Summer's end is the time when most of us prepare to settle in for the winter. We start to take care of the little jobs that need to be done before the first snowflakes fly. Taking care of any small jobs now while it's still modestly warm will give you a chance to do the job right without rushing or cutting corners. Our real estate agents can provide you with a list of tasks you can do in the fall to make sure your home is ready for the harsh Minnesota winters.

• Clean up your landscaping – Get your landscaped areas ready for next spring. Remove any dead plants and debris. This includes any leaves or limbs that may be scattered across your lawn. Dig up any bulbs that won't handle the cold and rake the soil a little to allow air to make its way into the dirt.

• Eliminate weeds – Eliminate weeds in early fall, and you can slow their growth the following spring. Keep weeds mowed down and trimmed. Pull them out of your landscaped areas before they go to seed. This prevents fighting the seeds in the spring and keeping their numbers to a minimum.

• Clean your gutters – Clogged gutters are unsightly and can actually cause damage to your home if they aren't cleaned regularly. Standing water that is caused by overflowing gutters can cause your foundation to deteriorate as well as disrupt your landscaping. In the winter, the build-up of ice can cause your shingles to separate from your roof.

• Clean and repair your windows – Crookston homes for sale often have newly repaired windows to improve their appearance as well as make them more energy efficient. If you are thinking of selling your home, one of the first things to do is look closely at your windows. Clean them thoroughly and make any necessary repairs.

• Clean your carpets – Cleaning your carpets will brighten the appearance of your home and make it smell fresh and inviting. It will also lift and fluff the fibers making your carpets look like they still have a lot of life left in them.

• Fix your driveway and sidewalks – Fix your driveway and sidewalks before the cold weather hits. It will give them time to cure before the cooler temperatures and snow can cause further damage to cracks and breaks.

• Repair your roof – Inspect your roof carefully. Remove any debris and sweep off any leaves or twigs that may have accumulated. Look closely at your shingles too. If you find any that are chipped, cracked, or missing, make sure to repair them right away. Hire a roofing company to ensure the job is finished correctly.

• Trim your trees – Trim your trees and get rid of any dead or dying limbs that could fall during a strong storm and damage your roof. Hire a reputable tree trimming company and ask them to clean up any limbs they take down. Your trees will look great, and you won't have to worry about small twigs and limbs littering your lawn this winter.

• Schedule a furnace inspection – Call your local HVAC professionals and have them inspect your furnace. They will give it a good cleaning and change the filters. Any repairs can be made at that time, and you won't have to worry about any unexpected breakdowns this winter.

• Check your windows and doors for air leaks – Air leaks reduce energy efficiency dramatically. Check your windows and doors for air leaks or drafts. Adding a little weatherstripping can save you money in the long run and keep your home nice and cozy in the winter.

Minnesota winters can be harsh. When fall starts and temperatures drop, take some time to make a few small repairs. It will keep your home nice and cozy and looking its very best. If you choose to sell your home, much of the work will already be done. Contact our office today to learn more!