer on the property.
Winter window condensation: Simple tips for realtors in Canada
In the pre-listing phase, the eyesore of window condensation
can be addressed with a few simple tricks. While there are many ways to adjust
the levels of moisture in a home, a full home inspection provided by AmeriSpec
can spot any defects within a home before they grow into bigger problems.
- Consider
removing any plants throughout a home as a means of lowering the property’s humidity.
Plants add moisture to their surroundings and should be removed before listing.
- Install
or replace exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms of a home and ensure humid
air has means of being ventilated outside. New homes are notorious for having insufficient
ventilation. Some realtors should consider having proper bathroom fans
installed before listing.
- Move
furniture away from windows to allow condensation to dry from the registers
below. Run the furnace fan in conjunction with exhaust fans.
- Install
new storm windows or single-pane windows in areas of the home that are prone to
condensation.
- Keep
all blinds and curtains fully open to promote proper airflow between different
areas of a home.
- Place
a dehumidifier in especially moist areas of the home like a bathroom or
basement. Dehumidifiers need to be emptied at least once per week and certain
models can address high levels of moisture on an entire floor of a home.
Winter window condensation can appear on all types of windows
Condensation appearing between panes of glass is a sure sign
of a broken seal within a window. This signifies that the window needs to be
replaced. Double-paned windows have a lifespan and are likely in need of
replacement when moisture develops between the two pieces of glass. Older homes
with single-pane windows are more prone to the development of condensation,
especially during the winter.
When you need a pre-listing home inspection, trust the professionals at AmeriSpec
Should you have concerns about the development of window
condensation, address any issues head on with an AmeriSpec pre-listing home
inspection. Our home inspections cover more than 1,000 checkpoints across
approximately 400 items around a home – including its windows. A full and
complete home inspection will reveal any issues within a home and ensure your
property is suitable for sale at top dollar.
Paint a clear picture for prospective buyers and ensure that
your next property shines crystal clear.
Find
your local inspector and book your home inspection
today.
