Snow
Winter brings with it some added risks for home-buyers.
With foreclosures, the home is purchased as-is so the warranties implicit to a normal purchase agreement are removed, namely that the heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical have to work on the date of closing.

Foreclosures often have the heat turned off and the plumbing "winterized", that is drained and RV anti-freeze added to all drains. It is imperative, more than other types of purchases that a full home inspection is performed and the home is de-winterized and utilities on before performing this inspection. If the home is again winterized, the plumbing should be again checked for proper operation prior to the closing. If damage (i.e., frozen pipes) occurs prior to the closing and after the inspection period, the "Risk of Loss" provision would possibly need to be invoked. Another area to review is the heating system, especially if the home has hot water heat, again for the risk of frozen or split plumbing. For the air conditioning unfortunately, the system can't be run unless the compressor oil is warm and fluid which requires approx. 60 deg F temperature.

The exterior also has some risks to pay attention to. The roof may be snow-covered and icy preventing an inspector from climbing onto the roof and directly inspecting it. The inspector can inspect the attic for visible water damage or staining to the roof sheathing and insulation and you as a buyer can also call the city to find out when the most recent permit was pulled the replace the roof. In a traditional person-to-person sale, you'll have some level of disclosures from the seller which will disclose the condition of the roof.

Finally (on a lesser note) with snow cover, if the sellers have a dog, there may be land mines (a.k.a. dookies) which you won't find until spring so just prepared for this potential eventuality.

Happy House-Hunting!