Your Pre-Winter Home Checklist: What Every Brainerd Lakes Homeowner Should Do Before the Snow Hits

You can feel it in the air.
The mornings are frosty.
The docks are coming out.
And that first snowflake is probably closer than you think.

If you live in the Brainerd Lakes Area, you know what’s coming.
And you also know that once winter hits, it hits hard.

So whether you’re planning to stay put or preparing to list soon, there are a few things you should take care of before winter moves in for good.

Here’s your no-nonsense, pre-winter home checklist for Brainerd Lakes homeowners.

Clean Those Gutters

Falling leaves are beautiful
Until they clog your gutters and create ice dams that ruin your roofline

Before the snow flies, make sure your gutters are cleared and draining away from the foundation
This one step can save you thousands

Shut Off and Drain Exterior Water Lines

Frozen outdoor faucets are a silent disaster
Once the temperature drops, leftover water expands and bursts the pipes

Turn off the valve inside your house
Then drain everything
No exceptions

Inspect the Roof and Chimney

Now’s the time to grab binoculars or hire a professional
Look for cracked shingles, loose flashing, or chimney damage

Better to fix it in November than discover a leak in February

Seal Up Drafts

Check your windows and doors for air leaks
Use caulk or weather stripping where needed
Your energy bill will thank you

Pro tip: hold a candle near the edges on a breezy day
If it flickers, air is coming in

Furnace Tune-Up

Your furnace should not be going into battle without a warm-up
Have it serviced and change the filter

If you're selling soon, this can also be a nice “checked the boxes” point to show buyers

Prep the Yard and Landscaping

Blow out your irrigation system
Trim back branches that could fall under heavy snow
Store lawn furniture or cover it

These little things go a long way toward making spring less of a mess

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Did you know ceiling fans have a reverse switch
Set them to spin clockwise in the winter
This pushes warm air down from the ceiling where it actually helps you

Yes, it makes a difference

Think About Snow Removal Now

Don’t wait until the first storm to realize your shovel is cracked or your plow guy is booked

Line things up now
It’s one less thing to worry about when the flakes start flying

Bonus Tip for Sellers

Thinking of listing this winter or early spring
Doing this checklist now makes your home show-ready later
A clean, well-maintained house is attractive even with a snow-covered roof

And buyers notice when you’ve taken care of the details

Final Thoughts

Owning a home in northern Minnesota is a privilege
But it comes with its own set of responsibilities

Take a few hours this week and cross these things off your list
Your future self – and your house – will thank you

CTA

Need help finding vendors or prepping your home for a winter sale
I have a full list of trusted local pros and can walk you through your options
Text or call me at 218‑821‑3312 or visit BrainerdLakesHomeSearch.com
Let’s make sure your home is winter-ready