Five maintenance items that you should take care of this fall.

Fall is here, and it's the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for the upcoming season. As we connect with both home sellers and homeowners, we often notice that basic maintenance tasks can be easily overlooked, potentially leading to costly damage down the road. To help you protect your home and investment, we've put together the top five fall maintenance tips you should keep in mind this year.

1. Leaf removal and lawn aeration. Don't let leaves pile up on your lawn this fall. Before winter arrives and snow covers the ground, make sure to rake up all those fallen leaves and aerate your lawn. It's much easier to tackle this task before the snow melts and leaves become a soggy mess. By taking the time to clear your yard, you'll set the stage for a healthy lawn come spring.

2. Chimney inspection and cleaning. As winter approaches, there's nothing cozier than a wood-burning fireplace. However, safety should always come first. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensure that your chimney flues are clean and inspected before you start enjoying those warm fires throughout the winter. A little maintenance now can go a long way in keeping your home safe and comfortable.

3. Winterize your sprinkler system and spigots. Avoid water damage caused by frozen pipes or sprinkler systems by properly winterizing them. This crucial step can prevent costly issues when the temperatures drop. Make sure to blow out your sprinkler heads and winterize your spigots, ensuring that your water systems remain in excellent working condition throughout the winter season.

“Don’t overlook fall maintenance.””

4. Driveway maintenance. With the threat of snow and ice on the horizon, it's essential to address any cracks in your driveway now. Neglecting these small issues can lead to more significant problems later on. By filling in cracks and performing minor repairs, you'll avoid the hassle and expense of major driveway maintenance in the future.

5. Furnace tune-up and cleaning. There's nothing worse than experiencing furnace problems during the frigid winter months when HVAC companies are swamped with service requests. To prevent this, schedule a simple furnace tune-up and cleaning now. This proactive step ensures that your furnace runs efficiently when you need it most.

Whether you're considering selling your home or planning to stay and embark on a home improvement project, we're here to help. Reach out to us by phone or email for insights into the current real estate market trends and forecasts for the upcoming months. We're also happy to provide guidance on potential return on investment for your home improvement projects. We're honored to be your resource for all your real estate needs, whether you're buying, selling, or simply enjoying your home.