New Homeowner or Longtime Homeowner? Don’t Forget the Little Things

Getting the keys to a new home is exciting. But once the boxes are unpacked and life settles down, there’s another part of homeownership that doesn’t get nearly as much attention: taking care of the home you just invested in.

And if you’ve owned your home for 10, 20 or even 30 years, it’s just as easy to lose track of when something was last serviced, replaced or checked.

The good news is that home maintenance doesn’t always mean a major project or a big expense.

Sometimes the little things matter most.

Start With Your Heating and Air-Conditioning System

Something as simple as checking and replacing a dirty HVAC filter can help your system operate properly and keep air moving through your home.

Keep a few replacement filters on hand and write down when you change them. Follow the recommendations for your particular system and filter rather than relying on memory.

It’s a small habit that can help you stay ahead of maintenance instead of waiting until something isn’t working properly.

Take a Walk Around Your Home

You’d be surprised what you notice when you intentionally spend 15 minutes looking around.

Check the caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors. Look for dripping faucets or signs of moisture. Check exterior areas for damage. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to manufacturer recommendations.

If something doesn’t look right, address it before a small issue has the chance to become a larger one.

Keep Your Home Records Together

This is one habit I wish every homeowner would start from day one.

Keep your receipts, warranties, service records, appliance information and improvement records together.

When did you replace the water heater? Who serviced the HVAC system? How old is the dishwasher? What company repaired the roof?

Five years from now, you probably won’t remember.

Having those records available can make future maintenance easier. And when the time eventually comes to sell, having an organized history of improvements and maintenance can also be helpful when you’re gathering information about the property.

Your Home Is an Investment, But It’s Also Where You Live

We talk a lot about property values and home equity in real estate, but taking care of a home isn’t only about its future resale value.

You want your home warm and comfortable when the weather turns cold and cool when Southern California heats up.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been a homeowner for decades, staying on top of the little things can make owning your home a whole lot easier.

Get My Free Fall Home Checklist

Fall is a great time to walk through your home and take care of some of those small maintenance items before cooler weather arrives.

I’ve put together a FREE Fall Home Checklist to help you get started.

Download the free checklist here:https://homejoybydenise.com/love-your-home-small-maintenance-tasks-that-can-save-you-money/

And if you have questions about your home’s value, improvements you’re considering, or you’re thinking about buying or selling in Menifee or Southwest Riverside County, I’m always happy to be a resource.