You bought your first home. Now what?!

As a homeowner you find security and comfort in your home. This is the place where you create lasting memories with your family and friends, but when you dreamed of owning a home, you weren’t dreaming about home maintenance and the many responsibilities that come with home ownership. Caring for your home, the right way, ensures your own comfort and security and also protects your investment by maintaining your property’s value.

On the outside

• Cover and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. Turn off outdoor water valves and store garden hoses.
• Drain and turn off sprinkler systems before the first freeze.
• Clean gutters to be sure they are free of leaves and other debris. Make sure rain gutter spouts are directed to drain away from your house.
• Have the roof inspected for any damage that may cause leaks.
• Prune plants and bushes. Trim any dead tree branches, rake leaves and pine needles.

• Clean up flowerbeds and remove dead summer annual plants. Some potted plants can survive indoors, so bring them inside before the first freeze.
• Clean and store gardening tools. Service and store your lawn mower.
• Fertilize, aerate and seed your lawn.

On the inside

• Check attic insulation and add more if necessary.
• Check doors and windows for air leaks and install weather stripping where necessary. You want your home to save as much energy as possible.
• Schedule a routine check of the furnace. Purchase extra furnace filters and change the filter every 1 – 3 months.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and install fresh batteries if needed. Make a habit of doing this every six month.
• If you have a chimney, have it cleaned and serviced by a professional to make sure that there are no blockages.

Keeping your current home in good shape will help you when you are ready to sell. I would be very happy to answer any questions you might have about real estate and home maintenance. To find out more, contact me for a free new home consultation today.