January in New Brunswick is not just cold. It is demanding. Heavy snow, freeze-thaw cycles, ice storms, and extended sub-zero temperatures all put stress on your home. This is the month where small oversights can quietly turn into expensive repairs if ignored.

Whether you plan to sell this year or simply want to protect your investment, here are the most important things homeowners in New Brunswick should be doing in January.

1. Keep Snow and Ice Away From Your Foundation

Snow buildup around your home might look harmless, but when temperatures fluctuate, melting snow can refreeze and force water toward your foundation.

What to do:

• Shovel snow at least 1 to 2 feet away from foundation walls

• Clear window wells completely to prevent water intrusion

• Break up ice buildup near downspouts and walkways

Why it matters: Water intrusion in winter often goes unnoticed until spring, when foundation cracks or basement moisture appear.

2. Check Your Attic for Heat Loss and Moisture

January is the best time to spot insulation problems because temperature differences are at their peak.

What to do:

• Look for frost buildup or damp insulation in the attic

• Check for uneven snow melt on your roof, which can indicate heat loss

• Ensure attic ventilation is not blocked by snow or insulation

Why it matters: Poor attic insulation leads to higher heating bills, ice dams, and long-term roof damage.

3. Prevent Ice Dams Before They Start

Ice dams are common in New Brunswick due to frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

What to do:

• Remove heavy snow from roof edges using a roof rake

• Ensure gutters are clear before major snowfalls

• Seal air leaks from the home into the attic, especially around attic hatches and bathroom fans

Why it matters: Ice dams force water under shingles, often causing hidden interior damage that only becomes visible months later.

4. Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts

Cold air leaks are most noticeable in January and are easy to fix.

What to do:

• Check for drafts around windows and exterior doors

• Replace worn weatherstripping

• Use temporary solutions like window film if needed

Why it matters: Drafty homes cost more to heat and can be a red flag for buyers during winter showings.

5. Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels

New Brunswick winters are dry, but too much indoor humidity can be just as problematic.

What to do:

• Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 40%

• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms

• Watch for condensation on windows, which signals excess moisture

Why it matters: High humidity in winter can lead to mold growth, window damage, and peeling paint.

6. Service Your Heating System

Your heating system is working its hardest right now.

What to do:

• Replace furnace or heat pump filters monthly during winter

• Listen for unusual noises or uneven heating

• Ensure exterior heat pump units are clear of snow and ice

Why it matters: Breakdowns in January are costly, inconvenient, and sometimes preventable with simple maintenance.

7. Check for Ice and Snow Safety Hazards

January is prime time for slips, falls, and insurance claims.

What to do:

• Keep walkways and steps clear and well-sanded

• Inspect railings for stability

• Ensure exterior lighting is working during shorter daylight hours

Why it matters: Safe access is essential for everyday life and especially important if your home is on the market.

8. Plan Indoor Projects Strategically

While outdoor work is limited, January is perfect for planning and small interior upgrades.

Good winter projects:

• Decluttering and organizing storage areas

• Touch-up painting in well-ventilated spaces

• Planning spring maintenance or renovations

Why it matters: Homes that are well-maintained year-round hold value better and show pride of ownership.

Final Thoughts

January is not a month to ignore your home. In New Brunswick, winter maintenance is about protection, prevention, and preparation. The steps you take now can save you thousands later and make your home stronger, safer, and more market-ready when spring arrives.

If you are thinking about selling this year or want advice specific to your home, winter is actually a great time to start the conversation.

In today’s shifting market, the Realtors® who rise above aren’t necessarily the ones with the flashiest marketing or the biggest client list. They’re the ones who can master tough pricing conversations, with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

The Truth About Pricing

Every seller wants the best possible price for their home. That’s natural. But sometimes, expectations and reality don’t line up. Maybe it’s the neighbour’s sale they’re comparing to. Maybe it’s what they “need” to get out of the home. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking.

As Realtors®, our role isn’t to fuel unrealistic expectations. It’s to guide. To educate. To protect our clients from the disappointment of sitting on the market too long, chasing price reductions, and ultimately selling for less than they could have if they had been positioned correctly from day one.

Why the Conversation Feels Hard

Let’s be honest, telling someone their home isn’t worth what they think it is can feel uncomfortable. No one enjoys delivering news that could sting. That’s why many REALTOR® avoid it, hoping the market will prove them right later.

But here’s the thing: waiting weeks to “be proven right” doesn’t serve your clients. It doesn’t serve your business. And it doesn’t serve your reputation as a trusted advisor.

The Key: Truth + Compassion + Data

This isn’t about sugarcoating. It’s not about blaming the market. It’s about:

• Being brave enough to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Showing compassion so clients know you’re on their side.

• Using data to back up your advice, so it’s not opinion, it’s evidence.

• Speaking with confidence, so your clients trust you.

When these pieces come together, pricing conversations shift from confrontation to collaboration.

What Top REALTORS® Do Differently

1. Set expectations early. Don’t wait three weeks to say what you knew on day one.

2. Frame it as partnership. “My job is to help you get the most, in the least amount of time, with the least stress.”

3. Show the numbers. Recent sales, days on market, average list-to-sale ratios. Let the data do the talking.

4. Be consistent. Deliver the same message with kindness and clarity every time you meet.

The Long Game

Yes, you may lose a listing by telling the truth upfront. But you’ll gain something much more important: credibility, trust, and reputation. And often, that client comes back later, ready to work with the agent who was honest from the start.

Final Thought

The REALTOR® who will still be standing a year from now aren’t the ones who avoided hard conversations. They’re the ones who leaned into them, bravely, kindly, and confidently.

Tell the truth. Kindly. Confidently. Now.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time to refresh your living space. Here are some essential housekeeping tips to prepare your home for the cozy months ahead.

1. Declutter and Organize

Start by decluttering your space. Go through your closets, cabinets, and living areas. Donate items you no longer need and organize your belongings. This not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also makes it easier to find seasonal items.

2. Deep Clean Before the Holidays

With holiday gatherings on the horizon, a thorough deep clean is a must. Focus on areas that may have been neglected, such as baseboards, windows, and behind appliances. Don’t forget to clean your carpets and upholstery to refresh your home’s appearance.

3. Swap Out Seasonal Decor

Embrace the beauty of fall by switching out your decor. Incorporate warm colors with pumpkins, gourds, and autumn leaves. A cozy throw blanket or seasonal candles can add a touch of warmth and make your space feel inviting.

4. Prepare for Winter

Check your heating system to ensure it’s ready for colder weather. Clean or replace filters, and consider scheduling a professional maintenance check. Also, inspect windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps to keep your home cozy.

5. Outdoor Maintenance

Don’t forget the exterior! Rake leaves, trim shrubs, and prepare your garden for winter. Store outdoor furniture and check your gutters to prevent clogs that can lead to water damage.

6. Create a Cleaning Schedule

Establish a weekly cleaning routine that suits your lifestyle. Incorporate fall-specific tasks like organizing seasonal clothes or cleaning out the garage, making it easier to manage household chores.

7. Embrace the Season’s Senses

Finally, fill your home with the scents of fall. Light candles with cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice fragrances to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

By following these tips, you can ensure your home is not only tidy but also a beautiful haven for the fall season. Happy housekeeping!