Time To Think About the Fall Season!!

Start Getting Fall Season Ready!

With the start of school comes a familiar time of year. Think orange. Think yellow. Both are vibrant colors that represent the start of Fall! Are you ready for it? If not, here’s some tips on how to prepare your house for the Fall season!

Examine your roof/gutters/downspouts for debris:
Your roof is often forgotten because it is not at eye-level to give you a subtle reminder every time you walk past it. Clear leaves, dirt, and pine needles from gutters; and examine downspouts for damage or loose pieces. Check the flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof, such as skylights, for leakage problems.

Examine the grounds of your property:
Before the grass is covered with snow, or it is too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material. Fix walkway and entryway areas before slippery weather can cause a tripping or falling accident.

Change the filters in your home:
If you have a central air conditioning system, change the air filter regularly. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it from the window or place a waterproof cover over it to prevent damage. Change filters in stove vents, clothes dryers and room fans if applicable. Clean air filters will keep your family healthier in the Fall season months.

Still have leaky faucets? Repair them now:
Before the temperatures start to dip low, examine leaky faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and utility room locations. Most likely the time and money spent now to fix it will be less than a broken pipe in the dead of winter!

Prepare your fireplace:
For people who use their fireplace more than their central heating in the fall and winter months, be sure to discard old ashes and ensure the damper is open to allow air to freely move through the chimney. When the air becomes cold, close the damper again after cleaning. Check the damper handle and springs to ensure the flue is operating correctly. Hire a professional chimney sweep if needed.

Drain your water heater:
If you live in an area with hard water, extra amounts of sediment could be building up in your tank. Now is a perfect time to drain your water heater and make sure rust is not developing in your tank as well. If your water heater is extremely old or rusting, consider purchasing a new one that will be more cost effective and energy efficient.

Check windows and doors for drafts:
The majority of conditioned air in your home is lost through the windows and doors. Go through your home and open windows to ensure the seal and caulking around the window frame is in good condition. Think of adding heavier drapery around windows that are extra drafty, to help block some air infiltration.

Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture:
Once you have taken your last plunge in the pool this summer, power wash outdoor furniture and cushions. Once dry, store cushions in a dry area to prevent cracking, and fading over the fall season and winter months. Once spring comes along next year, you will be pleased that you stored them and they’re ready for use!

Have garden power tools serviced:
Once your grass begins to enter the dormant stage, take your lawnmower, trimmer, and other tools to get their blades sharpened and fluids topped off. If you’re in the market for new garden power tools, buy now when the season is almost over… you will find great deals!

Take care of your irrigation/lawn needs:
Depending on where you live, the climate for your lawn and its irrigation system may need to be checked. Consider having an irrigation service professional fix broken heads before the cold weather sets in. If you want to prevent spring weeds and winter lawn damage, don’t forget to fertilize. Visit your local garden center to find out information on what type of fertilizer to use and when to spread it.

*This article does not represent legal interpretation or advice. This is not a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet LTV requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines, and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over life of loan. Reduction in payments may reflect longer loan term. Terms of the loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant. Seattle Mortgage Brokers, LLC NMLS: LO# 305371 MB# 761615