Real Estate June 12, 2023

Keeping your home in top shape!

As I started this blog, I began to think  “What do I want to say… after 17 years in real estate… and now going through what I would say is my hardest sale ever?”   You may not be thinking of selling now, but in the future… and if you keep up with routine home updates and repairs, you will be in better shape to sell quickly.  So check out my checklist for maintaining your real estate investment…

Exterior:

… is your house approaching 20 years old? Have you had the roof professionally inspected? (Especially important is if it’s a tile roof …moved tiles? and/or cracked tiles?)  

Squirrels love tiled roofs, they have easier access to chew through facia and soffits to get into the attic.  Have you walked around your home and looked up at roof line  to see if you see any decay or “chewed spots?” 

How often have you had the outside of your house painted? Specifically,  if it’s stucco, owners need to paint and check for cracks every eight years. 

Interior:

Do you still have the original air conditioner and a hot water tank? Hard for buyers to get homeowners insurance when the roof is 20 years or older and the hot water tank is over 12 years?

Are your carpets cleaned? Have you replaced the carpet in the house?  (Tile, wood, and/or wood looking laminate are  the preferred floorings for buyers.) Buyers are looking at entertainment units that can handle a large screen TV.  

Cleanliness very important-are your fan blades and baseboards clean? Updated appliances such as stainless are important to many. But Experts say,  if the older appliances are working…do not replace them just to sell the house.   

Declutter: Are you a “packrat”? Might be time to  start getting rid of things you are not using.  Homes on the market need cleared countertops and shelves…

Curb appeal: 

Is your home’s landscape in control…Grass in decent condition?  Bushes trimmed?  Weeds under control? 

Just some random thought on homeownership and taking care of your real estate investment.

If I can help you with a quote on what your home is worth …give me a call… I am also including the “Who to Call for What “ listing pdf that I continually update.