10 Tips on Maintaining the Value of Your Home Before Selling
Here are 10 tips on maintaining the value of your home when you are thinking about selling.
- Kitchen – Water damage is one of a home’s worst enemies. Be sure to check for leaks under your sink and make sure all of your plumbing is sealed and in good condition. Check grout and caulking around the fixtures and counter-top tiles.
- Bathrooms – Same as kitchens, check for leaks and regularly check the grout and bathtubs, showers and tiles. Look around the base of the toilet for leaks as well. You’ll want to replace the inner workings of your toilet every few years as well to eliminate the possibility of it “running”, costing you additional money on your monthly water bill.
- Hardwood Floors – Refinish every 5-10 years to prevent permanent damage to the wood.
- Smoke Alarm – Each smoke alarm should be tested every few months, and remember to change your batteries yearly.
- Attic – Check for signs of water leakage from the roof. Also look for any sign of termites or rodents. Squirrels, rats, even bats that nest in your attic can chew electrical wiring, which can cause a fire or damage insulation.
- Air Conditioning Unit – Change all filters monthly or as recommended by the filter manufacturer.
- Heating System – If yours has a filter, change it every six to twelve months for the best results.
- Roof – Watch for loose or missing shingles and clogged gutters. Asphalt shingled roofs may need replacing in 15 years, wood shingles can last 30 to 50, metal 50 plus, and tile can sometimes last as long as the house does. A trusted roofer can inspect your home and give you an estimate lifespan for your roof.
- Brick Homes – Should be inspected for damage bricks or masonry. Check stucco houses and repair any cracks that are large.
- Vinyl Siding Homes – Check for cracks and holes in your vinyl siding.
These are just a few tips for keeping your home in tip-top shape until you are ready to put your home on the market. Most homeowners are thinking how much is my home worth? I can answer that for you as well. A lot of my clients check in annually for a creative market analysis update! Contact me today to answer any questions you may have. 251.644.8201
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