Crisp Air, Colored Leaves—It’s Time to Winterize your MN Home!

There was a nip in the air this morning and the calendar says fall is upon us.
Leaves are just beginning to turn gold, red and yellow all over Anoka County. The fallen acorns have attracted white-tailed deer as they feast in our Ham Lake backyard. We know it is time begin the autumn chores to protect our investment from the winter ahead.
As a Realtor in the Twin Cities metro, I know how important it is to maintain a home in throughout the year. Winters can be mild or brutal in Minnesota. Getting your home ready in the fall can prevent winter damage and costly repairs in the spring.

Here are a few reminders of repairs and preventive maintenance tips for all homeowners to consider in the 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 will look awesome in the local MLS if you decide to sell your home over the winter.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

Extra Tips for Selling in Winter

A couple of weeks ago, I had to show a home on acreage early in the morning. It was January and we finally had a few inches of snow. Actually, more like half a foot of the fluffy white stuff had fallen overnight in the area where this home was located. From the agent's notes on the MLS, I knew the property was vacant, but had hoped the owner had the good sense to plow the driveway and shovel the walk. No such luck.



My buyers and I did get into the home. It had been recently "staged" and was spic and span. "Was" it is key word. We removed our shoes in the entry, but there was no rug or mat for our shoes. So the snow melted all over. I did look for paper towels, but since the home was vacant, the only towels available where the decorative towels hung by the stager to dress up the bathrooms. We knew that we could not use those. Unfortunately, we had to leave the entryway with water all over. I did contact the seller's agent and advise him of the situation as soon as we left. But this situation could have been prevented.



Here are a few extra tips for getting you home sold in the winter:



Shovel and salt. The outside of your home will always give the first impression. If it doesn't appear cared for with a shoveled walk and driveway, it sets the wrong impression. Make certain to shovel paths to any outbuildings or sheds that the buyer will want to view. Don't forget to salt or sand the icy spots. A rug or mat in the entry for shoes is essential during the winter months.



Light Up the Entry. Most showings during the week will in the evening. It gets dark at 5 pm in during the Minnesota winter months. There is nothing worse than have to dig out the flashlight in order to find the lockbox and key. If your home is vacant, install exterior lights with motion sensors or put on a timer so that evening showings aren't hazardous to your potential buyers.



Dust. With most forced air furnaces running around the clock, there is additional dust floating around. Make certain to change that furnace filter every 30 days.



Scent with Sense. Don't overpower the showings with strong scents. Try warming Cinnamon sticks in water on the stove just prior to the showing. Or bake cookies. Avoid too many air fresheners. Many people have allergies to these products. If it is too overpowering, they won't stay long enough to see the home.