Tomboy Tools 

Sep Tool Special

Selling your home in September may be tough with the kids going back to school and trying to get back into another routine, but it's also a great time to prepare your house for sale.

I remember the days very well, you have been going crazy shopping for school clothes and supplies, making sure the kids have everything they need for the first day.  Then getting the new bedtime rituals down and that every crazy first day rushing around making sure everyone is all set.  Then they are out the door and you have peace and quiet for about 3 seconds until you start thinking about everything you will be able to get done now that the kids are gone.

This is the perfect opportunity to do something very important for the sale of your home.  Having a sparkling clean and organized home is ½ the battle of staging it for sale.  Removing clutter, cleaning closets, organizing cabinets, garages, cellars and attics, are extremely important for making the most of every sq' of your home.  (Sq' =$)    

             

And don't forget to clean.  You were probably going to start your fall cleaning anyway so go all the way with it.  Clean everything, walls, floors, bathrooms, carpets, windows and window treatments, furniture, tile and grout, the refrigerator, and everything else you can think of.  A clean home gives a buyer a sense of security that they are buying a well maintained home.

Every little thing you do to show your home in its best possible state is worth every bit of time and sweat you put into it.  So use your new found peace and quiet to help sell your home quickly this fall. 

Labor Day weekend signals the season for fall road trips.  Cooler weather means football games and tailgate picnics, foliage tours, fairs and festivals.   Plan ahead and you will be able to take advantage of great weather and activities at the spur of the moment.

Fall is a great time of year to make sure your home is ready for the cold winter months.  Use this checklist to make sure your home is safe and secure both inside and out.

• Get your mind in the gutters. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.
• Button up your overcoat. Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.
• Get on top of roof problems. Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.
• Walks the walks (and drives). Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
• Chill out. Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
• Freshen your filter. Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.
• Give your furnace a physical. Have a professional inspect your heating system.
• Gather round the hearth. Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.
• Keep the humidifier humming. Clean the plates or pads to ensure efficient operation.
• Head-off gas problems. If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance recommended by the maker.
• Keep the wood fires burning brightly. Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a deadly situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.
• Keep your family safe at home. A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and rid your home of old newspapers and other fire hazards.