Winter Home Maintenance Tips

Who has $50,000 to throw away? (If you answered yes, please throw it my way) According to Mack Strickland, an appraiser and real estate agent in Chester, Va. a poorly maintained home can lower a home's appraised valued by 10%. Assuming an average home value of $500,000 here in Tracy, that's $50,000 it could cost you when you go to sell your home.

So with that in mind, I thought it was a good time to suggest a few home maintenance projects to tackle this winter.

1 - Water - It rains in the winter. (Usually at least) Water is your home's number one enemy. When it rains, take a look at your gutters. Is water flowing like it should be? Is there a blockage? Does the water flow away from your home or is something causing it to pool around your foundation? Are there any leaks in your gutters? 

You might have to wait until the rain stops to fix these issues, but during or right after a rain is a great time to check and make notes of what needs your attention.

2 - Indoor projects - Since it is cold and rainy during the winter months, turn your attention indoors. Here are a few ideas.
     - Replace old, worn caulking around sinks and bathbtubs
     - Pull out your refrigerator and free standing stove and clean that hidden mess.
     - Update cabinet hardware and adjust hinges if needed.
     - Check for sign of leaks under sinks.
     - Clean cabinet doors and apply a wood protectant.
     - Check around your water heater for any signs of leaks.
     - Lubricate hinges of interior doors.
     - Clean shower heads.

That list should give you a good start. If you need more ideas, a simple google search will turn up plenty.

Many home maintenance tasks are small, inexpensive items that are easy to take care of but, if left unattended, could lead to big problems in the future and as mentioned at the beginning of this article, cost you thousands of dollars.

So make a chart or a checklist on your phone and start slowly checking these items off this winter. 

Need some cash to help with home maintenance? Click the image below and enter my sweepstakes for a chance to win $600 in gift cards!

And of course, when you are ready to sell your home, give me a call.