There are several things to consider when looking to market and sell your home. The summer home maintenance checklist is a great place to start. Whether you are looking to list your home this summer, or in the near future, you will be adding value you, your friends, and your family can enjoy immediately. You will enjoy the feeling of a job well done, and take comfort knowing that your hard work will increase the monetary value of your home.
When you are looking to sell your home in Central Vermont, look no further than Coldwell Banker Classic Properties. We are the area’s oldest Coldwell Banker franchise and we bring an intimate knowledge of Central Vermont to the table. We have the expertise and experience to market and sell your home efficiently. Here is a summer maintenance checklist to get you started and keep you organized, as you move forward in getting your home ready to sell.
Landscaping: Your weekly maintenance routine will certainly include mowing the lawn. Remember to edge the pathways, weed the flower beds and trim the bushes regularly. You can add fresh mulch and introduce some new flowers to your flower beds and window boxes for the finishing touches.
Outdoor living: Perhaps you have a deck or ground level patio on your property. It is important that the deck or patio is properly maintained. If you don’t already have a deck or patio consider installing a new outdoor living space. Outdoor living spaces are very attractive to potential buyers. A wooden or composite deck can be cost prohibitive, but a ground level patio is always a budget friendly option. The average cost of a ground level patio is $1,000-$5,000. If you add a fire pit table to the equation you and your friends will be sitting pretty as you gather around the warm glow of the flames on a cool and breezy summer evening in Vermont. Potential buyers will imagine themselves doing the same as they tour the grounds of your home and notice your carefully planned and well maintained outdoor living space.
Deck maintenance: You will need to inspect the boards on your deck and replace any damaged boards you find. Sweeping the deck and cleaning the deck annually before applying stain or sealant will keep your wooden deck looking new and inviting for potential buyers. A pressure washer is an option for cleaning wooden decks, but not composite decks, but be careful and follow manufacturer instructions as wood can easily be damaged with a pressure washer. It is also a good idea to rearrange furniture and rugs on a wooden deck once a year, as moisture can be trapped underneath leading to mold and mildew.
Stone patio maintenance: You will need to sweep the pavers on your ground level patio regularly and occasionally rinse them with water. If you want to maintain that wet look of your slate or natural stone you can choose to use a sealant, but you will be creating a maintenance task that will need to be addressed every two years. Stone pavers tend to self seal and create a beautiful natural look. Use a natural solution to keep the weeds at bay. Replace the cushions on your patio furniture for a little pop of color (you could even match the colors of your newly planted flowers to really bring it home).
Paint the front door: Summertime is a great time to paint the front door of your home. It will look fresh and new, and it won’t set you back more than a half gallon of paint and a half-day of sweat equity. This simple painting task will inspire you to take on additional painting projects both inside and outside your home (but think twice about painting your deck, we don’t normally recommend painting wooden decks in Central Vermont).
Paint the interior rooms of your home: We always recommend giving the interior of your home a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Light neutral colors are best, as they reflect natural and artificial light and make rooms appear larger than they actually are. The summertime is a great time to paint the rooms of your house. You can open the windows and usher in a little fresh air after the paint cures.
HVAC: Summertime is a great time to replace the filters in your heating and air-conditioning units and perform additional routine maintenance as outlined by the manufacturer.
Roof: Check your roof for loose elements, such as flashing or shingles, and make any necessary repairs. We often advise hiring a professional for roof repairs.
Insulation: Inspect your home for possible air leaks. You might find quite a few. The front door, the attic, and the windows are regular insulation offenders. You want to address any issues and keep all the cool air inside this summer (and you will have done your due diligence to keep the warm air inside this winter).
With proper care and attention, and keeping organized with a summer maintenance checklist, you will keep your home in top condition and ready to bring to market. Coldwell Banker Classic Properties represents sellers and buyers with equal care and attention. We look forward to working with you and all of your real estate needs in Central Vermont. Contact us today!