If you’re a homeowner, you already know that keeping your property in the best possible shape requires dedication and patience for ongoing maintenance. But what if you’re putting your home on the market? Maybe you’re thinking: Not my problem anymore! (We wish!) Well, just because you’re selling doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from routine maintenance tasks – especially if you’ve already moved out and are no longer living there.
A well-cared-for house shows better: Small things like leaky faucets and broken doorbells make buyers wonder if your home also has bigger issues elsewhere. But more importantly, a little routine maintenance can help you avoid bigger problems down the line (think not-so-fun stuff like burst pipes, roof leaks, any and all sorts of critters moving into your attic) that could devalue your property and derail that sale!😱 To prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown 🚨situations🚨, focus on these 3 important areas you can’t afford to neglect.
Keep Up Your Yard and Walkways
Curb appeal is key! If your home doesn’t have a well-maintained exterior, potential buyers will keep driving. Whether or not you’re still living in your home, you’ll want to make sure to keep your landscaping tidy: remove dead tree limbs, rake leaves, and clean out flower beds. If your home’s already vacant, have someone tend to the yard regularly so that grass and weeds don’t detract from your home’s appearance (we’ve got great landscaping rec’s if you need one!). Another advantage? Signs of neglect can encourage break-ins. Consider having lights on timers so your house doesn’t look dark all the time, and arrange for driveways and walkways to be plowed in the winter months. Also, be sure to avoid letting mail pile up in the mailbox or newspapers collecting in the driveway!
Clean The Gutters and Check The Roof
This one’s easy to forget about, even if you’re still living in your home! That said, when it comes to gutter and roof issues, neglect can cause a dangerous domino effect. Overflowing gutters can damage your foundation and also lead to drainage issues – AKA 2 major problems! – not to mention, you don’t want buyers seeing puddling water as they approach your house.
Aaand then there’s the roof. While it would be examined during a home inspection should your buyer have one, it could benefit you to have a look at it before putting your home on the market. Small roof cracks can remain undetected for years, causing water to slowly infiltrate your home and damage ceilings and walls – big yikes.
Service Your Heating Systems
The hidden guts of your home need regular attention, whether you’re still living there or not. That means having your HVAC systems professionally serviced. First up, your furnace: If you get it addressed before you list your home, it won’t smell like dust when you crank up the heat during an open house on a chilly day. While you’re at it, have the duct work and filters cleaned as well. And if you have baseboard heaters, vacuum those out, too.
Speaking of heat, it is suggested to keep the thermostat at 66 degrees Fahrenheit when agents are showing your house so buyers can visit your place comfortably. This will also avoid any issues with pipes freezing or bursting in the colder months.
Have a chimney? Be sure to have it inspected and cleaned as well. You want to make sure there are no cracked flue tiles, and that from the exterior, there are no gaps in the mortar between the bricks. Otherwise, you could potentially have the chimney fall over onto the house, and that’s a very expensive fix.
