by Jim Coleman, REALTOR^®
 
            PREPARATION FOR WINTER IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR
The outside daytime temperature is still well into the 90’s, but the calendar says its time to think of changing season preparations.  There are a few items that always deserve attention and, unfortunately, they are not self-correcting.
(1)   Check all doors and windows for fit.  Perhaps there has been breakage occur since the last inspection.  Check for the need of weather stripping to stop leaks.  Check all locks and fastening devices.
(2)  With season changes, time of daylight and darkness changes.  So it would be good to check settings for timers and sensors for the activation of lighting.
(3)  Have your heating system checked out by appropriate and competent service technicians.
(4)  A simple, but extremely important item, is to change or clean the furnace or system filters.
(5)  It may be awhile for this one, but as the yard work winds down, run the gas-powered equipment until the fuel in the tanks is gone; old or bad fuel is not friendly to equipment and will cause havoc in the spring when its time to fire up the equipment again.
(6)  If you have a solid fuel burning stove or fireplace, have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check the dampers. 
(7)  Check chimneys and outside electrical fixtures for bird nests and other materials.
(8)  Check and service detectors by replacing batteries and cleaning dust from detectors and alarms.
(9)  Calk and add insulation to assure maximum air control and regulation. 
(10) Check outside plumbing systems for leaks and prepare measures to prevent freezing.
            A little time spent now to inspect and service indoor and outside services and systems will save a lot of time later and will likely save money if repairs are necessary.  And the weather may be much more comfortable now than when winter is here for a stay.
St. George REALTOR^® Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated.  He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).  He was recently awarded NAR’s new Green designation.  You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com.  Call: (435) 674-0600; or write:  Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770.  This and other columns are available at www.RealtorJimC.com/articles. 
 
 Green tip of the Week:  When answering the door, if a conversation needs to be lengthy, either invite the caller inside or step outside to converse; it does not take long for the inside air condition to change significantly when the door is left open.

Jim Coleman, ABR/M, ASR, CRS, GRI, DREI, e-PRO, Green, GRI, RECS, RSPS, SRES
“YOUR REAL ESTATE IS MY BUSINESS”
Partner/Owner and Associate Broker