I’ve been a real estate professional for over 16 years, and I can’t stress how important home maintenance and updates are in showcasing a property’s best features. Along with regular maintenance, I recommend to do at least one new project a year on your home. Maintaining and updating your home keeps it in better shape in the long run, and if you do want to sell one day, you will be thrilled that you kept up on things. First impressions matter in real estate, so having the work completed prior to listing is key. It is not fun as an agent to provide to potential sellers a long list of repairs to make prior to listing. 

Spring

Now is the time to boost that curb appeal. Take a look around the outside of the property. Make any needed repairs from winter damage, refresh landscaping, etc. A welcoming exterior can make a lasting first impression on potential buyers. Spring is the time to highlight the outdoor spaces of a home, so put a planter of flowers on the front porch. Power wash as much as you can. Clean the garage. Clean and stage decks, porches, and patios to create inviting areas. This can help buyers envision how they will live in the home.

However, spring brings on a lot of wind and hail storms in Ohio. Keep an eye on your roof. Be sure to take videos during hail and wind storms to send to the insurance company in case you get roof damage. Document everything. A well-maintained roof is a big selling feature, and expensive if you need to pay out-of-pocket for a new roof. Insurance should cover repair or replacement if there is recent damage from storms. Also, now is the time to make sure your gutters are clean. Buyers notice roofs and gutters, so imagine what they will think if your gutters are filled with debris.

Autumn

Make sure the air conditioning system is in good working order during the warmer months, so the beginning of every summer is the time to have it serviced. Make sure to keep the paperwork. A comfortable home will leave a positive impression on buyers. Keep the lawn manicured and healthy, edge borders, remove weeds, cut suckers on trees, mulch the flower beds, and plant pretty flowers, but avoid yellow and red flowers (those are polarizing colors and also will age the home). If the outdoor space is well-maintained and looks inviting, the buyers will walk in the home with positive feelings. Also focus on the energy-efficient features such as well-sealed windows and doors.

Fall

Autumn brings on a frenzy for pumpkin spice, apple cider, and sweater season. People have a tendency to get super-excited about fall, so now is the time to highlight the coziness of your property. Focus on the senses. Think about your front porch and make it fall appropriate. Stage fireplaces and use warm decor. As the weather starts to change, make sure the exterior is ready to handle it. Be sure to remove hoses, clean gutters, and make any other needed repairs. If an exterior is well-maintained, this shows buyers that the property is well-cared for.

Winter

Have your furnace serviced at the beginning of winter each year and keep the paperwork. Highlight energy-efficient heating systems, well-insulated windows, and any other features that make the property comfortable during the colder season.

Since we don’t head outside as often when it’s cold, take a look around the outside of your entire home. Do you have old newspapers that have blown in the yard? Make sure to pick up and spruce up the outside. I’ve shown homes in the winter that have pieces of blown garbage by the front and back doors. I’m sure the homeowner wasn’t aware, so keep an eye on your home, especially after garbage days.

Create a welcoming atmosphere during winter showings. I cannot tell you how many houses I show in the evening that have zero lights turned on. People leave for work in the morning and don’t remember that it gets dark early. It’s a bit scary to pull up to a property that is pitch black. Keep the property well-lit and add some cozy touches in the home that create a welcoming environment..