Now is the Time to Prepare Your Home for Summer

I’m always amazed at the toll winter takes on houses, including mine! Spring is a great time to spruce up your home and do annual maintenance that will improve longevity and energy savings, plus increase the enjoyment of your home all summer long. Here’s my short list:

Clear out the gutters
Water is the biggest culprit of home deterioration, and nowhere is your home more susceptible to water damage than from your roof and gutters. After winter, most gutters and downspouts are clogged with debris, forcing water over the edges and onto the sides of your home and into the foundation and basement. While cleaning the gutters, inspect the roof for curled shingles or damaged flashing. Climbing up a tall ladder can be dangerous. Consider hiring someone to do this, and let me know if you need any recommendations.

Wash the windows
Washing windows, while sometimes tedious, is a way to welcome summer views and improve the overall look of your home. Check for misalignments or cracks in the casements. Caulk them to stop air leaks or water damage.

Clean the outdoor AC unit
Vacuum or hose out the condenser coils and check under the fan for debris or mice and squirrel nests. Critters love to eat the coating on wires, so look for broken or damaged wires and have them repaired before you turn on and test the unit.

Prepare the deck
Outdoor living is such a big part of summer, and much of it happens on your deck. To get rid of dirt, mold and mildew, apply a power washer and deck cleaner to the surface. If your deck is wood, you may find dry rot that will require board replacement. Re-staining or sealing and re-painting seem to be needed more often as the years go by.

Bug proof your home
Insects and critters can penetrate the smallest cracks and be a nuisance at best, or do real damage (think termites) at worst. A pest control company or chemicals at the hardware store help seal your home. Many products now are environmentally friendly too (of which we highly encourage).

Rake the lawn
Rake areas with winter mold. De-thatch dead spots and re-seed. There is nothing like a healthy lawn to make your home look good and help you enjoy your green space. Waiting too long in spring to do this maintenance can minimize the growth and overall health of your lawn, so don’t delay!

WONDERING WHERE TO BEGIN?

Simply contact me and I can guide you through prioritizing what needs to be done, so you can then get the most return on your investment, upgrades and repairs. And like I mentioned, if you need any recommendations and referrals, just let me know…I’d be glad to assist!

PS - I show houses every day, and I keep an ear out for buyer comments on what strikes them when viewing a home. I will help you focus on the least expensive upgrades that will get your home sold the quickest.

Let me know how I can help you #moveforward,

Teresa Catania, Broker
Fred Real Estate Group
Bend Oregon | Central Oregon | Portland Oregon
503-740-3293
tree.catania@gmail.com

I’m a nine-year Five Star Real Estate Agent!