Date Archives: September 2015

Use these easy fall maintenance projects to keep your house in peak condition throughout the winter months.

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but not when they clog your gutters.  Fall is an ideal time to tackle home maintenance projects to protect your largest investment now and save cash later.

1. Clean the Gutters
   Ensure your home's gutters are clean before snowy weather begins to prevent ice dams and other roof damage. Water that melts from snow and ice on your roof needs a clear path to the ground. After cleaning the gutters, clear any obstructions from rainwater downspouts. Consider installing gutter guards.
   
   
2. Prep your Furnace
   Fall is a great time to get your furnace ready for the winter heating season. Replace the air filter, have an HVAC professional inspect the system and ensure that it is clean and properly functioning.
   
   
3. Check the Chimney
   Have your fireplace cleaned, inspected and repaired before you start using it to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  If you plan to use the fireplace during the winter, store your firewood in the fall so it will be ready when the cold weather hits.
   
   
4. Insulate the Home
   Is there an area of our home that is prone to drafts? While you are attending to fall home maintenance, take the time to ensure that your home's envelope is secure and well-sealed. You can find them by holding a lighted candle near windows and doors, watching for the flame to flicker. Replace seals and caulking or use window covering films if you have a draft problem.
   
   
5. Remove Leaves
   Leaves will be easier to remove in the fall rather than waiting for them to decompose under the snow and cause damage to your lawn.
   
   
6. Fertilize the Lawn
   Winter may be the dormant season for your lawn, but that does not mean it does not need to be fed. With proper winter fertilization, you can prevent winter damage and limit problems with spring weeds.
   
   
7. Prep Winter Equipment
   If you expect snow this winter, take the time to prep your snow blower and restock winter essentials like sale and snow shovels.
   
   
8. Repair Sidewalks and Driveways
   If you have cracks or similar problems on your sidewalks or driveway, they could get worse when exposed to freezing and thawing in the winter. Home maintenance in the fall can benefit from an attention to these problems.
   
   
9. Winterize Irrigation Systems
   Do not let water freeze in the lines of your irrigation system. Have your sprinkler or other irrigation system drained and checked before winter weather hits.
   
   
10. Prune Your Trees
    Finally, check your trees for dead or damaged limbs that could break when weighed down with snow or ice. If you notice any limbs close to your roof or power lines, trim them back before winter.
    
    

Fall home maintenance ensures your home is ready for winter and all that snow and ice can do to your home. If you are prepping to buy or sell a home this fall, contact the team at Old Dominion Realty for help and advice as you start the real estate process.

Let the Good Times Roll

"Let the Good Times Roll" will be the theme in Augusta County, VA at this year's Good Times Festival presented by Blue Ridge Beverage and Seven Arrows Brewing Company and hosted by the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Perhaps the perfect place in the Blue Ridge Mountains to find the best burgers, beverages, and bands on September 19, the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual signature event has been relocated to the Shenandoah Acres Family Campground.

With the goal of telling residents and visitors about the local Augusta community and businesses, the Chamber of Commerce will feature:

• A gourmet burger cook-off
• A battle of the bands and
• A beer competition featuring 30+ craft and domestic brews
• Virginia wines vendors will be sold by the glass

About the Good Times Festival

The Good Times Festival benefits the Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. However, it also embraces community spirit and brings people together for some serious fun.  This year's event takes place on Saturday, September 19 at Shenandoah Acres Family Campground. All ages are welcome, and the event features activities for the whole family. Some festival highlights include:

• Music – Listen to local artists and popular bands at two different stages. Gypsy Town, Jacob Paul Allen, Tara Mills, and Hound Dog Hill will perform on the smaller stage while the main stage has incredible acts like Jeremy Staubus, The Hacksensaw Boys, and Dylan Scott.

• Food – The Good Times Festival will introduce you to some of the best food in Virginia. Save room for BBQ, kettle corn, farm fresh fixings, and of course, burgers. The burger cook off is a main event that has local businesses battling it out for the coveted title.
  
  

• Drink – Augusta County is known for its craft beer and wine. Sip and taste your way around the festival to see what new offerings regional vendors have.
  
  
• Goods – Find jewelry, clothes, and more perusing the different vendors.
  
  
• Kid's Area – The littlest attendees won't be left out with a designated area of their own at the festival. Activities and fun will be waiting.

The festival runs from 12 - 5 p.m. and the concert from 5 - 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per car, and you can pre-purchase online. Preferred seating and VIP tickets are also available. Beer passes are $5, and the burger cook off sample tickets are $1 per slider.

With a little bit of planning, the Good Times Festival can be a weekend getaway. The Shenandoah Acres Family Campground has tent sites, RV sites, and cottages. With access to a beautiful lake and other wonderful amenities, your whole weekend can be a celebration of the wonderful area you live in, or would like to live in.

Contact the Great Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce if you are interested in volunteering during this event.

About Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is focused on the growth and development of area businesses, industry, and agriculture. The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber serves Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County and welcomes small businesses to large industrial complexes and remains true to their motto is, "Your Success is our Business!"

A Proud Sponsor of the Augusta County Community

Old Dominion Realty is a proud sponsor of the Good Times Festival. For us, introducing people to Augusta County and its surrounding communities is a worthwhile endeavor.  The festival has a positive impact on the region, one we are thrilled to be a part of.  If the Good Times Festival is enough to convince you to become a member of Augusta's community, contact one of our real estate agents to find your new home in Augusta County.