Keep Your Cool and Get Ahead This Summer
June in Iowa brings long days, backyard barbecues, and that unmistakable hum of cicadas. While the urge to head straight for the hammock is strong (and understandable), taking care of a few home maintenance tasks now will help you avoid mid-summer headaches—and keep things running smoothly when the real heat hits.
🌀 1. Flip Your Ceiling Fans
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise for summer. This pushes cool air down and gives your A/C a break. While you're at it, grab a dust cloth—your guests don’t need a surprise snowstorm of lint.
🎨 2. Touch Up Exterior Paint
Inspect trim, doors, and siding for peeling or chipping paint. Touch-ups protect your home from the sun and rain, and they boost curb appeal with minimal effort (and cost).
🔥 3. Clean and Check the Grill
Grill season is here! Scrub off last year’s burger residue, check the burners, and make sure the propane tank isn’t running on fumes. A clean, functional grill keeps your summer cookouts safe—and tasty.
🪑 4. Spruce Up Outdoor Furniture
Give chairs and tables a wash, tighten bolts, and check for rust or wobbly legs. No one wants to test their balance when sitting down with a plate full of baked beans.
🧯 5. Clean the Dryer Vent
This one’s important. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard—and can make your dryer run less efficiently. Clear it out to keep things safe and energy-smart.
🌳 6. Trim Trees and Bushes Away from the House
Look for branches touching the siding or roof. Trimming them now protects your home from summer storm damage and discourages critters from using your roof as a shortcut.
🔋 7. Test Smoke and CO Detectors
Quick and easy. Hit the test button and replace batteries if needed. It’s one of those small things that can make a big difference.
🪵 8. Seal the Deck (If You Skipped It in May)
If the deck didn’t make the cut last month, June is still a good time. A fresh coat of sealer protects against sun damage and summer storms, and it makes your outdoor space look sharp.
Monthly maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just a few smart moves each month can keep your home in great shape and avoid expensive surprises when it’s time to sell.
Need help with any of these projects? I know trusted pros who can take care of it for you—just ask.
As a Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates, I specialize in buying and selling real estate throughout Central Iowa, including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. I proudly serve Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties.
📞 Call me, Jon Niemeyer, at 515-490-4675, and let’s find your dream home in Central Iowa!
Thank you for opening the first issue of Jon’s Homefront Chronicles! For those of you who have been a part of my Client Appreciation Program over the many years, you have been receiving a mailer at the beginning of each month as well as an emai
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Thank you for opening the first issue of Jon’s Homefront Chronicles! For those of you who have been a part of my Client Appreciation Program over the many years, you have been receiving a mailer at the beginning of each month as well as an emai
Recently, someone shared a family real estate dilemma and asked for my perspective. While I couldn't provide direct advice since I wasn’t involved, the scenario is a common one I’ve seen many times before. Here’s how it typically un