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Our mission at The Tami Holmes Real Estate Team is to be your best resource for real estate advice. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or investor, our team of professionals can answer any questions you might have about real estate. Subscribe to this blog to get the latest news on local market trends and receive expert tips for buying or selling a home.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Why You Should Never Put Off Home Repairs


Home maintenance should never be put off. Today, I’ve got a list of some of the most time-sensitive repairs.

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Deferred maintenance is a big red flag to any homebuyer. This can signal to them that many other things around the home have been neglected and leave them with a sense of uncertainty.

But this is just one of the reasons that certain home repairs should never be put off. Regular maintenance is a key part of homeownership. So, what are some examples of things you shouldn’t put off?

First off is caulking. Caulking doesn’t cost much, but it serves an important purpose: keeping water out. Water is a home’s enemy. So keep it where it belongs, which is outside.

Second, clean your dryer vent. Many people clean the dryer trap regularly, but when was the last time you cleaned the vent? The lint that accumulates and blocks the vent pipe will make the dryer inefficient and could even cause a fire.

The third home repair to never put off is a damaged roof. Leaks can cause structural damage and mold. Unfortunately, these effects are rarely discovered until it is too late. For this reason, it is important to never delay when repairing a damaged roof.

Next, change your HVAC filter annually. A dirty HVAC filter will not only require the system work harder, which will drive up your utilities bill, it will also reduce the lifespan of your unit. Additionally, a dirty filter creates an unhealthy atmosphere for you and your family. Who wants to breathe in dust and allergens?
An ignored repair will become an expensive fix down the line.
Speaking of keeping your home clean, you should always hire an exterminator at the first sign of any pest problems. Termites, carpenter ants, roaches, and rodents aren’t going to just wander off after they’ve made a home in your property.

They will continue to cause damage to your home over time that will eventually amount to a cost much higher than that of a simple pest control treatment.

You should also never put off taking care of leaky plumbing. Even the smallest leak can cause major damage over time.

One central theme across all home maintenance is that small repairs become larger with time. An ignored repair will become an expensive repair down the line. If you are putting your home on the market, a whole house pre-inspection can identify these maintenance issues.

But even if you plan on staying in your home, these repairs are important to making your property a safe and healthy environment. A home is your most valuable asset, so you should care for it properly.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or are curious what your home might sell for in today’s market, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.