Getting Your Home and Business Ready for Arizona Winter Visitors

October in the West Valley brings a welcome change. Mornings are cooler, patios fill back up and license plates from Minnesota, Washington and Alberta start showing up in grocery store parking lots again. Winter visitors are on their way, and with them comes one of the busiest stretches of the year.

Whether you are a homeowner expecting guests or a business owner ready for more customers, now is the time to prepare.

For homeowners: getting the house ready

If you are a part-time resident returning to a home that sat closed up for the summer, or a full-time resident hosting family for the season, a little preparation goes a long way.

Check what the summer left behind

Months of heat and monsoon storms can take a toll. Walk around and look for:

Roof and gutter issues from storms, like slipped tiles or debris
Signs of pests that moved in while the house was quiet
Plumbing leaks, especially under sinks and around water heaters
Pool equipment that needs service after a hot summer
Landscaping and irrigation that needs adjusting as temperatures drop

Service your systems

The AC worked hard all summer, and the heat may not have run in months. A fall check on your heating system makes sure it is ready for chilly nights. It is also a good time to replace air filters and test smoke detectors.

Freshen things up

A deep clean, carpet cleaning or a fresh coat of paint can make a home feel welcoming for the season. Book early, because many service providers fill their calendars quickly this time of year.

Review your paperwork

Fall is a sensible time to review homeowners insurance, update any home watch arrangements and make sure contact information is current with your HOA and service providers.

For businesses: ready for more customers

Winter visitors are a big part of the West Valley economy. Many are retirees with time to shop, dine out, golf, tackle home projects and try new services. Here is how to be ready:

Update your online presence

Many seasonal residents will search for businesses as soon as they arrive. Make sure your Google Business Profile has current hours, photos and services. Check that your website loads well on phones and makes it easy to contact you.

Staff up and stock up

If you expect more traffic, plan staffing and inventory now. Customers notice long waits and empty shelves.

Welcome back returning customers

If you have seasonal clients from past years, reach out with a friendly "welcome back" message. A short email or postcard reminding them of your services can bring them back before a competitor gets their attention.

Think about what seasonal residents need

Part-time residents often have specific needs: home watch services, someone to check on the property when they leave in spring, help getting a home ready on arrival, or trusted local professionals they can call on short notice. If your business can help, say so clearly.

Lean on trusted local referrals

Seasonal residents often ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, since they may not know many local businesses. That makes word of mouth especially powerful this time of year. When you have relationships with other trusted professionals, you can help your clients find what they need and receive introductions in return.

A homeowner who needs a roofer probably also needs a cleaner, a painter or someone to check on the house next summer. Being part of a network that can answer those needs makes you more valuable to every client you serve.

Make the most of the season

The months between October and spring are when many West Valley businesses do their best work. A little preparation now helps you and your customers enjoy it.

Looking for trusted West Valley professionals to refer your clients to? BNI A1 Networkers meets every Thursday at 7:00 AM at Brothers Family Restaurant in Peoria. Plan your visit.