Shorter days

By Julie Balise, Boston.com Staff

Brock does half as many inspections in the winter as in summer. The slowed down market is partly to blame. There are also fewer hours in the day to work. “In the summer, we can start an inspection at 5 in the evening because it stays light until 7:30,” Brock said. “In the winter, you can’t start an inspection after 3 because it gets dark too fast. your work day shortens up a little.”

On top of that, inspections take longer in the winter. It is harder to drive and park on snow-covered streets. More time is spent removing heavy winter coats and boots. And it’s harder to identify potential problems with the house.