🏡 Prep Your Home for Winter! Maintenance Guide Before Temperatures Drop

Proposition 19Home SellingTips for Sellers
Written By Joshua Vigil

As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for winter. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in protecting your investment, improving energy efficiency, and avoiding costly repairs down the road.Here’s a simple Winter Prep Checklist to follow over the next few weeks:

✅ Exterior Maintenance:

  • Clean gutters & downspouts — Prevent roof leaks and foundation issues by clearing debris.

  • Roof & siding inspection — Look for cracked shingles or damaged siding before heavy rain hits.

  • Seal windows & doors — Stop drafts and reduce energy bills with weatherstripping or caulking.

  • Trim trees & bushes — Cut back branches hanging near the house or roof.

  • Check outdoor lighting — Replace bulbs and test fixtures for safety during shorter days.

  • Protect outdoor plumbing — Insulate exposed pipes and shut off outdoor water lines if needed.

🔧 Safety & Systems Check:

  • Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors — Replace batteries if needed.

  • Inspect your HVAC system — Schedule a tune-up before winter heating begins.

  • Clean dryer vents — Reduce fire hazards and improve dryer efficiency.

  • Check circuit breakers & GFCI outlets — Ensure electrical systems are working properly.

  • Switch ceiling fans to clockwise rotation — Push warm air down to improve heating efficiency.

🧹 Interior Prep:

  • Deep clean carpets — Removes allergens before extra indoor time begins.

  • Clean major kitchen appliances — Holiday hosting is around the corner!

  • Inspect fireplace & chimney — Schedule a professional cleaning before using.

🌱 Yard & Garden Prep:

  • Clean garden beds — Remove dead plants and protect landscaping.

  • Fertilize and seed lawn — Help your grass stay healthy during dormant season.

  • Cover patio furniture — Protect outdoor pieces from rain and frost.

Bottom Line:

Many homeowners put off small repairs only to later wish they had taken care of them sooner. Staying ahead now means peace of mind all winter. ✅

If you would like, I can connect you with a trusted service provider to assist you with all of the maintaince items discussed in today’s article. Feel free to give me a call at 661-992-2407.

As always, I am here for all of your real estate needs, and I truly appreciate the referrals you send my way. I treat each one with the utmost care, not only because it reflects on me, but because I want you to look good as well!

- Joshua Vigil

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional home inspection, maintenance, or safety advice. Home conditions vary, and homeowners should consult qualified professionals for any repairs, inspections, or maintenance decisions. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information.

CONTACT ME

Realtor Joshua Vigil
DRE# 01989117
The Hier Advantage Real Estate Sales & Service

Joshua Vigil

Voted Antelope Valley's Best Realtor in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025!

I'm a Realtor servicing all of California with specialty areas in Santa Clarita Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster, and San Fernando Valley. As a Realtor, my goal is to deliver the best service to my clients and for each client to know they are a valued customer and not a number. I complete these goals by staying educated in Real Estate Laws, Real Estate Data, and overall Market Trends. I keep close contact with all of my clients, provide updates as they are received, explain processes in-depth to ensure client understanding, and most importantly, I treat every customer the way I would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. Put your trust in me and you will be rewarded with excellent results!

https://www.JoshuaVigil.com
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Proposition 19: What California Homeowners Need to Know