PRESS RELEASE

(November, 2006) – Our weekly discussion about real estate bubbles, markets, and crystal balls is being preempted this week by Mother Nature. colder weather has arrived, and winter is just around the corner. If you're a procrastinator like me, you've put off fall chores around the house until the last minute - leaf raking and gutter cleaning come immediately to mind. Here are some items to be thoughtful of if you haven't put away your summer clothes yet! And if you are considering putting your home on the market, the following items can make a big impact on your home's first impression with potential buyers during the upcoming winter months.

Window Cleaning. A spring chore, many of you say; however, I propose you imagine how beautiful a snowy landscape would look from the inside with sparkling clean windows at this time of year. Even better, splurge a little and have all your windows and screens cleaned professionally. This will give your home a whole new look. Let the sun shine in!

Fireplace, chimney, and furnace check. There's probably nothing better than having a warm fire burning brightly in the fireplace during a cold fall or winter night. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly based on your usage may help prevent a damaging chimney fire. And, if you haven't already done so, make an appointment with your oil or gas service provider to have your heating system inspected, having routine maintenance performed if necessary.

Whether you heat with oil or gas, call your fuel provider to inquire about service contracts on the heating equipment you own. Be sure to read the fine print so there are no surprises as to exactly what items are covered in the contract. Also, if you heat with oil, shop around for the best deal. A 20 cent per gallon savings, for example, means you save $55 on each 275 gallon fill. Now, there's some extra gas or grocery money for you!

Let it snow! Prepare your home for snow and ice this winter. Check the condition of your power snow equipment, and tune up if necessary. If you are planning to hire someone to plow your driveway, make that call as soon as possible to inquire about rates and services before the first snow falls - you may be left shoveling that driveway on your own!

The Holidays. There's no stopping them, so you must not delay your holiday planning any longer. Plan menus, get-together's, trips, gift-giving, and decorating your home this weekend. Involve the entire family - you will need the help! And, if you live in a condo, check with your association before lighting up that plastic Santa outside your front door - there may be a by-law!

Norman Silliker, Realtor®, ABR, GRI, is a residential sales associate in the H. Pearce Company's New Haven Office, 32 Whitney Ave.

H. Pearce Company REALTORS® is a full-service real estate company with more than 140 agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline. Corporate and Industrial & Commercial offices are located in North Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com.