Is it on the way?

February 2, 2015 by Rob Kahl

Is it on the way?

If you believe the weather forecasters then snow may well be on the way next week! Is there anything prettier than a garden with a thick layer of the white stuff or watching children sledging down Belton Gardens from Marine Parade.

It all looks very pretty and is loads of fun as long as you don’t have to do any work. Trains cancelled, schools closed, roads impassable and Leigh Broadway like a ghost town. It is not conducive for a decent months of sales or rentals.

But, maybe that is just me being miserable (again). Perhaps I should embrace the snow if it comes and pay a hugely inflated price for a last minute plastic sledge for my daughter and enjoy it before it becomes disgusting brown or black slush.

Being serious, if we do have a cold snap it is time to take some precautions. If you own a property which is empty or you are going away for an extended period, then it is wise to keep heating ticking over on a low setting so as to avoid frozen and burst pipes. 

I once was selling an empty property in Highlands Boulevard and carried out a viewing between Christmas and New Year during a particularly cold snap. I had a young family with me and when we opened the door we could hear running water. We thought it was odd but presumed it was just a tap that had been left on. When we went in to the lounge there was a waterfall of freezing water coming from the light fitting pouring on to the floor. This had come from a burst pipe in the loft which had gone through 2 ceilings and a floor. it was a lovely phone call to the vendor to have to tell her, but the couple did end up buying it!

Perhaps also I could start a community campaign? It doesn’t seem like the Council do it any more but if we do get snow and ice perhaps I could try and encourage everybody to clear their little bit of pavement outside their houses?

If everybody does it then all of the pavements will be clear and easier for everyone to get around? Just an idea, not something I have even done myself before so can’t pretend to have a halo over my head, but might give it a go this year.

The last time we had proper snow a few years ago the little old lady that lived opposite me was going out and looked a little unsteady. It is a reflection of neighbourly society but I am ashamed to say that I had never spoken to her before and didn’t even know her name. That said, I went over the road and offered to go in to the Broadway and get any shopping that she needed. She politely declined my offer and continued to skip up to the shops with ease. Ungrateful cow! I felt all warm and fuzzy inside for offering and even better because it meant that I didn’t have to go out in the cold!

Lets all brace ourselves and see what happens next week.

Ths article is by Rob at Scott & Stapleton Estate Agents
Tel: 01702 47 11 55