Fall in Montana never seems to last quite long enough. One week we’re enjoying warm afternoons and fall colors, and the next we’re scraping windshields and trying to remember if the sprinklers were ever blown out. That makes October a great time to take care of some basic home maintenance. A little work now can help prevent expensive surprises when the snow starts to fly.

Start with Water: If you’ve lived in Bozeman for long, you know what freezing temps can do to plumbing. Disconnect garden hoses, drain exterior faucets when necessary, and make arrangements to have your underground sprinklers blown out. Its also worth checking garages, crawlspaces, and any other unheated spaces for exposed plumbing. If you own rentals, remember to check in on those as well.

Take a Look at the Roof: You don’t necessarily need to climb onto the roof. From the ground, look for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, and anything else that appears out of place. Clean leaves and debris from the gutters, and make sure those downspout extensions are in place to kick water out and away from the foundation. When the snow melts, you’ll want it to have an easy path to move off the roof and away from the home.

Prep the Heating System: Don’t wait for the first zero-degree morning to discover the furnace isn’t working properly. Replace any filters and line up a technician to service the furnace or boiler, especially if it hasn’t been inspected recently. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, have the chimney and flues cleaned and inspected.

Hunt Down the Drafts: Montana winters have a way of revealing poorly sealed windows and doors. Check weatherstripping and caulking around windows and exterior doors for obvious gaps where cold air can enter. The attic is also worth investigating. Proper insulation and ventilation can make a difference in both comfort and heating bills.

Don’t Forget the Toys Outside: Fall is a great time to put away hoses, patio furniture, and anything else you don’t want buried under snow until April. Trim questionable tree limbs, especially those hanging over the house, driveway, or power lines. And think about snow before it flies. Make sure the snowblower is ready to go and see if the shovels need replacing. The hardware store always seems to run out after the first big dump of the season.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way: One thing we’ve repeatedly seen in real estate is that deferred maintenance tends to compound. A small leak becomes damaged drywall. Failed caulking becomes water intrusion. Dirty, clogged furnace filters lead to poor performance. You don’t have to tackle it all at once, but a few hours spent taking care of your home this fall could save thousands of dollars and a lot of aggravation this winter. If we get lucky, we’ll get a big snow year and you can enjoy the slopes instead of dealing with headaches at home!

As usual, I have included data for the number of single-family homes sold in Bozeman during the first eight months of 2026. Year to date, 486 single family homes have sold in and around Bozeman, up from 451 at this time last year. Pending sales are currently sitting at 86 homes, which is down just slightly from this time last year when 91 homes were pending or under contract.

The included data reflects sales of homes in the greater Bozeman area, including Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Bridger Canyon, and within Bozeman city limits. The data includes home sales reported through the local Big Sky Country MLS, and does not include private party sales, condominiums, or townhouses.