Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Summer has finally arrived and its a great time to catch up on home maintenance projects that you would rather not do during the cold winter months. Keeping up on maintenance can prevent unforeseen issues that might come up, when it comes time to sell, and helps your home maintain or even increase in its value. Just like your car needs routine oil changes & other maintenance, your home requires on going repairs as well.

Bonus Tips

One of the first things you should check is your roof system. Check for any cracks or missing shingles or other signs of damage. This would also be a good time to remove any moss that has built up on your roof. While you are up on the roof, this is a great opportunity to check you gutter system for any debris or blockages that could keep the water from draining like it should. Don’t forget to check you chimney and have it cleaned as well.

Next you will want to check your deck for rotten or warped deck boards that might need to be repaired before you treat your deck. Check you forecast to make sure you will have enough time to get your deck repaired, cleaned and treated before any inclement weather reappears.

Your heating system will not be getting much use this time of year, so now would be a great time to do any repairs that may take some time. Better to get them repaired now when you won’t need your heat as opposed to waiting until its -30 out!

Buying the first home you see?

The average home buyer will look at 15 homes before they pick one and make an offer. Some people know exactly what they are looking for and others are unsure and figure it out at as they go. If the first home you look at is your dream home, then by all means make an offer on it before somebody else does. If you are unsure of what exactly you are looking for, then continue looking and narrowing down your list of homes that will work for you. Some people just know when they have found their new home, whether it’s the first home or last one that they are shown.

Moving on or adding on?

A crossroad that many home owners face when they have outgrown their current home is to either buy a bigger home or add-on/remodel their existing home. First and foremost, is how will you pay for the addition vs. buying a new home. Do you have the cash in the bank or other sources to pay for an addition, or perhaps a home equity loan? If you decide to buy a new home, do you have enough money for the down payment & closing costs? Will you have to sell your current home first before you can buy another? Will it be cheaper to add on or to buy another home with the features you desire? Contact Crane & Associates Realty to help you analyze your situation and select the best option for you.

The American Dream!

One of the great freedoms we enjoy in America is the opportunity to pursue the American Dream of owning a home. On July 4th 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted declaring our freedom from Great Britain. We continue to enjoy those freedoms today because of the sacrifices made by the men, women & families of our armed services. Now is the perfect time to pursue your dream of owning a home, interest rates are at historic lows and home inventories are up. Have a safe & fun 4th and show your support for our troops!