How to winterize your home

If your home is on the market as temperatures drop, it may be particularly vulnerable to the elements. It’s never too late in the season to winterize your home. Follow these simple steps to ensure your house is safe from the cold — and ready to sell.

Secure your home’s exterior.
Keep walkways clear of leaves, snow and other debris that can cause potential buyers to trip. Clean gutters, porches and stairs to remove any hazardous materials. Check shutters and siding to make sure they are secure and in good condition. Wind, rain and snow can cause major damage if something is even just a little bit loose.

Trim tree branches and landscaping. Keep trees neat and trimmed so that they are not at risk to fall on or near your home. You may even want remove those trees or bushes that are weak to prevent potential problems.

Winterize pipes. Ensure that your pipes are wrapped in insulation to prevent freezing and bursting. Locate your water shut-off valves so you can easily turn off the main water supply in case of a leak.

Finally, be prepared with snow shovels and rock salt, so that a storm will never take you by surprise, and potential buyers will always see your home at its best.