As August draws to a close and summer's heat starts to wane, it is the perfect time to head outside and inspect your home for any areas that need attention. A well-maintained home is not only a safer one for you and your family, but it also is more valuable when the time comes to sell it. Here are a few outdoor home maintenance tasks for your to-do list before autumn rolls around:

Prune dead limbs and branches: Make sure that your trees and shrubbery have been trimmed. If you have any dead trees in your yard, consider having them removed as they may pose a danger during cold spells or winter storms.

Clean the gutters and downspouts: During a downpour, a clogged gutter can send substantial amounts of water down the side of your home, which can damage the siding, foundation, and landscaping. Thoroughly cleaning and inspecting your gutters every spring and fall will help to keep them in good working condition.

Check the roof: Look at the portion of your roof that is in direct sun and notice if shingles are curling or losing granules; this is a sign that the shingles need to be closely inspected and possibly replaced.

Seal air leaks: Check your home for drafts that may occur due to cracks around windows or doors. Use a calking material to fix cracks in stationary house components like doorframes and weather stripping.

Clean your seasonal items: As cold weather begins to set in, you will need to pack away your summer gear. To prepare these items for storage, take the time to clean off dirt and grime and do some maintenance work. This includes scrubbing the grates of your grill, lubricating hand tools with oil, emptying out your mower's gas tank, and draining garden hoses.

Test all safety equipment: As temperatures turn cooler, many people turn on their heating systems, which, in the case of natural gas furnaces, can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's a good time to test all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and home security alarms.

Once you have decided if you are ready to purchase a home, call me to set up an appointment! I can help you understand how much you can afford and review your home buying options with you!