It's Getting Cold Outside

WOW!  Where has the year gone?  Seemingly 2014 has evaporated.  It's hard to believe summer is behind us, Halloween is in the memory books   and holiday time is around the corner!

It's time to count our many blessings as families gather around dining room tables to give thanks and carve the annual turkey!

And, with holiday time around the corner so too is inclement weather, snow and colder temperatures. The pictures from Buffalo, NY this week have been especially humbling!

Even in Georgia as temperatures begin to drop people are looking for ways to save money on heating and better preparing their homes for the winter season.  Here's a simple check list to ensure that you and your home are prepared for winter.

• Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to prevent air leaks.
• Check furnace filters and make sure the thermostat is working properly.  Have your furnace professionally serviced.  
• Clean ducts every other year and add insulation to any exposed ductwork.
• If you have a fireplace, check your damper and have your chimney cleaned to get rid of any buildup.
• Clear the gutters of leaves and debris to prevent rainwater from backing up and freezing.
• Consider investing in a window insulator kit as an inexpensive option to keep out drafts.
• Trim any tree branches that are overhanging your roof.  Also, trim low branches and prune trees of low branches to help your tree's mature properly.  
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Remove all hoses from outside hose bibs and winterize outdoor faucets.

If you do the things on this list, you're almost guaranteed a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and worry-free holiday and winter season.  Remember though that some of these tasks are best left to professionals.  Know your limitations!  Don't get on any ladder's if you're afraid of heights or for health reasons know you shouldn't be on a ladder!  Happy Thanksgiving!


Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and regularly works with home buyers and seller's alike!  Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process.  Sara is always reachable at 404-660-2481.  Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!