The recent wildfires in Eastern Washington remind us that disasters don't always happen when we're home. A friend of mine here in Seattle told me last week about his aquaintance who put his home for sale and moved out during the sales process. It was in the fire evacuation area near Spokane. Fortunately, the home survived the fire with only minor damage. But when the homeowner contacted their insurance company to file a claim, they were told the damage might not be covered be

It might seem odd to be thinking about frozen pipes and winter storms when the sun is shining and you're enjoying summer in the Pacific Northwest. But if you plan to spend part—or all—of the winter away from home, now is actually the best time to prepare. Every year, we visit homes that have been carefully locked up by their owners, only to discover problems that could have been prevented with a little planning before winter arrived. Here are three of the biggest risks for un

If you're heading out for a vacation or leaving your home for the winter, here's one item that should be on your checklist: mouse prevention. Every year, we find signs of rodent activity in some vacant homes we monitor. An empty house is the perfect environment for mice—it's quiet, warm, and undisturbed. Once they find a way in, they often invite the rest of the family! The good news? A little preparation before you leave can go a long way. Before You Leave • Remove food sour