Enjoy this month's newsletter. And, please us me know if we can be of service to you or your family and friends in real estate.

Hold onto your hot coco, folks! Fall is nearly here, which means it's time to get your South Carolina home ready for some cooler weather, leaves a-fallin', and maybe even some major storms. Living near the Atlantic Coast during the fall and winter months can mean bracing for some serious weather events, thanks to hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30.

Get your home prepped and primed for autumn with these easy-peasy maintenance tasks. While most of these can be tackled by homeowners themselves, it doesn't hurt to call in the cavalry to help. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine, and that's especially true for home maintenance. So, invest a little time and money now and save a ton in the long run.

As autumn breezes in with its vibrant leaves, it's time to give your home a bit of TLC. With every gust of wind, your gutters become a leafy wonderland, which is lovely, but not so much for your home's foundation. Blocked and overflowing gutters can cause water to flow where it shouldn't. So, get your ladder and cleaning gear to make sure the water can flow freely and away from your beautiful home. Don't forget to repeat this chore after the leaves have finished their dance to the ground.

While you're up there, give your roof a once-over. Any missing, peeling, or broken shingles can allow water to slip in, causing serious damage and even worse costs. Replace any broken components to keep your roof sealed tight. Check for any sagging bits and have a pro take a closer look. If your roof has seen better days, it may be time to consider a new one before the next big storm hits.

 Say goodbye to pesky air leaks! Those little drafts around your windows and doors are like tiny escape hatches for your precious warm and cool air, making your HVAC work overtime. If you live in the South, chilly dips in temperature can make your home feel like a fridge without proper sealing! 
Thankfully, weatherstripping is your knight in shining armor for smaller leaks. Older homes, on the other hand, may require a bit more TLC with new windows and doors or fixing sagging walls and floors.

But wait, there's more! Don't forget the "V" in HVAC! Proper ventilation keeps allergens and pollutants at

bay while circulating fresh, conditioned air throughout your home. Keep an eye on your HVAC's working parts and note any funky smells, weird noises, or possible blockages in the ducts. Keep the area around your outside unit clean and 

tidy to ensure optimal airflow. Last but not least, change your filter monthly to keep your system shipshape. If you're ever unsure, call in an HVAC pro to point you in the right direction. 

 This is a good time to give your fireplace a little TLC. Every year, before autumn hits, have a pro inspect and clean it to keep smoke flowing free and avoid fiery surprises. Also, keep your little ones away from the hearth and keep flammables out of reach. Don't forget to stock up on fireplace tools and use a screen to keep hot embers from straying.

For some in the Low Country, we bid farewell to our beloved pools and get ready for the fall season. Closing down your pool is a big job, but it guarantees that your equipment and pool are in top shape for next summer. From storing away equipment to shocking the water, there are many steps to this process. And don't forget to give your pool a good scrub before shutting it down and reopening it next year. If you want to save time and energy, consider enlisting the help of a local pool pro. Trust us, it's worth the investment! 

This is also a good time to review your home's safety measures. Double-check your gas and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. Make sure your fire extinguishers are in top working order and that everyone in the family knows their location and how to use them. Map out an escape plan, especially if you have a multi-story home, and designate an assembly point outside. Test and lubricate all locks, and replace any that are worn or stiff. Don't forget to give your home alarm system a thorough check-up, including all windows and doors, cameras, and audible alerts.

 Darren & I want everyone to be safe and enjoy their homes in the coming fall and winter seasons. Use this handy checklist to prepare your home for the change in seasons.

Are you ready to make a move? Call us we are here to serve. 

843.790.4463

Darren.PricelessProperties@gmail.com

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