Your Fall Home Checklist

Fall has arrived here in the Omaha area and, along with pumpkin-spiced everything, it's time for some seasonal home TLC!

Take a few minutes to run through this list and I promise you will feel good about heading into those colder temps and we can keep your home cozy and in tip-top shape before the holidays!

• Leaf it to the Professionals: Keep those gutters clean! Falling leaves are pretty, but when they clog up your gutters, they can lead to water damage. That’s the worst! Trust me, I’ve seen it!

• Chim-chiminey, Chim-chiminey, Chim-chim-cheree: Before lighting up that fireplace, ensure your chimney is swept and clear. A clean chimney is a happy chimney!

• Seal the Deal: Check doors and windows for any drafts and seal them up. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also save on those heating bills!

• Heater Sneak Peek: Before the cold sneaks up, have a professional inspect your heating system. You want that warm and fuzzy feeling to kick in when the bitter cold arrives!

• Protect Those Spickets: Double check to make sure every hose has been disconnected and be sure to winterize any pipes or sprinkler system to prevent burst pipes. No one wants a surprise winter water park in their home!

• Test the Rest: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Push that test button and be safe!

Remember, a bit of maintenance now means more hot cocoa and fireside Hallmark movies later! And, as always, I have a great list of people I can refer you to help with any of these tips so be sure to keep me in mind when you need a recommendation!