Spring is here – a time for refreshing your home and getting your ducks in a row. With winter behind us, now is the perfect moment to spruce things up and potentially increase your home’s value.
If you’re planning to sell, prospective buyers gravitate toward homes that feel clean, organized, and fresh. Even if you’re not considering putting your house on the market, a refreshed home simply makes coming back to your own sanctuary that much better.
Here are a few steps to ensure your home is in tip-top shape, whether you’re preparing to sell or simply planning to enjoy it with your family:
Your home’s square footage is one of the primary factors in determining its value, so make sure it’s recorded accurately. Check the county tax rolls to confirm the number is correct. If there’s a discrepancy, correcting it isn’t as simple as changing a number in a database. A real estate professional can help arrange a professional measurement and work through the process of updating the records—ensuring your home’s size, and value, are properly reflected.
Your roof protects your home from the elements, but unless there’s a pesky leak, it’s often overlooked. Insurance companies, however, pay close attention. Many won’t underwrite a policy if a roof has fewer than five years of useful life remaining. That could prevent a potential buyer from obtaining insurance and jeopardize a sale. Replacing an aging roof now can protect your home today and make it far more attractive to buyers tomorrow.
Get your paper ducks in order. If you keep a home file, review it. Hold on to warranties for major appliances and records of AC service or repairs. It’s also wise to check with your municipality to confirm there are no open or expired permits or liens that could complicate a future sale.
Stay on top of maintenance. If you haven’t pumped your septic tank in a while, schedule it. Service your AC system and consider having the ducts cleaned. Fix that wonky outdoor light and have an electrician test your outlets to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Give your home the spa day it deserves. Pressure-clean the walkways, pull the weeds, refresh the landscaping, and plant a few flowers. Clear out porch and garage clutter like old bikes, toys, and worn-out lawn furniture. Great curb appeal doesn’t just attract buyers—it also gives you a sense of pride every time you pull into the driveway.
Don’t forget the interior. Declutter those junk drawers, clean the baseboards, and sweep behind the fridge. Dust the ceiling fans and AC vents, and wipe down that window that’s just out of reach. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, brightening the home for both your family and potential buyers.
Consider investing in a home inspection. Inspections aren’t just for buyers—homeowners can schedule a pre-listing inspection as well. For around $400, it can prevent costly surprises later.
Think of it as a head-to-toe checkup for your home, helping you repair small issues today instead of facing big ones tomorrow.
Spring is all about fresh starts—and your home deserves one too. With a little attention now, you’ll have everything in order… and all your ducks neatly in a row.
