Comprehensive Fall Task Checklist

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Organize and Get a Jump on Winter

The following list of chores includes tasks that need to be done every year, though some can be every two years or so. We've tried to include everything we could think of, but depending on your home and location, you may have other chores that are equally important.

In and around the house:

- Buy and store a supply of wood. Less seasoned wood may be cheaper; let it dry this year and use it next year. Just don't burn it until it's dry! Read more information about wood stoves.

- Have your backup heat source serviced. Wood stoves and pellet stove should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and ready for another year of service. Have your chimney cleaned, especially if you use a woodstove or fireplace a lot during the cold season. Find out more about chimney maintenance.

- Clean the gutters.

- Check downspouts and splash blocks. Water should flow freely away from the house.

- Examine the roof and gutters. Make repairs yourself, or hire someone, but do it now.

- Check ridge vents and make sure they are clear of any obstructions.

- Schedule heating system service if you haven’t done it in a while.

- Check the smoke alarm and carbon-monoxide detector. Replace batteries.

- Weatherize your home. Use caulk, weather-stripping, and check for new, inexpensive ways to reduce heat loss. We have a few energy tips that might be helpful.

- Check your foundation before winter sets in. It may be too late to do anything if you find cracks or damage, but you can take a picture and document any problems you find. It will give you a point of reference next spring when you make your post-winter inspection and give you an idea of how quickly problems are progressing.

- Wander through your home and make sure that all heat vents are clear. Stuff gets moved during the summer and often vents get blocked, especially in homes without central air conditioning.

- Replace that air filter before you turn on the heat. Pick memorable date (like the first Saturday of every month) and make replacing the filter a monthly chore. Buy a season’s supply of filters. Many come in packs of three or more and you can save money as well as time.

- Add insulation. If your home needs more, start at the top and work down to get the most for your money. Most warm air leaves through the roof so concentrate your insulation there, adding extra to the walls and under floors as time and money permit.

- Remove screens, clean, and repair before putting them away. Replace with storm windows if you don't have dual-pane, low-e windows.

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Why Sellers Should Get a Pre-List Home Inspection to Ensure Better Selling Results

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With the state of our real estate market the way it is at the moment, sellers need to do all they can to ensure that their home sells.  Average days on market figures have been on the rise especially with the turn of the season toward cooler months, typically a slow period for real estate anyway.  But if you find yourself in the position to need to sell your home now despite all these factors, the last thing you can afford is to lose your sale to other homes on the street that may have been in better condition.

A pre-list home inspection is one of the best ways to remain proactive and manage any issues that may come up with your home so there are no additional hurdles in the sale process.

“But Why Should I Pay For It If The Buyer Is Responsible For The Home Inspection Cost?”

Even though it is customary for the buyer to order a home inspection on a prospective home purchase, the reason a seller would do so is to preempt any concerns that may pop up during the appraisal and inspection process ordered by the buyer.  The benefit of being able to know in advance any safety, structural or aesthetic concerns that may hinder the sale in the future puts the sellers at an edge over others who may not have done the same.

Being Proactive Rather Than Reactive

As a seller if you are actively making an effort to present your home in the best condition possible it only demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to accommodate buyers.  Today’s buyers are definitely more savvy and they know they have the upper hand in many cases so when they come across a seller that is willing to go the extra mile to make sure nothing goes wrong it only further solidifies the sale.  Not only that, what you do with the results of the home inspection is what really counts.  Proactively correcting problems that show up in the inspection is what needs to be done.

“If I’m Selling, Why Do I Need To Spend Money On The House?”

Too many times a seller will be daunted by a few dollars needing to be spent to fix up the house or bring it up to par and in presentable condition.  In actuality, spending only $200 on cosmetic things like a coat of paint or professional carpet cleaning is a small investment that will yield bigger returns when yours is the home that sells on the street.  Keep in mind that for you it is only $200 but it saves the buyer the hassle of doing the repairs or fixes and also they may not see the repairs as $200 worth during negotiations.  In fact, many buyers will try to squeeze out as much as ten times more if they can.  What better than to remove the ammunition from the buyer’s pricing gun when it comes time for negotiations? It is much better for the seller to be able to fix problems rather than to incorporate them into price.
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At the end of the day, by being just a little proactive rather than reactive you can avoid needing to defend issues that may come up during a buyer’s home inspection process, and end up netting thousands of dollars more on the sale of your home.