Keep your real estate in tip top shape by following these simple maintenance procedures. Routine maintenance will seriously improve the enjoyment that you get from your home and allow you to get top dollar for your property when it's time to sell!
Foundation, Masonry - Exterior
Check foundation walls & floors for evidence of cracking, heaving or deterioration.
Check chimneys for loose, deteriorating or missing mortar.
Check grading to ensure proper slope away from home's foundation.
Check basement and crawl space for moisture or leaks after wet weather.
Check all exterior wood surfaces for weathering or paint failure.
Check foundation and attic vent screens for damage.
Cut back and trim all vegetation from structures.
Roof
Check for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
Check for open seams, blisters or bald areas on flat roofs.
Clean gutters, strainers and downspouts.
Check downspouts to ensure proper water diversion from foundation walls.
Check for any evidence of water penetration in the attic after wet weather.
Check flashing around all surface projections and sidewalls.
Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof.
Check antenna supports for possible leak sources.
Check fascia and soffits for deterioration and damage.
Doors and Windows
Check for loose or missing glazing putty.
Check caulking on all openings and joints between wood and masonry for deterioration.
Check weather stripping.
Check for broken glass and damaged or missing screens.
Check all window and door hardware.
Plumbing
Check all faucets, hose bibs, and supply valves for leaks.
Check for evidence of leaks around and under sinks, showers, toilets and tubs.
Check water heater for leaks and corrosion.
Check underground sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
Clean septic tank every two years (or as recommended by a service professional).
Have well water checked for safety.
Know the location of your main water shut-off valve.
Heating and Cooling System
Clean or change furnace filters every three months.
Lubricate fans and motor bearings.
Check fan belt tension.
For steam systems, check shut off valve for leaks and drain low water cut off as per manufacturer's instructions.
Keep areas around heating and cooling equipment clean and free of stored items.
Have systems serviced annually.
Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in home.
Electrical
Periodically check for exposed wiring and cable. Replace at first sign of wear or other damage.
Check all lamp cords and plugs for wear. Replace as necessary.
Trip circuit breakers every six months to ensure proper functioning.
Trip ground fault interrupters every month to ensure proper functioning.
Learn location of electrical service panels and label each circuit accordingly.
If fuses blow, circuit breakers trip frequently, or appliances spark or short out, contact a licensed electrician for immediate repairs.
Interior
Check ceilings and surfaces around windows for evidence of moisture during wet weather.
Check all ceiling areas beneath bathrooms for evidence of leaks.
Check all tile joints for adequate grout.
Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet base.
Check all stairs and railings for loose members.
Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms periodically, as per manufacturer's instructions.
SELLING YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN - OR USING A REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
Home value sometimes referred to as "Value in Use", is best described as the probable price at which a home trades in a free, competitive, and open market and is synonymous with the market value.
The Income Tax Act does not specifically set out whether or not a gain or loss is capital in nature. The taxpayer is responsible for reporting the gain as income or capital gain. This report may then be challenged by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency with the onus of proof on the taxpayer.
If you have decided that now is the time to sell your home, you might be thinking: should I hire a Real Estate Sales Representative or do it alone. Have you ever considered repairing your own car? Anyone can buy the tools and parts. However, most of us just do not have the knowledge, training, experience or the expertise and commitment of time to do the job properly. Besides, there are plenty of experienced professionals to do the work for us.
When should I sell my home? Your answer to this question might be right now! If you have taken a job in another city or made an offer on a new home, or had an addition to your family, selling your home fast might be the most important goal you have. Most people, however, have some flexibility when they sell their home. Let us take a closer look at the most important factors that can go into this decision.
There are many television shows today that focus on home staging. If you have not watched any, do yourself a favor and tune in. They all say the same thing: do not even consider putting your house on the market until you have taken a close look at its condition. Experienced sales people know that you only have one shot at impressing potential buyers, so take some time to prepare your home for showings. You will be rewarded with a faster sale and a higher offer.
A very accurate saying is that "Any home will sell once you get the price right." Of course, this is usually said from the perspective of dropping a price until it's too attractive to pass up. Actually, the accurate pricing of your home prior to listing is as much an art as it is a science.
A great many moves in our lives are to larger residences to accommodate growing families. Or, perhaps our financial development allows us to move up to a larger home with more features and amenities. There is no stress involved in trying to reduce our life’s stuff to fit into a smaller place. If anything, we just need to shop for some more furniture for the new larger place.
You may have lived in your home for many years. The location factors that you considered when making your purchase decision may not apply to today’s buyers. The task is to identify the current positive aspects of your home’s location and market them aggressively. When it comes to positive locations, people’s different attitudes and preferences will determine if a location is a “good” one.
Marketing a home for sale is quite different from most other types of marketing and advertising. Unlike marketing many products, homes are each unique. Marketing decisions will be based on thorough examination of the home’s features and comparison to the competition in the marketplace. Decisions must also be made concerning improvements that might enhance the home and sell it faster and for a higher price.
