Routine Maintenance of Your Home

While all of us are not currently in the market to buy or sell, studies show that we most likely will be within the next 7 years.  With that in mind, it’s always good to be keeping the care of your home before you so you don’t have any costly surpises awaiting you when it’s your time to go on the market.  With warmer weather here to stay, now is the time to get outside and see what needs to be maintained in your home.

As a starter, what does the paint look like?  Keeping a fresh coat of paint on your home instantly makes it more appealing to potential buyers and shows that you are a responsible and caring homeowner.  That will at least peak interest to see the inside of the home.

Have a regular termite inspection done.  Even though you may not see any visible signs of termites yet, that doesn’t mean they may not be eating away already on a corner of your home.

Change your air filters.  Not only does this keep your air conditioning cooler, it also cuts down on problems that arise with the unit itself. 

Seal any cracks in windows, doors or tile areas on the inside or outside of your home with caulk or sealant so water won’t be able to seep into walls, ceilings or floors. 

Regualrly inspect your pipes, hoses and air ducts.  Be sure there are no holes or leaks in these to keep from having water damage or increased utility bills.

Keep an eye on your homes foundation.  All homes will do some settling over time and the changes in weather contribute to this.  Do your best to make sure no major shifts occur that could be costly to repair.

Keep your lawn looking good.  Putting fertilizer on your lawn and killing the weeds gives an added curb appeal to your home.  As does keeping fresh flowers and well manicured shrubs.  These items contribute to the whole feel of your home and will cause future buyers to remember your property when they think of well maintained homes.

Even if you do all of these things, home damages do occur.  The best thing to do in these cases is to fix the problem immediately.  A hole in a wall or a slightly leaking pipe may not seem like a big deal at the time.  However, the longer you wait to fix these common problems, the more potential damage can be done and only adds to the final repair bill.

If you do decide to list your home on the market soon, don’t forget to give us a call first.  Part of our listing appointment includes looking at the home and offering suggestions for ways to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.  While trends do change, it’s our job to stay on top of what sells.  Let us help you whenever you’re ready!

Exterior improvements give more of a return when remodeling

There is an annual report that examines the cost versus value for home remodeling.  The report is helpful for those who are considering making improvements to their homes, especially if their home is one that they consider selling in the near future.  Historically, bedrooms and bathrooms are where people consider spending their money but the return on the remodel investment is not necessarily there.

According to the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report the best return for your money are exterior improvements that often are lower cost projects to begin with.  Adding decks, replacing siding, new doors and windows are among projects that recoup the most money when re-selling a home.  The return on these projects is typically 80% or more.

The annual report shows how important first impressions are.  If you are considering selling your home make sure that the exterior is as eye catching as it can be.

Click here to learn more about remodeling costs versus value at The National Association of Realtors’ website.