Let's talk about something that's super important but often overlooked - preparing your home for winter. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Katie, it's not even that cold yet!" But trust me, as someone who's seen it all in the real estate game, a little prep now can save you a ton of headaches (and money!) later. Plus, if you're thinking of listing your home in winter or early spring, these steps will give you a serious edge. So, grab a hot cocoa and let's dive into my essential winter prep checklist!
1. Furnace TLC: Your Winter BFF
First things first - let's talk about your furnace. It's about to become your home's MVP, so show it some love!
- Stock up on filters: I always tell my clients to buy a bunch of furnace filters now. Trust me, future you will thank present you when you're not trudging through the snow to buy one in January.
- Regular changes: Swap out those filters every month for the skinny ones, or every three months for the thicker ones. Got pets or a particularly dusty home? You might need to change them more often.
Why it matters: A well-maintained furnace not only keeps you toasty but also improves your home's energy efficiency. Potential buyers love seeing lower energy bills!
2. Outdoor Hose Management: Prevent the Freeze
This one's crucial, folks. Burst pipes are no joke, and they're often caused by forgotten outdoor hoses.
- Disconnect and drain: Unscrew all your outdoor hoses and drain them completely.
- Shut off the water: In your basement, there's a little knob near where the hose spigot comes in. Turn it off!
- Empty the lines: Go back outside and open the spigot to let any remaining water drain out.
- Insulate: Grab one of those styrofoam covers from your local hardware store and pop it over the outdoor spigot.
Why it matters: This simple step can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. Plus, it shows potential buyers that you've really cared for your home.
3. Sump Pump Care: Basement Savior
If you've got a sump pump, listen up! This little device can be the difference between a dry basement and a very expensive indoor pool.
- Detach the long hose: If your sump pump has a long discharge hose, disconnect it for the winter.
- Why? If left attached, the hose can freeze, causing water to back up into your basement when the pump runs.
Why it matters: A dry basement is a happy basement, and happy basements make for very happy home buyers!
4. Gutter Glory: Keep 'Em Clear
I know, I know. Cleaning gutters is nobody's idea of a fun weekend. But it's so important!
- Remove all leaves and debris: Get up there (safely!) and clear out those gutters.
- Check downspouts: Make sure they're clear and directing water away from your foundation.
Why it matters: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause serious roof and interior damage. A well-maintained exterior tells buyers your whole home has been cared for.
5. Leaf Be Gone: One Last Cleanup
Before the snow flies, give your yard one last good cleanup.
- Rake thoroughly: Get all those leaves up, even from flower beds and corners.
- Trim and tidy: Cut back any dead plants or branches.
Why it matters: Besides looking neat, this prevents dead plant material from smothering your lawn over winter. Come spring, your yard will be ready to shine for potential buyers!
6. Bonus Tip: The Aesthetics
Okay, this isn't exactly saving your home from harm, but it's a pro tip from your favorite real estate agent:
- Do one final fall cleanup before the snow: Trust me on this. When that snow melts in spring, you don't want to see a bunch of mushy, half-decomposed leaves all over your yard. It's not a good look, especially if you're planning to list your home.
Why it matters: First impressions are everything in real estate. A tidy yard as soon as the snow melts can make your home stand out in the early spring market.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks - my essential winter prep checklist. Not only will these steps protect your home during the cold months, but they'll also give you a head start if you're planning to sell in winter or early spring. Remember, a well-maintained home is always more attractive to buyers. It shows that you've cared for the property and can give potential buyers confidence that they're making a good investment.
And hey, if you're thinking about selling your home this winter or next spring, why not get a jump start? Give me a call at Corcoran Realty & Co, and we can chat about how to make your home stand out in any season. We've got the expertise and resources to ensure your home is not just winter-ready, but market-ready too.
Stay warm out there, Milwaukee! And remember, at Corcoran Realty & Co, we're here to help you navigate every season in the real estate market.
