Remember to keep your listed homes (especially the vacant ones) defended against these freezing temperatures. Global warming aside, we're not peeking up beyond freezing here in Texas for several days. The wind is blowing a big TX gale, and many homes may not have hose bib covers or heat operating.
Talk to your clients, make sure they have safeguarded their pipes, and for those vacant homes you may want to stop by a local hardward store and pick up some hose bib covers. Better yet: what a generous thing it would be to call your occupied homeowners with listings and offer to bring them a few covers? A time-saving, errand-saving goodwill gesture such as this will be remembered.
Other suggestions:
Kitty litter on walkways to prevent slipping on ice patches (especially where the house or trees may shade the walkway and delay melting).
Open the drapes during the day to allow solar heating of homes (one listing of mine registered a cheery 67 degrees two days ago, when it was 43 degrees outside but sunny).
Program the thermostats to offer more heat after dark than in the daytime.
Most of all, keep on top of changing weather conditions and drive carefully to all showings and appointments. Stay safe, fellow realtors, and do what you can to prevent disastrous frozen pipes. Your clients will appreciate your efforts.
