Before the Oregon Rains Set In

September is one of those months when Oregon gives us a little warning. The mornings start cooling down, the evenings come a little earlier, and sooner or later we know that rain is coming.

Before it settles in, I like to take one slow walk around the house.

I’m not talking about starting a major project. I’m talking about looking.

Look up at the roofline. Are the gutters full? Is anything hanging loose? Look around the windows and doors for cracked caulking. Walk around the foundation and see where water is likely to go when we get several days of rain.

Then look down.

Are the walkways getting slick? Is gravel washing out of the driveway? Are tree branches hanging where they shouldn’t be?

This is also a good time to make sure the furnace is ready, replace the filter if it needs it, and check that outdoor faucets and hoses are in good shape.

A house usually tells us what it needs. We just have to slow down long enough to notice.

And if you’re thinking about selling sometime in the next year, these little maintenance items matter. Buyers notice a home that has been cared for.

You don’t have to do everything in one weekend.

Pick two or three things. Get those handled. Then move down the list.

That’s usually a whole lot easier than waiting until you’re standing outside in November rain trying to solve the problem.

Tips from Teresa: Take a cup of coffee and walk your property this week. You may be surprised what you notice.