Maintain the Value of Your Home

You’ve just bought your first home, congratulations! How exciting to have a place to call your own. It’s a great investment but only if you are dedicated to maintaining your home’s value. There are a number of ways to make sure your investment pays off for you in the future if you decide to sell.

The most obvious one is to maintain it regularly. Besides your normal cleaning routine, make sure that your heating and cooling system is running properly. Changing the air filters is really important for the efficiency and life of your furnace, not to mention the air quality in your home. A regular check up on your heating and cooling system is always a good thing as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these systems are adversely affected by drafty windows and doors. Air leaks will not only make your energy bill go up but they put a heavier strain on your furnace and air conditioner which may result in a shorter lifespan for these units. So seal up those cracks!

If you don’t have gutters, install them asap. If you already have gutters make sure you clean them on a regular basis. This will help to keep your basement dryer and the foundation of your home in better condition. Also, keep tabs on the condition of your roof as well. A leaky roof can cause all kinds of damage that could have been prevented if taken care of promptly.

When major repairs are needed on your home or if you’re doing renovations don’t always go with the cheapest option. Try to choose the best option even if it’s at the higher end of your budget. Higher quality and workmanship will stand the test of time later if you decide to sell your home.

Last but not least, take care of your yard and landscaping. Mow the grass, trim the trees and bushes, pull the weeds. Plant some perennials and other pretty flowers. It is the first impression of your home after all.

It’s worth the time, effort and money to properly maintain your home. It’s easier and less costly to take care of it on a regular basis than to try to play catch up when you want to sell.