The holiday season may feel far off now, but winter will be here before you know it. If you live in Albany or Corvallis, then now is a great time to do some winter prep to make the season go as smoothly as possible. Of course, those preparations will include winterizing your house when the time is right. Our real estate agents have more details on how to winterize your home, including key areas like the pipes, roof, and gutters.

• Check and Clean the Gutters
  Whether from heavy rain or melting snow, your gutters are one of your home's key lines of defense against leaks and roof damage. However, gutters can only do their job effectively when they're kept nice and clean. Cleaning your gutters is the perfect place to start when winterizing your home, and it's an ideal task for a pleasant fall day. Just make sure to practice good ladder safety and wear gloves to protect your hands.

• Have Your HVAC System Serviced
  You'll notice a theme in these tips, which is that a well-maintained home is both easier to keep in great shape, and less likely to cause unexpected problems in the winter. Your HVAC system is no exception, and fall is an ideal time for a routine service call. Your HVAC pro can check that your heating's in great shape, replace any filters that need it, and let you know if there's any additional work needed before winter.

• Inspect Your Roof and Attic
  Leaks can cause all sorts of unwelcome problems in homes, and they often start when the roof is damaged. Check your attic for signs of leaks and your roof for signs of damage. If you're uncomfortable climbing up for this task or gutter cleaning, there's nothing wrong with playing it safe by calling the pros.

• Search for and Seal Drafts
  Drafts can cause uncomfortable changes in temperature and unwelcome changes to your home's energy efficiency. Search out and seal drafts before winter, especially around windows, doors, vents, and other openings. Depending on the location, either weather stripping or caulk will typically do the job beautifully.

• Prepare Your Plumbing
  A burst pipe is one of the last things that any homeowner wants to deal with, so it's important to take steps to make sure that your plumbing is winterized. Assuming you'll be living in the home during the winter, the main concerns are draining outdoor pipes, sprinkler systems, and garden hoses. You'll also want to make sure pipes inside the home don't get too cold. This is mostly an issue in basements, so ensure your basement has enough heat and that pipes are insulated if needed.

• Store Outdoor Furniture
  Outdoor furniture can take a beating from cold temperatures and winter weather, so it's wise to cover or, ideally, store it safely indoors before winter arrives. If you're clearing furniture off of a wooden patio, you might also consider taking the opportunity to apply a fresh coat of sealant for the winter.

• Keep Snow Removal Tools Handy
  While you're storing those summer items, make sure that any tools or equipment you need to clear snow are readily accessible for the winter. Plan ahead so that you can safely get to anything you need during a snowstorm.

Searching for an Oregon home that you can enjoy for many seasons to come? Our local team is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Albany and Corvallis, OR area.