Winter Home Maintenance Tips

By Jonathan Priest

Shorter days and cooler weather make it tempting to curl up under a blanket and hibernate until spring. It’s a good plan, but before the snow flies, cross these six home improvement projects off your list.

1. Clean the gutters

 
The first snowfall of the season is not the time to learn your gutters are filled with debris or too loose to handle the weight of the snow. Falling leaves can create a buildup, and when it rains or eventually snows and the snow melts, the water will need a clear path to run. Making sure you have clear downspouts has the same reasoning, so that debris does not build up. Clean your gutters, or better yet hire a pro to tackle the job. While you're at it, look for areas where gutters are loose and may have torn away from the house. Reattach them using gutter spikes, brackets or hangers. Clean, well-secured gutters are essential to protect the foundation of your home and reduce the risk of basement flooding.

 
2. Check smoke detectors

Change the batteries in your smoke detector. As you are preparing your home for cooler months, Remember, if your alarm chirps—a sign the battery is low—replace it, no matter the time of year. Once you’ve replaced the batteries, test the smoke detector: It’s as simple as pushing the button to make sure the alarm goes off. Don’t ignore hardwired smoke detectors; many have battery backups and those batteries need to be replaced, too. You should also replace any smoke detectors that are over 10 years old. Alarms are constantly checking the air for smoke, and after 10 years, the effectiveness of the alarm may decrease.

 
3. Hire a chimney sweep

A chimney sweep isn’t just a character from Mary Poppins. These fireplace pros remove soot and creosote that build up in the chimney and pose a fire risk. A professional chimney sweep, certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), will clean the chimney and inspect the entire fuel venting system for warped metal on the damper, cracked or collapsed flue tiles, cracks in the exterior masonry and other signs of fire damage. The National Fire Protection Association recommends an annual chimney inspection. A clean chimney makes it safer to build a cozy fire in the winter; a chimney that has been swept not only helps prevent chimney fires but will also aid your fireplace to operate more efficiently as the smoke and other flue gases can exit the chimney more quickly.

  
4. Perform furnace maintenance

Call in the pros before turning on the heat. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace runs at peak efficiency. Without semiannual maintenance (in the spring before running the air conditioner and in the fall before turning on the heat), airborne allergens may get trapped in the filters, resulting in poor indoor air quality.

 
5. Winterize water pipes

Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that almost 30 percent of homeowners insurance claims were related to water damage and freezing. Make sure to drain outdoor water spigots and winterize water pipes to reduce the risk. You can winterize water pipes by locating your hose bib shut-off valve, which may be in a basement or crawl space, and turning it off at the source. For extra protection, purchase a Styrofoam cover that attaches over the outdoor spigots to keep them from freezing. These quick fixes can provide protection against the elements as temperatures drop. You may also want to shut off water to exterior faucets and drain sprinkler systems for extra protection against freezing pipes and water lines.

 
6. Assess windows and doors

Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. While these DIY fixes can reduce heat loss, a professional energy assessment can provide additional insights into areas where you may be losing heat and recommend fixes. Call your utility company to ask about their services or get a recommendation for a pro. Spending a few extra hours tackling these home improvement projects this fall will keep you warm and safe all winter long.

This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent, Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at jpriest1@farmersagent.com <

2025 Housing Market Forecast

By Nicole Foster, Broker/REALTOR

The housing market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of rising mortgage interest rates, and we are now past the usual lull we see in the weeks and months leading up to a contentious presidential election. Despite initial fears of a market downturn following unsustainable growth during the pandemic, the data now shows that the housing market is stabilizing rather than crashing.

Economists predict a significant increase in the number of single-family home sales in 2025 and 2026 compared to the past few years. The recent period has been characterized by tight inventory and elevated interest rates, which created challenging conditions for many. However, as these pressures ease, the market is expected to regain momentum. While home prices are forecasted to continue rising, the pace will be more moderate and reflective of the normalized growth observed in the latter half of 2024. This slower, steady appreciation is reminiscent of pre-pandemic trends, offering a sense of stability.

Home mortgage interest rates are also anticipated to stabilize at an average of approximately 6.08 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. Although a significant drop in home mortgage interest rates is not expected, the stabilization will bring much-needed predictability to buyers. Additionally, increased inventory for both existing homes and new builds will provide relief to those who have been sitting on the sidelines, discouraged by the competitive conditions of recent years.

One of the key trends affecting inventory has been the "lock-in effect." Many homeowners have felt tied to their current properties due to historically low mortgage rates of 2 percent to 3 percent, making the prospect of selling less appealing. However, this phenomenon is expected to diminish over time as market conditions normalize, encouraging more homeowners to list their properties and increasing the available inventory.

Currently, the median sales price for a single-family home in Windham stands at $580,000. Projections indicate that prices will rise modestly, with increases of 2 percent to 4 percent expected in both 2025 and 2026. These growth rates reflect a healthier balance between affordability and market value creating more opportunities for buyers to enter the market without facing the extreme price surges of recent years.

Research from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals that the average homeowner has gained approximately $147,000 in housing wealth over the past five years. This has widened the wealth gap between homeowners and renters, underscoring the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. As more inventory becomes available, improved affordability could help close this divide, making home ownership accessible to a broader demographic.

The majority of single-family homebuyers in the state are local, followed by buyers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Florida, and New York. Notably, single women have emerged as a significant group, accounting for approximately 24 percent of home purchases. Another growing segment includes multigenerational buyers and those pooling resources, reflecting broader social trends in family dynamics and economic cooperation.

Another development in recent years has been the increased use of home equity by buyers. Many homeowners are leveraging their accumulated wealth to make cash offers on their next property. Buyers are also. Some 25 percent of first-time home buyers used a gift or loan from a relative or friend for their home purchase and another 20 percent borrowed from their 401Ks or removed funds from other financial assets. This underscores the resilience of the housing market, as buyers find creative ways to navigate higher interest rates and other economic pressures.

However, challenges to affordability persist. The cost of homeownership continues to rise, influenced by factors such as increasing property taxes and rising homeowner's insurance premiums. These expenses add to the overall cost burden, particularly for first-time buyers who may already face difficulties saving for down payments. Addressing these affordability challenges will be crucial in ensuring a healthy and accessible housing market. By focusing on expanding inventory and addressing affordability challenges, the housing market can foster a more inclusive and sustainable environment for all participants.

Nicole Foster is a real estate Broker with nineteen years of experience helping buyers, sellers and investors in southern Maine. Follow Nicole on Instagram 207nicolefoster or facebook.com/sellingmaine. <

Why historic weather events are stretching home insurers to their limits in Maine

By Tricia Zwirner

Maine, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene coastal charm, is increasingly grappling with the impact of historic weather events. In recent years, the state has been buffeted by a series of unprecedented storms, including severe winter weather, intense rainfalls, and damaging hurricanes. These extreme weather phenomena are not only affecting the lives of residents but are also placing immense pressure on home insurance providers. Understanding how and why these events are stretching insurers to their limits is crucial for homeowners and policymakers alike.

Increased Frequency and Intensity of Claims

One of the primary reasons for the strain on home insurers in Maine is the rising frequency and intensity of weather-related claims. The state has witnessed a significant uptick in severe weather events, leading to a surge in claims from homeowners seeking assistance for damage. For example, record-breaking winter storms have caused heavy snowfall, leading to roof collapses and extensive property damage. Similarly, hurricanes and tropical storms have resulted in severe flooding, eroding coastal areas and damaging homes. Insurers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of claims, which has created a backlog in the claims processing system, making it difficult to provide timely support to policyholders.

Escalating Repair and Replacement Costs

The financial implications of these weather events extend beyond the number of claims. The costs associated with repairing and replacing damaged property have skyrocketed. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation, and increased demand for construction materials have led to higher prices for repairs. For instance, lumber and other building materials have seen significant price increases, affecting the overall cost of rebuilding. Insurers must account for these rising costs, which often leads to larger payouts for claims. This escalation can strain their financial resources and, in some cases, lead to increased premiums for homeowners.

Limited Availability of Qualified Contractors

In the aftermath of severe weather events, there is often a shortage of qualified contractors available to carry out necessary repairs. This limited availability can lead to delays in processing claims and completing repairs, which further exacerbates the strain on insurers. Homeowners may find themselves waiting weeks or even months for repairs to be completed, resulting in additional damage and frustration. The backlog of claims, coupled with a reduced pool of contractors, puts additional pressure on insurance companies to manage customer expectations while fulfilling their obligations.

Evolving Risk Assessment Models

Insurers traditionally rely on historical data to assess risk and set premiums. However, the changing nature of weather patterns due to climate change complicates this process. As Maine experiences more frequent and severe weather events, insurers must adapt their risk assessment models. This may result in increased premiums or changes in coverage options, as companies seek to align their pricing with the evolving landscape of risk. The challenge lies in accurately predicting future weather patterns while still providing affordable insurance options for homeowners.

Regulatory and Market Pressures

The rising claims and operational costs have led many insurers to raise premiums, limit coverage, or withdraw from high-risk areas altogether. This trend leaves homeowners with fewer options and higher costs, creating a cycle of financial strain for both insurers and policyholders. Regulatory pressures can also influence insurers’ decisions, as they navigate the complexities of state guidelines while trying to remain competitive in the market. Policymakers may face pressure to implement regulations that protect consumers from excessive rate hikes, but these measures can also limit insurers' ability to respond effectively to rising risks.

Long-Term Climate Trends

The impact of climate change means that historic weather events are likely to become more common in Maine. Insurers must develop new strategies to address these evolving risks, which often involve significant adjustments to their business models and pricing structures. Some insurers are exploring alternative insurance models that incorporate climate risks more effectively, such as parametric insurance, which offers payouts based on specific weather triggers rather than traditional claims processes. However, these models require a fundamental rethinking of how insurance products are designed and delivered.

Emotional and Financial Strain on Homeowners

The consequences of these weather events extend beyond physical damage; they also take a toll on homeowners’ emotional and financial well-being. Many residents experience stress and anxiety as they navigate the complexities of recovering from storm damage, compounded by fears of rising insurance costs. This emotional strain can lead to increased scrutiny of insurance practices and heightened expectations for support from insurers.

Conclusion

The combination of rising claims, escalating costs, limited contractor availability, and changing risk landscapes is pushing home insurers in Maine to their limits. As historic weather events continue to challenge the industry, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative approaches is more urgent than ever. Insurers, policymakers, and homeowners must work together to develop strategies that enhance resilience and ensure that all parties can navigate the complexities of an increasingly volatile climate.

By fostering open communication, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting disaster preparedness, stakeholders can better equip themselves to face the challenges ahead. Through education, collaboration, and strategic planning, Maine can navigate the intricacies of climate change while ensuring its residents are protected and supported in the face of future storms.

Tricia Zwirner is a State Farm agent celebrating her 21st year in Windham. She and her team would love to hear from you and can be reached via phone and text at 207-892-2864 or via email at tricia@TRICIAZWIRNER.com. <