Everyone thinks of spring cleaning, but fall maintenance is just as important when it comes to keeping your home in tip-top shape, especially as you gear up for the winter. Here are 10 items, for both inside and outisde of your home, that are fairly easy tasks to accomplish and won't break the bank, either.

1) Your grounds
Fall is a great time to plant perennials, tulips, trees and shrubs and even to reseed your lawn. Make sure to give new plants plenty of water, before they go dormant for the winter. The hard work in the fall will pay off when plants bloom in early spring.

2) Feed Your Lawn
Roots are active in grass all year round, thus fertilizing in the fall promotes healthy root growth. Fertilizing in the fall will help your yard turn green quicker in the spring. Apply fall fertilizer after your last mowing of the season and choose a slow-release granular product that feeds the lawn over a long period of time.

3) Gutters
Clean and inspect your gutters in the fall, prior to colder weather and freezing temperatures. Also, inspect your roof for any broken or loose tiles.

4) Sprinklers
In colder climates, sprinkler systems need to be shut off and protected for winter weather. Shut off the water supply to your irrigation system before the first freeze of the year. Insulate the main shut off valve and any above-ground piping and disable the timer, if you have an automatic system. Lastly, drain the remaining water from the system so it does not freeze. Also, before the first freeze, drain and shut off your outdoor faucets, rolling up and storing hoses.

5) Air-conditioning 
Have your air conditioning system serviced before cold weather arrives. If you have a window unit, cover the inside and outside to prevent drafts and provide insulation. You can even remove the unit and store for the winter.

6) Furnace and HVAC
Have your furnace and ductwork serviced, as clean systems are more energy efficient. An inspection can also discover any problems that may exist. Don't forget to replace air filters as needed. Test the thermostat to make sure it works correctly and always make sure vents are open, with no obstructions blocking them.

7) Windows and doors
Do a walk-around to check windows and doors for drafts. If drafts are found, caulk where needed. Install storm windows and their corresponding glass panels to keep the heat in and the cold out.

8) Dryer vent
Surprisingly, clothes dryers cause numerous fires each year. A major culprit is built-up lint. Have your dryer vent inspected and cleaned annually by an HVAC specialist who specializes in ductwork or dryer vents.

9) Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors a couple of times a year, preferably when you change your clocks in the fall and spring. Change the batteries in those units as well, when needed.

10) Clean you garage
This often forgotten task is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it keeps up the appearance of your entire home. Also, you know where items are located and in a pinch, they are easily accessible.
 

August by the Numbers*
Fresno Multiple Listing Service Numbers

• Number of homes for sale 2017 vs. 2018 - 2408 vs 2724
• Median price of sold homes in 2017 vs. 2018 $276,000 vs. $289,000
• Months of homes in inventory before closing in 2017 vs. 2018 - 2 vs. 2.7

Unless otherwise specified, all numbers are Fresno County through 8/18.

Client Quote

The Penner team did a great job. They were helpful in preparing the house to list and took amazing pictures for the listing. The Penner got the word out quickly. The house was listed on Friday and sold for over asking by Wednesday! (that's less than a week!) Jesse is a easy going guy with a great team around him.

                               Austin, Fresno

Featured Listing
6551 N. Wishon Fresno, CA.  93704

• 4 bedroom 2 bath
• 1904 sq ft

 

Stunning property in NW Fresno! Located near Herndon and Palm, this 4/2 offers a fresh look with a mature neighborhood. As you enter the home on this cul-de-sac lot, you are ushered into a large step-down living room. To your left is a dining room and second living space. The kitchen shines with white appliances, an electric cooktop, tile counters and backsplash, and tons of cabinets. The second living room offers an attractive fireplace insert, ceiling fan, and a slider door to the outside letting in lots of light. On the other end of the house are the 4 bedrooms. The master bedroom has ceiling fan, an on-suite bathroom, and a spacious closet. The hall bath doubles as a laundry room with electric hook ups. The beautiful back yard offers a covered concrete patio, a large grass area, tons of mature landscaping, and two storage sheds. This fantastic home is ready for move in!