The overnight temperatures have been dipping down into the range where all Minnesotan’s realize that the cold weather is coming soon. Fall is just around the corner. I noticed the first yellow leaves on the black walnut tree in my yard just beginning to turn. Soon the golds, reds and yellows of autumn will cover the landscape throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties. Before the snow, ice and winter winds arrive, homeowners in the north know it is time take care of the autumn chores to protect our biggest investment from the winter ahead.
Featured Homes in the Forest Lake, Centennial and Anoka-Hennepin School Districts:
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com
As a Realtor in the Twin Cities metro, I know how important periodic home maintenance is. We have a mixed bag of weather in MN, some winters can be mild but others are brutal. Taking one weekend in the fall to get your home ready can prevent damage from the Minnesota Winter elements. An unprepared home can require costly repairs in the spring.
Here are a few important autumn reminders of repairs and preventive maintenance tips for all homeowners:
- Clean Gutters of leaves and other debris that might clog the drainage. A blocked gutter can cause an ice dam when the snow flies.
- Winterize the lawn tractor or mower and get that snow blower tuned. If you have a plow service, make contact and update your contract prior to the first snowfall.
- Change security lightbulbs in hard to reach places. It is hazardous to climb ladders to reach the tip of a garage over an icy driveway.
- 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.
- 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.
- Caulk all windows and doors and check to see if new weather-striping is needed.
- Touch up peeling paint. Fall is the perfect time to paint with the low humidity and crisp breeze. Check deck, siding and trim for peeling paint.
- Seal the asphalt driveway prior to winter freezing. Fill cracks and topcoat if necessary.
- Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Verify that the flashings are sealed from rain and snow.
- Snap a few fall photos while the fall perennials and trees are vibrant with color! Golden yellow oak leaves and vivid red sumacs will look awesome in the local MLS if you decide to sell your home over the winter.
Featured Homes in the Forest Lake, Centennial and Anoka-Hennepin School Districts:
- 15139 E Vermillion Cir NE, Ham Lake
- 601 86th Lane NW, Coon Rapids
- 401 Village Parkway, Circle Pines
- 25797 Freeport Ave, Wyoming
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com
