Prepare Your Home for Spring

Spring is a ramp-up season in real estate, with more houses for sale entering the market each week through the peak season of summer. If you think you’ll be selling your home this spring or summer, there are a few projects you should tackle now. Even if you’re not intending to move, this same checklist can help you refresh the look of your house and prevent expensive fixes in the future.

Outside your home

• Gutters and downspouts — Freezing (expanding) and thawing (contracting) of ice can damage gutters, so check for cracks and holes. Make sure heavy ice, other debris, or damage from wind hasn’t loosened any gutters or downspouts. Clear out any debris and make sure downspouts are unobstructed, and direct flowing water away from your home’s foundation. You may want to add extensions, if necessary.
• Roof — Check the condition of your roof, looking for damage, missing shingles, and debris. If you can, check your attic for any leaks or moisture. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover some or all repair costs.
• Air Conditioning system — If you have an AC unit outside your house, inspect its panels to make sure the electrical system remains protected and undamaged. Remove debris like leaves, twigs, other vegetation, and dead bugs on or around the unit.
• Siding — Repair weathered or cracked siding. If you have wood siding, consider scraping any loose paint off, sanding it, and repainting it.
• Windows — Inspect windows for peeling or cracked caulk around the seals. Replace screens with holes.
• Decks — If your deck is looking tired and showing its age, it’s probably time to re-treat it, which should be done every six years, at least.
• Foundation — Inspect the mortar around bricks for cracks. If you have a basement, check the walls and floors for cracks or moisture damage that should be addressed.
• Landscaping — Trim shrubs and trees away from your home (and air conditioning unit!). Clean out flower beds and plant new annuals. Prepare your lawn for a green summer by aerating it and use a soil conditioner. Reseed and fertilize any damaged or bare spots on your lawn.

Inside your home

• Sump pump — If you have a sump pump, make sure it's clean and operable and that the outflow is draining properly.
• Windows — Clean windows mean more light enters your home. Be sure to clean both sides of the glass, as well as the window track. Wash your window treatments to rid them of dust, pet dander and hair, and any odor.
• HVAC filter — Your HVAC filter should be changed once a quarter (four times a year).
• Appliances — Read through the owners’ manuals of all of your large appliances to learn how to properly clean them, or replace any parts. If you can, move them away from walls so you can clean underneath and behind them, as well as check that any hookups are secure and working properly.