2 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning

Now that the warm summer months are behind us, it’s time to prepare for winter. Regardless of whether you expect to see sub-zero temperatures this season or you live in one of the warmer climates, preparing your home for colder weather can save you money and hassle this winter. So before you dig out your favorite fall sweaters, boots and jackets, take a weekend and prepare your home for the cold weather to come.

Save Energy 

Autumn is a great time to seal drafts in your home which can suck energy out. Check around doors and windows and replace worn weather stripping and caulking. This is an easy and inexpensive project, but can save money when it comes to your energy bill. If you use your fireplace for warmth during winter, this is the right time to have the chimney cleaned and checked for safety. Arrange a furnace tune up and replaced the filter.  Be sure to vacuum the cold air return vents using the hand-held unit of your vacuum, to make sure you are warming your home efficiently and to rid your home of excess dust and pet dander.

Outdoor Tasks 

Before the chill turns to freezing, head to the yard to winterize the exterior of your home. Check gutters for clogged leaves and other debris.  Even if you have gutter guards or something of the like, leave can still gather and need to be blown or swept off. Examine your roof and siding for any repairs which could create leaks or drafts in the cold. You will also want to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses.  Garden hoses need to wound and stored inside for the winter months to prevent break down of the hose. Make sure the sprinkler system is off and reinforce any exposed pipes which could burst with the cold. If you have a sprinkler system, you should call an appropriate company to winterize your system to prevent pipes freezing during the winter.
Once you've completed this checklist, you can enjoy the smell of pumpkin spice and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, and be confident your home is ready for winter because you've taken the steps to prepare. You'll be saving energy and the hassle of unexpected repairs by getting some routine maintenance done before the cold months come.

A lot of money goes into buying a new house so it is understandable if a seller feels hesitant investing even more money to fix up their current house prior to selling. However, sellers may not realize that some of the issues they live with everyday and consider minor, such as the hallway light switch or the kitchen sink that has plumbing issues, may actually be considered major to home buyers. These issues may even prevent buyers from making an offer on a home or making a lower offer. It’s crucial to keep your house presentable and in good shape before you list it on the market. That being said, read on to find out what repairs you might want to consider before you list on your house on the market. 

Roof Problems 

A roof is one of the most important components of a home, protecting all that is underneath. Additionally, roofs are major expenses to replace. Therefore, it is imperative to keep the roof well maintained and free of damage and leaks. Issues like water and sun damage, clogged gutters, and rotting will lead to bigger issues if not fixed timely. Tending to these items immediately will help prevent further damage and help present the home well. 

Poor Maintenance 

Minor issues such as damaged flooring, paint chipping, and old carpeting can be easily fixed to give your home a renovation. Your goal is to make your home appealing so start by replacing anything that is heavily worn and adding a fresh coat of paint. And these minor upgrades can be inexpensive because you’ll most likely see a return on investment.

Plumbing 

Plumbing problems can result in minor or major issues and it is very important to take care of these issues right away as they can lead to further problems. Bigger problems such as water damage can lead to mold and easy fixes to leaky faucets can be replaced inexpensively. 

Wiring 

Electrical problems can cause a wide variety of problems. Smaller fixes such as faulty switches, missing wire nuts, or damaged junction boxes can be fixed with a good electrician. Replacing a circuit breaker might be needed if they don’t match the amperage of your home. 

Remember, some repairs are obvious to see and others aren’t so it’s always a good idea to run a pre-inspection of your house before listing. Afterward, review it with your realtor because they can advise on which ones are the first priority. It's so important to put your home in the best shape possible when you list.  Like to old adage says, You never have a second chance to make a first impression. I hope this Tuesday Tip is helpful to you in your home selling process.