Evergreen? Well, Maybe

It's fall in Minnesota. We are fortunate to live in a state with four seasons and autumn is definitely full of color. In a month or so, we could be almost all white as our winter season blows in. But  when the golds and crimsons and rust colored leaves are but a memory, the greens of the pines and firs will still be a part of our landscapes. 

This summer has been brutally dry. It's been a very long time since our lawns and trees in Anoka County have received a good, soaking rain. In fact, September was the second driest on record in Minnesota. Our trees are suffering along with our lawns. As a REALTOR® I know that a wooded landscape can add significant value to a home. It provides curb appeal and beautifies the exterior. If you have evergreens, they may not show the signs of stress right now. But the drought conditions could mean your pines won't be green come spring. In fact, they could be dead. 

Keeping your evergreens green will mean more than adding a quick watering to the fall "Honey Do" List. In Anoka County, much of the soil is sandy and doesn't hold in the water like clay or black dirt. It is recommended to give pines a good soaking before the ground freezes. To do this it's a good idea to run a sprinkler for few hours or put the hose down at the base of the tree for a good 15-30 minutes so the water has time to soak down into the roots.

Take a little time while enjoying the fall colors to protect your evergreens so they will continue to provide beauty to your landscape for year to come.

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

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

Attention Homeowners! Essential Fall Maintenance or "Honey Do" List

There was a nip in the air this morning. Leaves have turned gold, red and yellow and now are blowing all over Anoka County. The fallen acorns have attracted white-tailed deer as they feast in Ham Lake, Columbus and Lino Lakes backyards. It is time to get those autumn chores done to protect our home and 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 depending on the year. Whether the Almanac or the weatherman predicts a few snowfalls or many blizzards, 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 do every 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.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

The Sumac is Starting to Turn---10 Fall Maintenance Tips for Minnesota Homeowners!

I could hardly believe it when I saw it…The sumac is starting to turn in Anoka County and all over the north metro. Combine that with an over night temperature in the mid-40’s and we know that summer is almost over. Okay sumac is the first to turn colors and on most trees the leaves are still green but fall will be upon us soon. In a few more weeks we will need to wrap up all those summer projects and get the house ready for the winter season.

As I walk around my Ham Lake backyard and see the few leaves that have just begun their transformation from vibrant green to brilliant red I wonder where the summer went. It was the usual blur of activity baseball, summer classes, weekend excursions, trips to Bunker Beach and Valleyfair with an occasional evening on the patio enjoying family time around a blazing fire in the firepit. All good things eventually come to an end...I realize 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. Despite what the Old Farmer’s Almanac might predict there is no guarantee which type of weather will come our way this year. Getting your home ready in the fall can prevent winter damage and costly repairs in the spring. And for any homeowner thinking the spring of 2010 will be the time to make a move, taking late summer and fall photos is a great asset to a winter listing to show how beautiful your landscaping is all year round!

Here are TEN essential tips and reminders of repairs and preventive maintenance all homeowners should consider in the fall:

1. Clear 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. Schedule 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 Twin Cities MLS if you decide to sell your home over the winter. Beautiful, green photos are a refreshing change when you consider that all of your competition will be snow covered!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Weekend "Honey Do" List! Checklist to get Your Home Winterized!

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.

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:

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 snow blower 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 places. It is 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. Caulk all windows and doors and check to see if new weather-striping is needed.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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

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/