Winter is coming. Time to Winterize those vacant homes.

Winter is coming. Getting your clients to protect their vacant homes.

• Cover outside faucets with insulation.
• Turn off water at the main valve.
• Turn off propane or natural gas.
• Keep the heat on low if possible.
• Put anti-freeze in the toilet bowl and tank.
• If in doubt get a professional to do it for you.

If you are turning off the gas to the house and the pilot will be out on the hot water heater it will need to be drained.

The two most important things to remember is protecting your water and heating systems.

As a Realtor I do not mind checking on a client's vacant house but I do make them sign a paper that I am not responsible for winterizing their vacant home. If the owners do not live in the area I ask them if the have a preference on a plumber and electrician.

Some people are very up on keeping their homes winterized. Others procrastinate. The one's that procrastinate can be a little frustrating. I gently remind them that the cost of repairing the damage will greatly out weigh the time it will take to prepare their home for the winter.

Here in Iowa we are getting ready for winter. Stay warm.