Essential Fall Checklist for Homeowners (and Potential Spring Home Sellers!)

Brrr…we have had the first cold snap of the year after a long hot summer. As the overnight temperatures have been dipping down into the range where Minnesotan’s pull the extra comforter from the closet we know it’s that time of year. Fall is just around the corner and leaves are beginning to turn. Soon the golds, reds and yellows of autumn will cover the landscape throughout Anoka, Chisago Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

I know, I know...It is ONLY September so we have will have a few warm days ahead. Before the snow, ice and winter winds arrive, we know it is time take care of the autumn chores to protect our biggest investments, our homes, from the winter ahead. And for potential 2013 spring home sellers, there will still be a perfect “Indian-Summer” day or two, to spruce up their home’s exterior.

As a REALTOR® in the north and east Minneapolis/St. Paul area, I know how important periodic home maintenance is. Minnesotans embrace living with four seasons and though some winters are mild but others can be 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:  

1. Check Rain Gutters Clear leaves and other debris that might clog the drainage. Check to see that any screen or leaf guard is not blocking water flow. A blocked gutter can cause an ice dam when the snow flies.
2. Winterize lawn mowers or tractors and tune up the snow blower. If you have a plow service, make contact and update your contract prior to the first snowfall. Remember in Minnesota, we can get a first big snowfall in October.
3. Change security lightbulbs in hard to reach outlets. Making a change to a long lasting bulb now can avoid having to climb a ladder to reach the tip of a garage over an icy driveway.
4.  Remove Hoses from water spigots. Turn off, blow out and winterize sprinkling systems. If spigots are not frost-free or if you are unsure, shut off water supply to exterior faucets to prevent burst pipes in subzero temperatures. It’s a good idea to coil and remove hoses from the house too.
5. Clean and Tune Furnace This should be an annual event so your home is 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. Caulk and/or weather-strip Check all windows and doors and caulk or weather strip as needed.
7. Paint Exterior Check deck, siding and trim for peeling paint as autumn one of the best seasons to paint with its low humidity and crisp breezes.

QUICK TIP For HOME SELLERS: If you are planning to sell in the winter or early spring, touching up peeling paint is essential as it may be too cold for paint to adhere until next April.

8. Seal Asphalt 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 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.

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

After You're Done Shoveling, Start Raking!—Ice Dams are Preventable!

With the 16 plus inches of snow we were blessed with in Anoka County this past weekend (and even more in Washington County to the south and east) it looks like we are in for a good old fashion Minnesota winter. Heading to grandmother’s house this holiday, will take us all over lots and lots of white and drifted snow.

The snow is pretty for photos and fun for snowmobilers, skiers, boarders and sledders but not so great for our houses. With accumulated snow well into the foot range already, there is another necessary chore to add to the list to avoid homeowner headaches that come with the snow melt. We have to remove the snow from our roofs!

Though a shingled roof won’t pop like the Metrodome did over the weekend (CLICK HERE to View), ceilings have been known to become waterlogged and collapse under the stress of too much snow and ice dams.

Avoid ice dams and rake that roof! Yep pull that funny looking backwards shovel with the extension pole out of the garage and carefully pull off the snow. Ignoring the problem could cost thousands of dollars to repair the damage to roof or interior due to ice and water when that foot of snow starts the freeze/thaw cycle over the next few months!

So how does a roof rake work? Carefully raise the rake over the edge of the roof as far back as the rake will reach and pull down the snow. Be certain to wear a hat, boots and gloves as most of the snow WILL land very close to you….if not right on your head! It’s not hard to do if the snow is fluffy. Even a novice like me can handle a roof rake.

Don’t have a roof rake? This is the year to buy one! It’s only a $20-30 investment and the pole is in two sections for storage. Not a do-it-yourselfer? Or have a two story home where the rake won’t reach? Call in a professional to remove the snow. This is not the year to ignore the snow and hope it won’t be a problem. It looks like we are in for a long snow-filled winter so take action now. Ice dams are preventable!

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm