Record Breaking Weather and Local Housing Market

I was out showing some houses this weekend during the warmest Connecticut weather in 70 years for January.  I kept thinking that it’s not supposed to be 71 degrees and balmy.  And I should not be driving with my sunroof open.  But there I was, no boots on, no gloves and no trouble getting in and out of driveways that haven’t been plowed in a week.  I must say, I’m beginning to really like this Global Warming trend (Please don’t send me hate mail-I’m just kidding).

It occurred to me that in January, I expect certain things based on the weather in Connecticut: fewer quality homes on the market and fewer people looking for them.  Really, who wants to be climbing in and out of their cars when it’s 20 degrees outside and icy? And who wants to put their house on the market when buyers will be tracking snow, salt and ice into your house?  But as I met new clients at the first house, I wondered if they would even be looking if there were three feet of snow on the ground.  Maybe not. 

Also, I have been surprised that there seems to be more decent houses coming on the market – not the usual winter duds that a seller is desperate to unload or the houses that have been overpriced for a year and the agent keeps re-listing it (the “it’s new to you” mentality). 

Not only is the local wildlife confused – so is this real estate agent.  Will a warmer winter than normal result in a busier winter market?   The news on the market has been mixed so I’m wondering if this weather will give the market a little extra boost.  From where I sit, buyers and sellers seem equally optimistic and that, to quote Martha Stewart, is a good thing.