Is your home ready for winter?

There’s something about October that makes us suddenly notice all the jobs around the house we’ve been successfully ignoring since spring.

The boiler gets switched back on.

The heating goes up a notch.

We discover that one window has apparently never been completely draught-proof.

And somewhere in the back of our minds is the thought: Did we ever get that gutter fixed?

October is actually a good time for a little home MOT before the colder, wetter months arrive.

It could be as simple as:

• checking your boiler and heating,
• clearing gutters,
• looking for any obvious roof or pipework problems and
• making sure your home insurance still reflects your circumstances.

If you’ve made improvements, bought some expensive new items or changed how you’re using your home, it may be worth checking your Buildings & Contents cover too.

While you’re doing your household MOT, why not give your mortgage a quick check as well?

When does your current deal end?

Are you likely to need to remortgage in the next six months?

Has anything changed since you took your mortgage out – your income, your plans, the value of your home or perhaps your family circumstances?

You don’t necessarily need to do anything.

Sometimes the best thing is simply knowing where you stand.

And if your mortgage deal is coming to an end, getting organised early gives you more time to understand your options, rather than leaving everything until the last minute.

So, before the nights get darker, the heating gets higher, and we’re all reaching for the electric blanket, October could be the perfect month for a little financial and household MOT.

If you’d like us to check your mortgage, or you have a question about your insurance or protection, just get in touch.

We’re always happy to have a chat – even if the answer is simply, “You’re all sorted, see you next year!”

Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.