Navigating Through The Process to Increase Market Value

Now that you achieved homeownership, what do you do to increase market value?

• Be good to your property and it will be good to you.
• Schedule annual HVAC Service Technicians & change Air Filters
• Fix leaks immediately - Mold is a serious problem.
• Repair everything that is broken.
• Keep your property (inside and out) clean.
• Have your roof inspected after severe hail and windstorms.
• Clean your windows.
• Have a professional inspect your masonry and grout as needed.
• Unclog weep holes in brick buildings.
• Clean your gutters.
• Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned.
• Paint interior and exterior wood soffits, fascia, eaves, and trim.
• Replace or repair window screens.
• Inspect glass windows; repair as needed.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for Water Heaters & Appliances.
• Maintain floors to prevent tripping.
• Replace toilets, sinks, and tubs when needed.
• Trim trees - no branches hanging over roof or patio.
• Unclog drains.
• Replace window treatments as needed.
• Repair broken sidewalks and/or driveways.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries and follow Fire Department Codes.
• Seal gaps and replace weather stripping when needed.
• Let professionals inspect and patch cracks and walls.
• Give immediate attention to safety hazards.
• Repair and/or replace outdoor fences.
• Maintain good curb appeal and landscaping.
• Make sure your property is trip proof.
• Fix or replace broken doors, cabinets, closet doors, and shelves.
• Make sure door locks work as intended. 
• Never ignore electrical shorts or sparking - Call an Electrician.
• Repair or replace attic stairs.
• Repair or replace balusters or steps.
• Clean your vents.
• Get rid of pests before they infest.
• Rake fall leaves. 

Why is Home Maintenance Important?

They say, home is where the heart is. Keep your heart and your body healthy. Dirt, dust, mold, and mildew lead to asthma or other respiratory problems, including itchy skin, poor circulation, headaches, and bacteria. 

You may own a home. Perhaps you just started homeownership. Or you could be elderly. And maybe, you know nothing about maintaining a home. If you expect your home to increase in value, serious home maintenance begins on day one and never ends.  If your goal is to increase the value of your home, choose wisely before do-it-yourself projects, calling a handy service company, or replying to junk mail. Hiring the right contractors is the right thing to do. Make sure they are insured and offer guarantees or warranties. But the worst thing you can do is nothing. Nothing at all. 

Keeping up with inflation and helping to increase the value of your home is a great way to save for your future. Be a good neighbor. They will thank you too. 

This is entry #3 for the September 2023 Challenge hosted by AR Dr. Paula McDonald and Kathy Streib. 

*I wish to express my appreciation for reading and leaving comments on my blog post. Photography & Real Estate are my passion.  Sources are noted. Content is original by Patricia Feager, REALTOR,® Blog author. All rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however, it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog or use of AI is strictly prohibited.