Has your property been well maintained? This is one of the first questions potential buyers will ask. If you say no, they’ll move on to another house that’s received proper care. Maintaining your home may seem like a long and tedious process, especially if you’re not very handy. But with a little planning and preparation, you can easily look after your property and keep the resale value high.

Clean filters to improve the air quality

When cleaning home appliances, such as your dishwasher, don’t forget about those equipped with an air filter, like your kitchen range hood. A range hood with a clogged filter can’t properly air out your cooking area. What’s more, a greasy filter can tarnish your otherwise spotless kitchen.

Fortunately, cleaning a range hood filter is fairly easy. Simply scrub the mesh with a solution of warm water and baking soda per your manufacturer’s recommendations. If the grime doesn’t come off, it’s probably time for a new filter.

If your home has an air exchanger and a furnace, remember to clean their filters every month. You’ll improve their performance and your indoor air quality.

Inspect the roof to prevent water infiltration

Nobody wants a house that needs to be re-roofed. Replacing a roof can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, enough to drive away even the most enthusiastic buyers.

To ensure that your roof has a long life, give it a thorough inspection, preferably in the spring and fall. Pay special attention to the shingles. Are any peeling or missing? If so, have them replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
You should also check your roof following high winds, excessive snow, ice formation, or other severe weather phenomena. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional.

Regular roof maintenance not only provides aesthetic appeal, but also reduces the risk of water infiltration and extends the life of your roof. Potential buyers are also willing to pay more for a home with a well-maintained roof.

Inspect the rain gutters to protect the foundation

Rain gutters protect your foundation from the damaging effects of water and humidity by moving rainwater away from the house. However, debris and dead leaves tend to cause clogs, especially in the fall. Take the time to clean out your rain gutters in October or November, and again in the spring.

While you’re at it, make sure the rain gutters are still in good shape. Use a garden hose to flood them with water. If you notice any leaks, they’re probably damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. Don’t hesitate to entrust the task to a professional.

Clean the windows to increase natural light

A home with immaculate windows and sturdy screens is sure to make a good impression on potential buyers. Wash your windows regularly and remember to check the condition of the sealant joints every six months. It’s important to replace any defective seals immediately. Otherwise, rainwater could seep in and cause damage, decreasing the resale value of your property.

Do you have a hard-to-open window? A finicky lock? What about a creaky door? Often, a little lubricant can solve these problems.

Have the chimney cleaned to reduce the risk of fire

When the weather warms, consider having your chimney swept. Experts recommend a spring cleaning even if you only used your fireplace a few times during the winter. Infrequently used chimneys generally contain a greater buildup of creosote, the substance responsible for chimney fires.

Trim the hedges and mow the lawn

Don’t wait until your yard is as wild as the Amazon! In the summer, you should mow your lawn as soon as it’s above 10 cm high, or about once a week. Also consider trimming your hedges in early and late summer according to your municipality’s regulations. Call a professional if you’d like to have your trees pruned. Most importantly, have any dead trees and wilted plants removed so your yard doesn’t look abandoned.

Keep your pool well maintained to limit corrosion

A swimming pool can be a great selling point for your property, but it needs to be well maintained. A neglected swimming pool poses a health risk to swimmers and is prone to corrosion, which can permanently damage the pool’s structure. Whether you have a chlorine or salt system, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s directions. You should also be sure to follow all recommended steps when opening and closing your pool.

Clean your wall-mounted air conditioner to save energy

A wall-mounted air conditioner is a popular choice for homeowners, as it keeps rooms cool on hot summer days without obstructing the windows. To extend your AC’s life and save energy, clean its filter several times during the summer.

Is your air conditioner less powerful than before? Does it smell musty when it’s on? It’s probably time to have the unit’s components, like the coil, cleaned by a certified expert. A neglected AC can fill your home with stale air and jeopardize your health.

View maintenance as a long-term investment

Whether you’re planning to put your home on the market in the coming weeks or in a few years, it’s well worth taking good care of its interior and exterior. Proper upkeep will help you retain its resale value, not to mention save you heaps on repairs!

Key takeaways

  • Cleaning home appliance filters helps extend their life.
  • Inspecting your roof and rain gutters reduces the risk of water infiltration.
  • Having your chimney cleaned reduces the risk of fire.
  • A well-maintained home is more likely to attract potential buyers.