I switched lenders 3 weeks prior to close (mind you, it wasn't hard to find a local lender who well-understood that an escrow holdback was suitable for my circumstances) and they were thankfully able to "rush" the loan, and I am well positioned to close in a couple of weeks.My lesson learned here is: If using the FHA loan to purchase a home during the wintertime (in a cold/freezing climate) for a home built before 1978, ensure that you are working with a lender who will accommodate an escrow holdback if there is exterior chipped paint which simply is not possible to adequately repair in the wintertime.

Thanks for the picture, that was what I thought, my original advice stands, not a bid deal, cover it up before a freeze-thaw cycle happens (I see now this in in NJ) this is not a bog issue.

Id fill it up with mortar so water doesnt get inside, freeze and make the cracking worse.

Can someone post their opinion if the Landlord (homeowner) can actually withhold some of the deposit.The Landlord will return the Security Deposit at the end of this tenancy, less such deductions as provided in this Lease but no deduction will be made for damage due to reasonable wear and tear nor for any deduction prohibited by the Act.During the Term of this Lease or after its termination, the Landlord may charge the Tenant or make deductions from the Security Deposit for any or all of the following:Repair of walls due to large nails or any unreasonable number of holes in the walls including the repainting of such damaged walls;Repairing cuts, burns, or water damage to tile, linoleum, carpet and other areas;Repainting required to repair the results of any other improper use or excessive damage by the Tenant;Repairs and replacement required where windows are left open which have caused plumbing to freeze, or rain or water damage to floors or walls; andReplacing damaged or missing doors, windows, screens, mirrors or light fixtures;Any other repairs or cleaning due to any damage beyond normal wear and tear caused or permitted by the Tenant or by any person whom the Tenant is responsible for;Unplugging toilets, sinks and drains;Any other purpose allowed under this Lease or the Act.

The freeze boards and soffit and/or soldier bricks have been affected by this movement at this point.

Being in NJ, im sure you see the freeze/thaw like we do in CT.

Don't use cheap faucets or door handlesSemi-gloss or satin paintsAvoid wood products on exterior (paver stones, trex decks), but if you don't, then use Grout and tile is caulked/sealed1 piece tub surrounds reduce maintenancecounter surfaces are solid and unbroken anti-freeze spigotslow maintenance landscapingInstall low flow water fixtures (toilets, faucets, cap off external stain wooden floors dark instead of covering with carpetsound-proof between units in MFUs in decrease turnover (possibly with dark carpets)quality deadbolt with key, quality handle without (prevents lockouts and makes lock changes easy)remove everything that can be clogged, hung on, broken, or injure a tenant (window blinds, ceiling fans, light fixtures with key chains, wall sconces, towel racks, glass doors, dishwashers, garbage disposals, gas stoves)

Shelter is a great company,  but I would ask for their Broad Policy that covers • Burglary/Break-in damage•  Falling Objects (like tree limbs)•  Weight of Ice and Snow•  Freezing of Plumbing•  Accidental Water Damage•  Artificially Generated ElectricityIf something happens to your home that's not on the basic list you won't be covered.

The government increased the money supply by $7 trillion (that's not a typo); so, they have a long way to go to vacuum up that mess and will stay tight as long as they can.I’m your audience, very much bearish on USD however in our area it’s not a thaw and was never a freeze it’s a flood.  

The weather here is getting sub freezing and I don't want the pipes to break.