You know that great feeling you get when you’ve finished your spring cleaning? You’ll feel just as good after you’ve made a list and tackled your “fall cleaning” to get your home in top condition before winter. The holidays will be upon us in no time at all (Thanksgiving is only 8 weeks away!), so it’s time to buckle down and get a handle on your fall home maintenance so you can relax and enjoy this beautiful season.
For you new condo owners in smaller associations: do you know your neighbors? If you are new to the association, make it a point to contact other owners in your building now about working together to establish a plan for exterior maintenance this fall and winter. Most self-managed buildings assign tasks or rotate weeks to clean up fallen leaves and shovel snow. If your building hires outside workers to do these tasks and your monthly association fee doesn’t include grounds upkeep and snow removal, talk with your fellow owners to find out how they deal with these expenses. Most established associations have solid plans in place, but you want to be sure you’re OK with them and that you’re able to do your part.
If you live in a home in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury, you might want to consider hiring a local landscaper to prepare your trees and shrubs for winter. I highly recommend Arborway Tree Care for tree pruning or removal. For fall, be sure to trim shrubs at least a foot from exterior walls and have tree limbs cut back at least five feet from your home to avoid damage during potentially severe winter storms. Inspect your roof carefully, too. Are there any loose or missing shingles? Take care of these now so that a heavy snow doesn’t cause leaks that can lead to exterior and interior repair and painting.
Speaking of spring cleaning, prevent a major headache — and back ache! — by installing a sump pump in your cellar. Early winter rain storms and more importantly, melting snow and spring rain, are causing flooding even in homes that have never had water before. Most plumbing companies install sump pumps — I’m very happy with the one I had Pipelines in Roslindale install in my house a few months ago. Reach them at (617) 327-0044 and talk with Cath about scheduling the work. The peace of mind is priceless, especially if you plan to travel during the winter and early spring months.
And just because temperatures are cooling down doesn’t mean the Boston real estate market is. Because of low interest rates, bad news in the stock market and other magical forces, there are lots of quality properties on the market and sales are piping hot in Roslindale, West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. Let me know if you want a market update — the news is exciting and prices are strong. I look forward to hearing from you!
Linda Burnett
Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
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