Boston snowfall briefs

More snow could push Boston to record

BOSTON (AP) - After cold and snow that set February records, southern New England entered March with another round that could push Boston over its 20-year-old snowfall record.

With 102 inches, Boston needs 5.7 more to break the 1995-1996 record of 107.6.

Snowfall of 4 to 6 inches was expected by early Monday across the area, with as much as 8 inches in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Less snow is expected in northern Massachusetts and New York state, and on Cape Cod.

"We have come this far, we might as well break the record," said William Babcock, National Weather Service meteorologist in the Taunton, Mass., office. "We have a couple of storms to push us over the record. Once that is done we won't complain if we don't get any more snow."

Since it's early March, "we still have plenty of time," he said.

The snow Sunday into Monday will be wetter than those earlier in the season, continuing the concern about potential roof collapses.

"If you have flat roofs, it is certainly going to add to the weight," Babcock said.

Historic snows hamper real estate industry

BOSTON (AP) - All that snow in New England may make your property look as pretty as a calendar shot, but it won't do you any favors if you're trying to buy or sell a house.

The storms that have dropped an epic 8 feet of snow are causing grief for the real estate industry.

Some real estate agents have had to cancel nearly a month of weekend open houses because of the poorly timed snowstorms. Others have had to brace prospective buyers about to tour homes showing the ravages of winter, including leaky walls and ceilings caused by a buildup of ice on the roof.

Agents complain that deals are being held up because inspectors are unable to get a look at roofs, septic tanks and other features buried under mounds of snow and ice.

And sellers are grumbling about how difficult it is to move from their homes in the treacherous weather.

"Honestly, every day is a new issue," said Kate Lanagan MacGregor, a Mattapoisett Realtor.