Weather: It’s the pinnacle of idle chatter—a topic to fill time when talking with folks we have little in common with.
But the weather is much more than watercooler talk about the temperature outside right now. And phenomena like El Niño and La Niña merit a much deeper discussion. These climate patterns affect the economy—and, of course, real estate.
As of today, there’s a 60% chance that a weak La Niña will develop as we head into the winter months. La Niña occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean drop to below-average levels for an extended amount of time.
If it does come to fruition, the pattern will likely affect temperatures and precipitation across the country.
But how will a potential La Niña affect your local real estate market? See how—and the steps homeowners can take now to prepare themselves.
(oceanservice.noaa.go)
The Pacific Northwest
Weather predictions: Wetter and cooler than normal, which could mean more snow.
“In February, the storm’s track is expected to shift north, once again focusing on the Pacific Northwest and northern and central Rockies,” says Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather senior meteorologist and long-range expert.
What proactive steps can homeowners take now?
“Have the furnace and fireplaces inspected to make sure they will not go out in the dead of winter,” says Andrew Fortune, a real estate agent in Colorado Springs, CO.
Check for areas around windows and doors that may not be sealed well and repair them.
“Stock up on canned goods, in case it’s hard to leave the house for a few days,” advises Fortune.
If you’re buying a home in the snowy season, be aware that it’s impossible to have the roof inspected after a big snowstorm.
“In a mild winter, this is usually remedied by postponing the roof inspection for a few days,” says Fortune. “But in heavy winters, this may not be possible.”
The Northeast
Weather predictions: “Most areas in the Northeast are expected to receive more snow this season than last winter,” says Pastelok.
So it’s essential for homeowners to winterize their homes ahead of time.
Checking for leaks, installing proper insulation, and making sure any cracks are sealed and repaired are some of the best ways you can prepare yourself for the extreme weather, according to Matt Eskew of J. Blanton Plumbing, Sewer & Drain in Chicago.
Winter-related damages can be expensive and mentally draining, “so it’s best to be proactive and follow necessary precautions,” says Eskew.
You might consider getting a generator in case the snow has an impact on the electrical system in your neighborhood.
“Make sure you are using it safely in a well-ventilated area away from the home,” says Dylan Murray, owner of Murray Craft Builders in Westchester, NY.
If you’re planning to be away from home during the winter, “we recommend keeping your thermostat set to a consistent temperature to ensure the pipes don’t freeze,” Murray says.
As for the real estate market, it’s no coincidence that “snow” rhymes with “slow.”
“In my experience, when snow is more evident, sales and listings decline,” says Denise Supplee, a real estate agent and co-founder of SparkRental in Doylestown, PA. “Many purchasers do not want to even view homes in bad weather.”
The Midwest
Weather predictions: Wetter than normal, with more rain.
“With a weak signal of La Niña, some cold can make pushes into the Midwest and Northeast,” says Pastelok.
To prepare for heavy rains, clean out your gutters—because you’re going to need them.
Additionally, maintaining proper grading is crucial to prevent flooding.
“It is critical, especially in flood zones, for homeowners to ensure the ground around their homes slopes downward and away from the foundation,” says Peter Duncanson, vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore.
This helps stop water from seeping into the home and reduces the risk of water damage, foundation issues, and basement flooding.
“Investing in a sump pump can be a game changer in flood-prone areas, providing peace of mind during heavy rains,” says real estate agent Johnny Austin, owner of Sell My House Now in Puyallup, WA.
Buyers often overlook how cyclical weather conditions can influence property values and desirability, according to Austin.
“For instance, the anticipated wetter and cooler winters can lead to increased insurance costs for homes in flood-prone areas, deterring buyers or depressing prices,” he says.
The South and Southeast
Weather predictions: Drier and warmer than normal, which could cause drought conditions.
“December through February, the warmest areas of the country, compared to the average, are going to be from the South, central southern Plains states through the Mississippi Valley, up through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys,” explains Pastelok.
In the Southeast, AccuWeather’s long-range experts predict a mild and generally calm winter for much of Florida, after experiencing three landfalls from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Pastelok says Florida can expect higher temperatures and less rainfall compared with the historical averages. If these dry conditions do cause a drought in certain Southern areas, there are steps you can take to get prepared.
Fix dripping faucets ahead of time by replacing washers, and consider planting native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees, advises Ready.gov. You can also water the foundation of your house to prevent structural damage.
On the bright side, these sunny, dry conditions can give the real estate market momentum.
“When it’s 17 degrees in Philly and you step in brown slush … you want to be in South Florida,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, the owner and broker of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. “We always have a major boost in sales if there’s an early snowstorm in the Midwest or Northeast—so when I hear there’s snow in the forecast, it’s music to my ears!”
The East
Weather predictions: Warmer than normal, which means some winter storms could end up producing rain instead of snow.
Big changes will unfold during the opening weeks of 2025, Pastelok says, as a new weather pattern will likely lead to milder temperatures and less snow across the eastern half of the nation.
To prepare for the rainy weather, “assessing the grading around the property is as crucial as cleaning your gutters,” says Austin. “A well-graded yard can significantly reduce water pooling near foundations, a factor often overlooked during home inspections.”
He says this will make a property more appealing to future buyers who prioritize resilience against the elements.
As for how all this rain may affect home construction and renovation projects?
“La Niña’s impact on weather conditions this winter will likely affect home construction and renovation projects, especially in regions where more snow and wetter conditions are predicted,” says Jon Christensen, CEO of contractor site Bidmii.
It could delay outdoor projects and create additional challenges for scheduling, especially if we see more freeze-thaw cycles.
“It’s important for contractors and homeowners alike to plan ahead for potential delays and ensure proper site maintenance to prevent issues like water damage,” says Christensen.
The West
Weather predictions: Drier than average, which could lead to wildfires, according to CNN.
“Normal La Niña conditions in Los Angeles mean warm, dry conditions,” says Jameson Tyler Drew, president of Anubis Properties, in the Los Angeles area.”It’s fantastic if you hate the rain and snow, but tends to cause massive wildfires up and down the state.”
If you live near the hills or in any area with dry brush, now is the time to cut it back.
“Many insurance agencies have been known to fight homeowners on payouts because they didn’t cut back their brush,” says Drew.
To protect your property from fire damage, invest in fire-resistant materials like roofing, siding, and windows designed to withstand high heat.
Homeowners should also install spark arresters on their chimney and regularly clean gutters and roofs to remove any dry debris that might be accumulating.
The good news is that January could be the wettest month of winter for Los Angeles, according to Pastelok—which will be a welcome sight since rain can shut down wildfire season.
As for the housing market, “homebuyers today are much more attuned to the ramifications of climate change,” Austin says, “and conditions like drought or wildfires may make them wary.”
