Beyond Raking Leaves--Fall Home Maintenance Tips!

The recent cold blast that brought a blanket of frost this past week has most Minnesotan's embracing the return of fall. Down every street l drive throughout Minneapolis/St Paul's north metro, I am seeing leaves just beginning to turn gold, red and yellow. The fallen acorns and ripe apples have attracted white-tailed deer to our backyard  for their annual autumn feast. And all of these are just signs that we have to speed up the outdoor chores as we prepare our home for the winter ahead.

As a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities metro, I know how important how important continued home maintenance. There's no guarantee whether the upcoming winter will be on the mild side or brutally cold. But it is Minnesota so best to prepare for the worst. Getting your home ready in the fall can prevent damage from the winter ice and snow as well as costly repairs come spring.

Here is a quick list of recommended repairs and preventive maintenance tips for all homeowners to consider this fall:

1. Clean Gutters of leaves and other debris that might clog the drainage. A blocked gutter can cause an ice dam when the snow flies.
2. Winterize the lawn tractor or mower and get that snowblower tuned. If you have a plow service, make contact and update your contract prior to the first snowfall.
3. Change security lightbulbs in hard to reach outlets. It would hazardous to climb ladders to reach the tip of a garage over an icy driveway.
4. Unhook, coil and remove hoses from water spigots. Turn off and winterize sprinkling systems. Turn off water to outside spigots if not frost-free to prevent burst pipes in subzero temperatures.
5. Have the annual furnace cleaning and tune-up to be ready for those first cold evenings. Remember to change the furnace filter every month for best efficiency…even if the packaging says “6-month filter”. QUICK TIP: Change filter when you make your monthly mortgage payment so you don’t forget.
6. Check all windows and doors to see if new caulk or weather-striping is needed.
7. Fall is the perfect time to paint with the low humidity and crisp breeze. Check deck, siding and trim for peeling paint.
8. Fall is the last chance to seal the asphalt driveway prior to winter freezing. Fill cracks and topcoat if necessary.
9. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Verify that the flashings are sealed from rain and snow.
10. Snap a few fall photos while the mums and trees are vibrant with color! Golden yellow oak leaves and vivid red sumacs are a striking contrast to the homes blanketed with white should you choose to list your home in the winter months!