Check the Exterior, Doors & Windows: Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them. Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows. Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood. If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields. Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.
Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts: If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams. Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home. Replace worn roof shingles or tiles. Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
Service Weather-Specific Equipment: Drain gas from lawnmowers. Service or tune-up snow blowers. Replace worn snow shovels. Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment. Buy bags of ice-melt/sand.
Prevent Plumbing Freezes: Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. Drain all garden hoses and insulate exposed plumbing pipes. Contact a landscaper to blow the standing water out of your sprinkler system. Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off. If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
Monthly Sales Analysis:
Here are the Nov'08 statistics compiled from the NWMLS sales from homes under $10,000,000. 
Enjoy something delicious and sweet to celebrate the holidays with.
Mark your calendar and please join us on Wednesday, December 17th, 9:00am-9:30am for this month's update on real estate. (We have rescheduled the call this month due to the Christmas and New Years.) 
