Selling Your Home?

Don't Neglect These 6 Maintenance Tasks, If you're a 

homeowner,  you already know that keeping your property in tiptop shape requires dedication and patience for ongoing maintenance. But what if you've put your home on the market, or even accepted an offer? 

Sure, a well-cared-for house shows better:Small things like broken doorbells and leaky faucets make buyers wonder if your property also has bigger issues elsewhere. But more important, a little routine maintenance can help you avoid a catastrophic problem down the line (e.g., burst pipes, roof leaks, critters moving into your attic) that could devalue your property and derail that sale.

Right now there are fewer homes on the market and every buyer is different.  What does that mean to you?  Your house just may be the best one for some of the buyers that are buying right now. That is why you, as a seller, need to be well informed before you go live on the market. 

Let us go the extra mile by researching your property to show you what your home would most likely sell for in today’s market. With no obligation and we will prepare a comparative market analysis for you. Call us today and let us know how we can HELP today.

To prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown, money-sucking, sale-killing problems, focus on these six important areas you can’t afford to neglect.

1. Keep up the yard and walkways

Whether you're still living at the home or not, you'll want to make sure to keep your landscaping tidy—remove dead tree limbs, rake leaves, and clean out flowerbeds. “If your home does not have a well-maintained exterior, (potential buyers) will keep driving,” he cautions. “Plus, this kind of neglect can be a bull's-eye for vandals to break into your property.”

2. Clean the gutters and check the roof

This one's easy to forget about, even when you don't plan on going anywhere. But 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. And, of course, you don’t want buyers seeing puddling water as they approach your house.

3. Service your heating systems

It’s not sexy, but 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.

4. Keep the critters out

If you don’t want to add 'family of raccoons included' to your listing (and pay the hefty tab for getting them out), inspect the inside and outside of your home for any areas that need to plugged up. Take care of holes from damaged siding or fascia under the roof line—and do it promptly.

“In a colder climate, squirrels look for somewhere warm to go, and they’ll find their way into your property. Stove and dryer vents, for example, should be covered with wire mesh to deter pests.

5. Wash your windows

Most people associate sparkling windows with spring-cleaning, Roberts says. But if your house is on the market, it doesn't matter what time of year it is—you need to get those babies squeaky clean.

“If buyers walk through your home and all they see is dirty windows, that’ll really mar the showing process,' she says.

6. Check the calendar

Depending on what time of year you bring your house to market, pay attention to any details that scream, 'We don’t live here or care anymore.

That means tackling seasonal tasks such as clearing away lawn mowers in the fall and storing shovels in the spring.