09/14

As summer winds down and the calendar moves into September, it’s important that homeowners make sure their home is ready for colder weather. Because fall in our area is such a bustling season, we thought we’d give you this checklist of things to do before winter inevitably arrives a little bit early in the season. After all, preparation is always key in everything we do – real estate-related or not. Want even more tips? Click here.  

Make sure your windows are sealed properly now. Nobody wants a surprise chilly breeze indoors or to waste untold amounts of money trying to keep a drafty space warm. Leaky windows and doors can dramatically increase your heating costs and decrease your overall level of comfort. 

What is the best way to do this? We’re glad you asked. Here’s a mini-tipsheet.

• Check for any noticeable gaps around your windows and doors.
• Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal any open spaces.
• Consider using window insulation kits. They are like ClingWrap for your windows. The best part? They’re almost invisible, yet incredibly simple and effective.
• Inspect and clean your chimney to prevent soot buildup or potential blockages if you have a fireplace.

Take a close look at your trees and remove any dead branches. This is for later in the season once the leaves turn and fall to the ground. While snow-laden trees are a lovely sight, the weight of snow or ice can cause branches to break. This can be a hazard to your property and a danger to anyone on or near it. Make sure you spend some time pruning your trees and shrubs – giving extra focus to branches that are near your roof, sidewalks or driveways. In addition, once the leaves turn and fall to the ground is the perfect time to search for any weak or dead branches that won’t make it through a heavy snow or ice storm. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Plan ahead to protect your pipes. Another potential wintertime disaster that you can prevent now is burst pipes. Hopefully, you haven’t experienced this before and are ready to keep that unblemished streak intact. Not only is the initial incident alarming and messy, but the cleanup isn’t fun either. That’s why home experts recommend insulating any exposed pipes now before the weather turns cold. Pay special attention to pipes in areas not close to a heat source, such as basements. Finally, make sure you know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is, just in case.

One other piece of related advice: change your furnace’s air filter and have your system inspected by a professional if it’s been a while. Now that you have this winter maintenance to-do list in hand, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the current season. Whether you love football, the foliage, the many festivals and activities in our communities or a combination of all three, we all wish you a happy fall!

Thank you for choosing our teams as your title and closing provider all year. Stay tuned for a blog on why this autumn – and pending winter – can still be the perfect time to buy or sell a home.