I know it’s November, but this is the perfect time to invest in home maintenance and upgrades in preparation for the Spring 2022 real estate market. Below are some helpful tips:
Check your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Your average system will last 15 to 25 years, but do you know what can help it last longer and run smoothly? Ideally, twice a year prior to really hot and cold weather, have your favorite local HVAC company come out and provide a tune up to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently. Mine even makes sure to provide a new filter. Not only will it help with efficiency while you live in the home, but it can also be super helpful when selling.
Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood. It seems so simple, yet it can save you a $150 re-inspection appraisal fee (peeling paint can be a flag on either a FHA or VA appraisal) or it can save you even more if you have damaged wood or general moisture damage. Also a fresh coat of neutral paint on all interior walls is a wise investment to appeal to buyers.
Replace doors. Interior doors, exterior doors, garage doors — replace them all. You would be surprised how much a new door can enhance a space. The front door enhances the curb appeal and garage doors have one of the highest return on investments, according to the National Association of REALTORS survey results.
Enhance the kitchen and/or bathroom. The reality is kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. It doesn’t necessarily make sense to do a full renovation, but you could replace the countertops and flooring, and paint cabinets with new hardware to freshen up these primetime rooms.
Check your plumbing. First check to ensure you have no leaks at toilets, bathtubs, sinks or other locations for plumbing. Additionally, when water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate the ones near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet. Finally, set the heat to no lower than 55 degrees F.
Replace flooring. There isn’t really a convenient time to replace flooring if you are currently living in a property. Fall is probably best, but there is still time now to have it installed before the temperatures get really cold. Or you could figure out what you want and leave this as one of the last tasks prior to going on the market so it is fresh!
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is a bonus because safety is so important. Both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be lifesavers. This is the perfect time to ensure they work properly or need replacement.
Now for those saying, “But Kaéra, it’s a seller’s market. Why do I need to worry about these things?” If you want top dollar in your preferred time frame and the most options in the form of multiple offers, then details matter!
As we enter my favorite month of the year full of thankfulness, I say thank you to all who support the real estate industry and allow us the opportunity to serve you.
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