Ah, home maintenance! It’s an important part of homeownership, but it’s something that often falls to the wayside as busy family and work schedules take precedence. However, homes are not self-maintaining, and forgetting about routine tasks can affect value in the long run.
“We go through hundreds of homes every single year and often see the same things being forgotten about that impact price and desirability,” says Jayne Woolcott, sales representative with Woolcott Real Estate. “As real estate professionals, we want to ensure our clients receive the best value. Part of that is helping them understand what needs to be done during regular home maintenance.”
Today, Jayne talks about the top 5 maintenance recommendations to keep your home in its best shape.
Before deciding on any repairs, it helps to know how much your house is currently worth. Book your complimentary home evaluation here.
Keep Gutters Clean
You might not think about your gutters (also known as eavestroughs), but a buyer likely is. This goes double if there are a lot of trees in your yard or your neighbour’s branches extend over your roof.
Whether you plan to sell or not, this simple task can make your house more appealing. It can also give you an added competitive edge when buyers have multiple listings to choose from.
Jayne Woolcott agrees. “Gutters are often forgotten about because they’re not something people see every day,” she said. She recommends using a small garden shovel to collect all the leaves and debris and to wear gloves. Taking care of your eavestroughs can prevent more costly repairs down the road, such as water leaks or even roof damage.
Home repairs are just one part of a complete selling strategy. Learn more in the posts below:
- Top 10 Questions to Be Ready For During an Open House
- 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
- Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
Change Your Air Filters
Fresh air is critical, but it’s something we often take for granted. A few small updates now and then can help keep the air inside your home healthy and clean.
Generally speaking, owners of single-family homes should change their air filters every 90 days. If there are pets in the home, such as cats or dogs, or if someone has allergies, it’s better to change them every 60 days or even more often. You also might consider frequent replacements when selling your home so that buyers are greeted by the scent of fresh air.
A new filter costs only a few dollars, so it makes sense to change them frequently. If you find yourself forgetting, you can always set a reminder on your smartphone.
Check Seals in the Bathroom
A slow drip might not seem like a big deal, but water damage can add up to some seriously costly repairs. Plus, buyers will certainly notice a stain or two, especially if they’re accompanied by the smell of mildew.
A little prevention can go a long way to keeping your house dry and drip free. Give your bathtub, shower and sink a quick inspection to see if there are any signs of leaks. If you don’t feel up to the task, don’t just neglect it. Hire a plumbing service and get it done. If you notice any leaks, call a pro right away!
A quick fix now will cost far less than a major repair later. If you’re handy, you can tackle the job yourself with some caulking supplies from your local hardware store.
Tighten Up Loose Hardware
Does your towel rack wiggle every time you reach to dry your hands or the handle nearly flies off the cupboard door when you open it? It’s time to grab your trusty screwdriver or Allen key and tighten up all of your fixtures.
This tiny home maintenance task is easy, costs next to nothing and can prevent costly damage to your walls and doors later. Plus, think of what a relief it will be when everything is functioning properly again.
Now that your house is in tip-top shape, it’s time to bring it to the attention of potential buyers. Learn some of our best marketing strategies in the posts below:
- A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale
- Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
- Our Full-Service Real Estate Team’s Guide to Marketing Your Home
Caulk Your Windows and Doors
Tiny gaps between windows and doors are common. If they’re small enough, you can’t even see them, so you might not even know they exist – until the cold air comes pouring in! Sealing your windows and doors keeps water out and prevents interior water damage.
It will also keep the cool air in during the summer and out in the winter, which also helps to lower utility bills. A sealing kit can be a quick temporary fix. However, if you want buyers to see the best in your home, it may be better to invest in a more professional solution.
Do you want more advice on how to sell your home? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the best results with minimum effort. Contact us right here or call 905-332-9223 today.
